King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 32:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 32:9 in the King James Version says “And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen sheke...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. seventeen: or, seven shekels and ten pieces of silver”

Jeremiah 32:9 · KJV

Context

7

Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that is in Anathoth: for the right of redemption is thine to buy it.

8

So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.

9

And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. seventeen: or, seven shekels and ten pieces of silver

10

And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances. subscribed: Heb. wrote in the book

11

So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed according to the law and custom, and that which was open:

Read Jeremiah 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I bought the field of Hanameel—Jeremiah's symbolic purchase of land in occupied territory enacts prophetic hope. While imprisoned and prophesying doom, he invests in Judah's future. The Hebrew qanah (buy/redeem) connects to God's redemption of Israel (go'el—kinsman redeemer).

Seventeen shekels of silver (שִׁבְעָה שְׁקָלִים וַעֲשָׂרָה הַכֶּסֶף)—approximately 7 ounces, a modest sum reflecting the land's devaluation during siege. The precision demonstrates historical authenticity. This real estate transaction during enemy occupation seems absurd—like buying stock during a market crash—yet demonstrates radical faith in God's promise that 'houses and fields...shall be possessed again in this land' (v. 15). Jeremiah puts his money where his prophecy is, investing in God's future when circumstances scream hopelessness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Levitical law required family land redemption (Leviticus 25:25-28, Ruth 4:1-6). As nearest kinsman, Jeremiah had obligation and right to redeem Hanameel's field in Anathoth (Jeremiah's hometown). The careful legal documentation (v. 10-12) follows ancient Near Eastern practice—similar legal tablets have been discovered archaeologically.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah's land purchase model faith that acts on God's promises despite contrary circumstances?
  2. What 'foolish' investments might God be calling you to make based on His promised future?
  3. How does Christ as our kinsman-redeemer (<em>go'el</em>) fulfill the typology of Jeremiah redeeming family land?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וָֽאֶקְנֶה֙1 of 17

“And I bought”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה3 of 17

“the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מֵאֵ֛ת4 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֲנַמְאֵ֥ל5 of 17

“of Hanameel”

H2601

chanamel, an israelite

בֶּן6 of 17

“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

דֹּדִ֖י7 of 17

“my uncle's”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 17
H834

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

בַּעֲנָת֑וֹת9 of 17

“that was in Anathoth”

H6068

anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal

וָֽאֶשְׁקֲלָה10 of 17

“and weighed”

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

לּוֹ֙11 of 17
H0
אֶת12 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכָּֽסֶף׃13 of 17

“him the money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

שִׁבְעָ֥ה14 of 17

“even seventeen”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

שְׁקָלִ֖ים15 of 17

“shekels”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

וַעֲשָׂרָ֥ה16 of 17
H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַכָּֽסֶף׃17 of 17

“him the money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

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 32:9 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 32:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 3:9Zechariah 11:12-131 Kings 20:39Genesis 23:15-16Hosea 3:2Genesis 37:28

Places in This Verse

AnathothSettlement · Modern: Ras el Kharruba · 31.81°N, 35.26°E18 verses across 8 books
View all places in Jeremiah 32 →

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