King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 35:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 35:6 in the King James Version says “But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no w...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:”

Jeremiah 35:6 · KJV

Context

4

And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door: door: Heb. threshold, or, vessel

5

And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.

6

But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:

7

Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.

8

Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

Read Jeremiah 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Rechabites' faithfulness to their ancestor Jonadab's commands stands in stark contrast to Israel's unfaithfulness to God's commands. For over 200 years, this clan maintained nomadic lifestyle and abstinence from wine as their ancestor directed. Jeremiah uses them as an object lesson - if mere humans inspire such loyalty, how much more should God's people obey Him? Faithfulness across generations glorifies God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Rechabites were descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab (2 Kings 10:15-23), who helped Jehu purge Baal worship. Their lifestyle was a testimony of separation and faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What traditions and commitments has God called your family to maintain?
  2. How does multi-generational faithfulness strengthen the church's witness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
לֵאמֹ֔ר1 of 19

“But they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֣א2 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁתּוּ3 of 19

“We will drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

יַ֛יִן4 of 19

“no wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

כִּי֩5 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יוֹנָדָ֨ב6 of 19

“for Jonadab”

H3122

jonadab, the name of an israelite and of a rechabite

וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם7 of 19

“neither ye nor your sons”

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

רֵכָ֜ב8 of 19

“of Rechab”

H7394

rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites

אָבִ֗ינוּ9 of 19

“our father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

צִוָּ֤ה10 of 19

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙11 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לֵאמֹ֔ר12 of 19

“But they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֧א13 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִשְׁתּוּ14 of 19

“We will drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

יַ֛יִן15 of 19

“no wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

אַתֶּ֥ם16 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם17 of 19

“neither ye nor your sons”

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

עַד18 of 19

“for”

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עוֹלָֽם׃19 of 19

“ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 35:6 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 35:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:151 Chronicles 2:552 Kings 10:15Judges 13:14Leviticus 10:9Judges 13:7

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