King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 28:12 Mean?
“Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,”
Jeremiah 28:12 · KJV
Context
10
Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it.
11
And Hananiah spake in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years. And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
12
Then the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,
13
Go and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Thou hast broken the yokes of wood; but thou shalt make for them yokes of iron.
14
For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; I have put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him: and I have given him the beasts of the field also.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the prophet, after that Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ אַחֲרֵי שְׁבֹר חֲנַנְיָה הַנָּבִיא אֶת־הַמּוֹטָה מֵעַל צַוַּאר יִרְמְיָהוּ הַנָּבִיא, vay'hi d'var-YHWH el-yirm'yahu acharei sh'vor chananyah hannavi et-hammotah me'al tsavvar yirm'yahu hannavi)—divine word (דְבַר־יְהוָה, d'var-YHWH) comes after the confrontation (אַחֲרֵי, acharei, 'after'), not during. God provides response in His timing, not human urgency. This validates Jeremiah's patient departure—he waited for divine instruction rather than manufacturing response.
The phrase structure emphasizes sequence: first Hananiah acts, then God speaks. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—God allows human rebellion to fully manifest before responding. The delay tests Jeremiah's faith (will he panic without immediate vindication?) and builds dramatic tension. When God's word finally comes (v. 13), it's devastating: wooden yokes become iron. The divine response transforms Hananiah's dramatic gesture into proof of escalated judgment.
The phrase structure emphasizes sequence: first Hananiah acts, then God speaks. This pattern appears throughout Scripture—God allows human rebellion to fully manifest before responding. The delay tests Jeremiah's faith (will he panic without immediate vindication?) and builds dramatic tension. When God's word finally comes (v. 13), it's devastating: wooden yokes become iron. The divine response transforms Hananiah's dramatic gesture into proof of escalated judgment.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The timing between Hananiah's yoke-breaking and God's response to Jeremiah is unspecified but likely brief. The narrative structure emphasizes that authentic prophets wait for divine word rather than improvising responses. Jeremiah's entire ministry demonstrates dependence on receiving God's word (1:9, 'I have put my words in thy mouth'), not generating clever arguments independently.
Reflection Questions
- How do you distinguish between waiting for God's direction and avoiding confrontation?
- When has God's delayed response to opposition tested your faith?
- What role does patience play in authentic prophetic ministry versus quick reactionary responses?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsוַיְהִ֥י1 of 16
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר2 of 16
“Then the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה3 of 16
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַ֠חֲרֵי6 of 16
“the prophet after”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אֶת10 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמּוֹטָ֔ה11 of 16
“the yoke”
H4133a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
מֵעַ֗ל12 of 16
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jeremiah 28:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jeremiah 28:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge