King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 34:12 Mean?
“Therefore the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,”
Jeremiah 34:12 · KJV
Context
10
Now when all the princes, and all the people, which had entered into the covenant, heard that every one should let his manservant, and every one his maidservant, go free, that none should serve themselves of them any more, then they obeyed, and let them go.
11
But afterward they turned, and caused the servants and the handmaids, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaids.
12
Therefore the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
13
Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,
14
At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother an Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear. hath been: or, hath sold himself
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTherefore the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, The conjunction Therefore (vayehi devar-YHWH) connects God's response directly to the covenant violation in verse 11: because they re-enslaved the freed servants, divine judgment follows. The phrase "the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah" (devar-YHWH el-Yirmeyahu) is the standard prophetic formula appearing throughout Jeremiah, emphasizing that what follows is divine revelation, not human opinion. The repetition "from the LORD" underscores source and authority—this message originates entirely from God.
The verse's simplicity is deceptive: it introduces one of Scripture's most devastating judgment oracles (verses 13-22). The redundancy "the word of the LORD... from the LORD" emphasizes certainty and solemnity—Jeremiah speaks with full divine authorization. The formula appears at critical junctures throughout Jeremiah when God pronounces irrevocable judgment or makes covenant declarations. This literary structure signals readers to pay careful attention: authoritative divine decree follows.
Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) God observes human actions and responds with precise justice; (2) prophetic ministry involves delivering God's response to current events, not merely abstract doctrine; (3) divine patience has limits—covenant violation brings covenant curse; (4) Scripture's authority rests on divine origin, not human wisdom. The Reformed emphasis on sola scriptura finds support in this formula: God's revealed word, not human tradition or reasoning, determines truth and governs response to covenant breaking.
The verse's simplicity is deceptive: it introduces one of Scripture's most devastating judgment oracles (verses 13-22). The redundancy "the word of the LORD... from the LORD" emphasizes certainty and solemnity—Jeremiah speaks with full divine authorization. The formula appears at critical junctures throughout Jeremiah when God pronounces irrevocable judgment or makes covenant declarations. This literary structure signals readers to pay careful attention: authoritative divine decree follows.
Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) God observes human actions and responds with precise justice; (2) prophetic ministry involves delivering God's response to current events, not merely abstract doctrine; (3) divine patience has limits—covenant violation brings covenant curse; (4) Scripture's authority rests on divine origin, not human wisdom. The Reformed emphasis on sola scriptura finds support in this formula: God's revealed word, not human tradition or reasoning, determines truth and governs response to covenant breaking.
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Historical & Cultural Context
This prophetic word came shortly after the covenant violation described in verses 8-11, during the brief respite when Egyptian intervention temporarily lifted Babylon's siege (Jeremiah 37:5-11). The timing is significant: those who re-enslaved servants likely felt vindicated—"See, we're safe now, no need for desperate measures." Into this false confidence, God spoke judgment. The historical pattern demonstrates that brief relief from consequences doesn't indicate God's approval but often precedes intensified judgment. The subsequent verses (13-22) pronounce Jerusalem's total destruction, which occurred exactly as prophesied in 586 BCE. This historical fulfillment validates the prophetic formula's claim: when Scripture says "the word of the LORD came," we can trust it with absolute confidence as genuine divine revelation, not human fabrication.
Reflection Questions
- How does the prophetic formula 'the word of the LORD came' challenge modern skepticism about Scripture's divine origin and authority?
- What does God's immediate response to covenant violation teach about His active involvement in human affairs rather than distant deistic non-intervention?
- How should awareness that God observes and responds to our actions shape daily ethical decisions and treatment of others?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsוַיְהִ֤י1 of 8
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְבַר2 of 8
“Therefore the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֖ה3 of 8
“from the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵאֵ֥ת6 of 8
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֖ה7 of 8
“from the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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 34:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.