King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 43:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 43:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 43 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,

Jeremiah 43:1 · King James Version


Context

1

And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God, for which the LORD their God had sent him to them, even all these words,

2

Then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the LORD our God hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn there:

3

But Baruch the son of Neriah setteth thee on against us, for to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death, and carry us away captives into Babylon.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
When Jeremiah had made an end of speaking unto all the people all the words of the LORD their God—The emphatic repetition of all (Hebrew kol, כֹּל) appears three times in this verse, stressing completeness: Jeremiah spoke all the words to all the people, even all these words. This underscores both the prophet's faithfulness in delivering God's entire message without compromise and the people's comprehensive exposure to divine revelation. They cannot claim ignorance or incomplete information.

The phrase for which the LORD their God had sent him to them validates Jeremiah's prophetic commission. He spoke not his own opinions but divine revelation—the words of the LORD their God. The possessive their God emphasizes covenant relationship; Yahweh remained Israel's covenant God despite their rebellion. This makes their subsequent rejection (v. 2-3) not merely political dissent but covenant apostasy.

The verse's structure creates dramatic tension: Jeremiah has faithfully delivered God's complete word; now the people must respond. Their response (vv. 2-4) reveals that hearing God's word and obeying it are distinct. Jesus repeatedly warned, 'He who has ears to hear, let him hear' (Matthew 11:15, 13:9, 13:43), distinguishing auditory reception from heart reception.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This follows Jeremiah's lengthy prophecy (42:7-22) delivered after ten days of seeking God's will (42:7). The remnant had gathered at Mizpah under Johanan's leadership, ostensibly seeking divine guidance about fleeing to Egypt (42:1-3). Jeremiah's response was unambiguous: remain in Judah and live; flee to Egypt and die (42:10-17). This created a crisis moment—would they submit to God's revealed will or follow their predetermined plan? The historical context shows this was not the first time Israel faced such a decision. Throughout their history, prophets delivered God's word, and the people chose disobedience (2 Kings 17:13-14; 2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Jeremiah 7:25-26). This pattern of rejecting prophetic word led to the exile. Now, the remnant repeats the same pattern that destroyed Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between hearing God's word and obeying it, and how does this distinction affect spiritual outcomes?
  2. How does Jeremiah's faithfulness to deliver 'all the words' challenge us to communicate God's truth completely, not selectively?
  3. Why might people seek God's guidance while having already determined their course, and what does this reveal about true submission?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיְהִי֩1 of 21
H1961

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

כְּכַלּ֨וֹת2 of 21

had made an end

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

יִרְמְיָ֜הוּ3 of 21

And it came to pass that when Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לְדַבֵּ֣ר4 of 21

of speaking

H1696

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

אֶל5 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל6 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֗ם7 of 21

unto all the people

H5971

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

אֶת8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל9 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים10 of 21

all the words

H1697

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

יְהוָ֥ה11 of 21

for which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 21

their God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֧ר13 of 21
H834

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

שְׁלָח֛וֹ14 of 21

had sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יְהוָ֥ה15 of 21

for which the LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֖ם16 of 21

their God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם17 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֥ת18 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל19 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֖ים20 of 21

all the words

H1697

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

הָאֵֽלֶּה׃21 of 21
H428

these or those


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 43:1 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 43:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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