King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:25 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:25 in the King James Version says “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the peop... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

Jeremiah 29:25 · KJV


Context

23

Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

24

Thus shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying, Nehelamite: or, dreamer

25

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

26

The LORD hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the LORD, for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks.

27

Now therefore why hast thou not reproved Jeremiah of Anathoth, which maketh himself a prophet to you?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because thou hast sent letters in thy name (בְּשִׁמְךָ, b'shimkha)—Shemaiah's sin was self-authorization, sending correspondence under his own authority rather than divine commission. This contrasts sharply with true prophets who speak b'shem Yahweh ('in the name of the LORD'). His letters targeted Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, seeking to manipulate religious leadership to suppress Jeremiah.

The phrase unto all the people that are at Jerusalem reveals Shemaiah's ambition—not private correspondence but a public campaign to undermine God's true prophet. False teaching always seeks platforms and influence, wrapping self-will in religious language. Paul would later warn of those who 'suppose that gain is godliness' (1 Timothy 6:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zephaniah served as a temple officer during Zedekiah's reign (circa 594-586 BC), positioned to enforce religious order. Shemaiah's letter campaign exploited official channels, attempting to use institutional authority against prophetic truth—a pattern recurring throughout Scripture (Amos 7:10-13, Acts 4:1-3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between speaking with God-given authority versus claiming authority that God has not granted?
  2. When has institutional religious authority been used to silence rather than amplify God's truth?
  3. What warning does Shemaiah's public letter campaign offer about using communication platforms to spread false teaching?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
כֹּֽה1 of 27
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

לֵאמֹֽר׃2 of 27

Thus speaketh

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֧ה3 of 27

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֛וֹת4 of 27

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֱלֹהֵ֥י5 of 27

the God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 27

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 27

Thus speaketh

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יַ֡עַן8 of 27
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתָּה֩10 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שָׁלַ֨חְתָּ11 of 27

Because thou hast sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְשִׁמְכָ֜ה12 of 27

in thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

סְפָרִ֗ים13 of 27

letters

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֶל14 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל15 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָם֙16 of 27

unto all the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם18 of 27

that are at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְאֶל19 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

צְפַנְיָ֤ה20 of 27

and to Zephaniah

H6846

tsephanjah, the name of four israelites

בֶן21 of 27

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙22 of 27

of Maaseiah

H4641

maasejah, the name of sixteen israelites

הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים23 of 27

and to all the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶ֥ל24 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל25 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים26 of 27

and to all the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לֵאמֹֽר׃27 of 27

Thus speaketh

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 29:25 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 29:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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