King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 52:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 52:3 in the King James Version says “For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, t... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 52 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

Jeremiah 52:3 · KJV


Context

1

Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. began: Heb. reigned

2

And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.

3

For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

4

And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came, he and all his army, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it, and built forts against it round about.

5

So the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The reason for Jerusalem's destruction is stated clearly: 'For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence.' God's presence is the source of all blessing; expulsion from His presence is the ultimate curse. This reverses the Exodus where God brought them into His presence. Their sin necessitated this expulsion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'cast them out from his presence' is covenant language. The glory that dwelled in the temple departed (Ezek 10), symbolizing God's withdrawal.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be cast out from God's presence?
  2. How does sin create separation from God that requires judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כִּ֣י׀1 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵעַ֣ל2 of 16

For through

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַ֣ף3 of 16

the anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

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

הָֽיְתָה֙5 of 16
H1961

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

בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֣ם6 of 16

it came to pass in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה7 of 16

and Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

עַד8 of 16
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הִשְׁלִיכ֥וֹ9 of 16

till he had cast them out

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

אוֹתָ֖ם10 of 16
H853

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

מֵעַ֣ל11 of 16

For through

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פָּנָ֑יו12 of 16

from his presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיִּמְרֹ֥ד13 of 16

rebelled

H4775

to rebel

צִדְקִיָּ֖הוּ14 of 16

that Zedekiah

H6667

tsidkijah, the name of six israelites

בְּמֶ֥לֶךְ15 of 16

against the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶֽל׃16 of 16

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire


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 52:3 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 52:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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