King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 44:20 Mean?
“Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer , saying,”
Jeremiah 44:20 · KJV
Context
18
But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.
19
And when we burned incense to the queen of heaven, and poured out drink offerings unto her, did we make her cakes to worship her, and pour out drink offerings unto her, without our men? men: or, husbands?
20
Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer , saying,
21
The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them, and came it not into his mind?
22
So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThen Jeremiah said unto all the people (וַיֹּאמֶר יִרְמְיָהוּ אֶל־כָּל־הָעָם)—The prophet addresses the men, and to the women (אֶל־הַגְּבָרִים וְאֶל־הַנָּשִׁים) equally, dismantling their attempt to divide responsibility. All the people which had given him that answer (כָּל־הָעָם הַמְשִׁיבִים אֹתוֹ) indicates this defiant response was collective, not individual dissent.
This verse serves as a transition to Jeremiah's devastating rebuttal (vv.21-23). Rather than being silenced by their united opposition, the prophet confronts the entire community. The structure demonstrates God's word doesn't retreat before human consensus—truth remains authoritative regardless of popular rejection. When the multitude agrees in error, the solitary prophet must still declare divine verdict.
This verse serves as a transition to Jeremiah's devastating rebuttal (vv.21-23). Rather than being silenced by their united opposition, the prophet confronts the entire community. The structure demonstrates God's word doesn't retreat before human consensus—truth remains authoritative regardless of popular rejection. When the multitude agrees in error, the solitary prophet must still declare divine verdict.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
This confrontation occurred at a public gathering in Egypt, likely Pathros (v.15), probably around 582-580 BC. Jeremiah, now elderly and nearing the end of his ministry, faces a community that has collectively rejected everything he's preached for 40+ years. Yet he doesn't soften the message to accommodate their hardness.
Reflection Questions
- Why must truth-speakers persist in declaring God's word even when facing unanimous opposition?
- How does addressing both genders equally emphasize universal accountability before God?
- What gives a prophet courage to stand alone against an entire community's consensus?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsכָּל4 of 16
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם5 of 16
“and to all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַל6 of 16
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל8 of 16
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל10 of 16
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל11 of 16
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם12 of 16
“and to all the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הָעֹנִ֥ים13 of 16
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֹת֛וֹ14 of 16
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דָּבָ֖ר15 of 16
“which had given him that answer”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
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 44:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.