King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 37:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 37:2 in the King James Version says “But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which he spake by ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · King James Version

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 .

Read Jeremiah 37 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But 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.

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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the distinction between hearing and hearkening (obedient hearing) challenge casual Bible reading without application?
  2. In what areas might societal consensus in rejecting biblical truth tempt Christians toward compromise?
  3. How does this comprehensive societal rejection of God's word warn about the consequences of persistent cultural apostasy?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְלֹ֥א1 of 14
H3808

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

שָׁמַ֛ע2 of 14

“did hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

ה֥וּא3 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וַעֲבָדָ֖יו4 of 14

“But neither he nor his servants”

H5650

a servant

וְעַ֣ם5 of 14

“nor the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֑רֶץ6 of 14

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶל7 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּבְרֵ֣י8 of 14

“unto the words”

H1697

a 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
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֔ר11 of 14

“which he spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּיַ֖ד12 of 14

“by”

H3027

a 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

יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ13 of 14

“Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִֽיא׃14 of 14

“the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

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

2 Chronicles 36:12-162 Kings 24:19-20Proverbs 29:121 Thessalonians 4:82 Samuel 12:25Proverbs 26:6

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