King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 37:2 Mean?
“But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah. by: Heb. by the hand of the prophet”
Jeremiah 37:2 · KJV
Context
1
And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.
2
But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by the prophet Jeremiah. by: Heb. by the hand of the prophet
3
And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.
4
Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison .
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBut neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by Jeremiah the prophet. This tragic summary indicts all levels of Judean society: king ("he"), royal administration ("servants"), and general population ("people of the land"). The comprehensive failure to heed God's word explains the comprehensive judgment that follows. The verb "hearken" (shama) means more than auditory hearing—it implies obedient response. They heard Jeremiah's words but refused to obey.
The phrase "words of the LORD, which he spake by Jeremiah" reaffirms prophetic authority. Rejecting Jeremiah wasn't merely dismissing human opinion but refusing divine revelation. This pattern culminates in Israel's rejection of Christ, the ultimate Prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2). The progression is ominous: refuse the prophets, then refuse the Son (Matthew 21:33-39).
Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) Hearing without obeying constitutes disobedience (James 1:22-25); (2) societal consensus in rejecting God's word doesn't validate the rejection—truth isn't determined democratically; (3) rejecting God's messengers equals rejecting God Himself (Luke 10:16); (4) comprehensive disobedience across social levels invites comprehensive judgment. The Reformed emphasis on total depravity finds illustration here—sin affects every social level, not merely individuals.
The phrase "words of the LORD, which he spake by Jeremiah" reaffirms prophetic authority. Rejecting Jeremiah wasn't merely dismissing human opinion but refusing divine revelation. This pattern culminates in Israel's rejection of Christ, the ultimate Prophet (Hebrews 1:1-2). The progression is ominous: refuse the prophets, then refuse the Son (Matthew 21:33-39).
Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) Hearing without obeying constitutes disobedience (James 1:22-25); (2) societal consensus in rejecting God's word doesn't validate the rejection—truth isn't determined democratically; (3) rejecting God's messengers equals rejecting God Himself (Luke 10:16); (4) comprehensive disobedience across social levels invites comprehensive judgment. The Reformed emphasis on total depravity finds illustration here—sin affects every social level, not merely individuals.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Jeremiah prophesied for over forty years (627-586 BCE), yet Judah persisted in covenant violations. The repetitive nature of his warnings (7:13, 25-26; 25:3-4; 35:15) demonstrates both God's patience and Israel's obstinacy. This pattern of persistent prophetic warning followed by judgment validates divine justice—God extensively warned before judging.
The historical fulfillment came swiftly: Jerusalem's destruction (586 BCE), temple burning, population exile. Archaeological evidence confirms the catastrophe's extent. The universal failure to heed prophetic warning meant no innocent parties remained—judgment fell comprehensively because sin pervaded society totally. This foreshadows the New Testament warning: how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation (Hebrews 2:3)? Greater revelation brings greater accountability.
The historical fulfillment came swiftly: Jerusalem's destruction (586 BCE), temple burning, population exile. Archaeological evidence confirms the catastrophe's extent. The universal failure to heed prophetic warning meant no innocent parties remained—judgment fell comprehensively because sin pervaded society totally. This foreshadows the New Testament warning: how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation (Hebrews 2:3)? Greater revelation brings greater accountability.
Reflection Questions
- How does the distinction between hearing and hearkening (obedient hearing) challenge casual Bible reading without application?
- In what areas might societal consensus in rejecting biblical truth tempt Christians toward compromise?
- How does this comprehensive societal rejection of God's word warn about the consequences of persistent cultural apostasy?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsוְלֹ֥א1 of 14
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֛ע2 of 14
“did hearken”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
ה֥וּא3 of 14
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְעַ֣ם5 of 14
“nor the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
דִּבְרֵ֣י8 of 14
“unto the words”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה9 of 14
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֔ר11 of 14
“which he spake”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּיַ֖ד12 of 14
“by”
H3027a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
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 37:2 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 37:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge