King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:30 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:30 in the King James Version says “Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,”

Jeremiah 29:30 · KJV

Context

28

For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

29

And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet.

30

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

31

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

32

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD. rebellion: Heb. revolt

Read Jeremiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying—the formula דְּבַר־יְהוָה (debar-Yahweh, 'word of Yahweh') validates Jeremiah's authority precisely when Shemaiah denied it. God's response to persecution of His prophet is not silence but speech, not withdrawal but vindication. This phrase appears over 150 times in Jeremiah, each occurrence a hammer blow against claims that the prophet spoke presumptuously.

The timing is significant: after Zephaniah's disclosure, God speaks. Divine vindication often follows human malice, teaching that God's delay is not divine absence. As with Joseph ('You meant evil... but God meant it for good,' Genesis 50:20), opposition becomes the platform for prophetic authority's demonstration. The false prophet silences himself by opposing the true one.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This oracle (29:30-32) pronounces judgment on Shemaiah, demonstrating that opposing God's prophet brings divine judgment. Written before Jerusalem's fall, it would be fulfilled when Shemaiah's descendants found no place in the restoration community—a prediction verifiable by the returning exiles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's fresh word to Jeremiah after Shemaiah's attack encourage you when your faithfulness draws opposition?
  2. What does the timing of this oracle teach about God's vindication coming after, not before, accusations against His servants?
  3. How does the phrase 'word of the LORD' function as divine authentication when human authorities question your calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 6
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְּבַר2 of 6

“Then came the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 6

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶֽל4 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ5 of 6

“unto Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לֵאמֹֽר׃6 of 6

“saying”

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 29:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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