King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 37:6 Mean?

Jeremiah 37:6 in the King James Version says “Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 37 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,”

Jeremiah 37:6 · KJV

Context

4

Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people: for they had not put him into prison .

5

Then Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt: and when the Chaldeans that besieged Jerusalem heard tidings of them, they departed from Jerusalem.

6

Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,

7

Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Thus shall ye say to the king of Judah, that sent you unto me to enquire of me; Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.

8

And the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.

Read Jeremiah 37 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying—the prophetic formula introduces direct divine revelation. The Hebrew dabar-YHWH (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, word of Yahweh) emphasizes authoritative communication from God Himself. This phrase occurs over 200 times in Jeremiah, establishing that his message is not personal opinion or political commentary but divine revelation.

The timing is significant: God's word came during the crisis when Egypt's approach created false optimism. Jeremiah must speak truth when lies are popular, declare judgment when deliverance seems evident. The phrase el-Yirmeyahu hanavi (אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ הַנָּבִיא, unto Jeremiah the prophet) confirms his prophetic office and divine commission. Unlike false prophets who spoke from their own imagination (23:16; 27:14-15), Jeremiah received actual revelation from Yahweh.

This verse models the pattern for all biblical proclamation: faithful ministers must speak God's word, not their own wisdom or culturally acceptable messages. Paul charged Timothy to 'preach the word' whether convenient or inconvenient (2 Timothy 4:2). The authority of preaching rests not on human eloquence or popular appeal but on faithful transmission of divine revelation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah's prophetic ministry spanned approximately 40 years (626-586 BC), from Josiah's reign through Jerusalem's destruction. Throughout this period, he faced fierce opposition from false prophets, political leaders, and even fellow priests. His authority rested solely on divine commission (1:4-10) and his messages' fulfillment. When this word came during Egypt's intervention, many voices declared deliverance; Jeremiah alone would speak Yahweh's contrary truth. His willingness to stand alone against popular opinion, at great personal cost, authenticated his genuine prophetic calling.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the phrase 'word of the LORD' establish the authority and non-negotiable nature of biblical proclamation?
  2. What distinguishes receiving God's actual word from speaking our own religious opinions or cultural preferences?
  3. In what situations today are Christian ministers tempted to avoid God's word in favor of more acceptable messages?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

דְּבַר2 of 7

“Then came the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל4 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֥הוּ5 of 7

“Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנָּבִ֖יא6 of 7

“unto the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לֵאמֹֽר׃7 of 7

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 37:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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