King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:1 in the King James Version says “The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,”

Jeremiah 7:1 · KJV

Context

1

The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

2

Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.

3

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.

Read Jeremiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse introduces one of Jeremiah's most significant sermons, known as the Temple Sermon. 'The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD' establishes divine origin—this isn't human opinion but God's direct message. The specific setting and audience will be specified in following verses, but the formula 'The word...from the LORD' appears frequently in prophetic literature, authenticating prophetic messages as divine revelation rather than human speculation. This introduction prepares hearers for a message that will challenge their fundamental assumptions about religion, security, and covenant relationship. The temple context makes this especially significant—God will critique false confidence in religious institutions and external ritual divorced from heart transformation and obedience.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This sermon was delivered early in Jehoiakim's reign (609-598 BC), shortly after Josiah's death. Jeremiah 26 provides parallel account with additional details about the sermon's reception. Josiah's reforms had included temple renovation and purification (2 Kings 22-23), but after his death, idolatry quickly returned under Jehoiakim. The people maintained temple worship while practicing injustice and idolatry, believing temple presence guaranteed divine protection regardless of behavior. This false confidence needed prophetic confrontation. The timing was critical—within two decades Babylon would destroy the temple, validating Jeremiah's warning that buildings don't save, covenant faithfulness does. This sermon cost Jeremiah dearly—priests and prophets demanded his execution (Jeremiah 26:8), though he was spared.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between authentic divine revelation in Scripture and human religious opinion?
  2. What false securities—religious institutions, traditions, or rituals—might you be trusting instead of genuine covenant relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַדָּבָר֙1 of 8

“The word”

H1697

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 8
H834

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

הָיָ֣ה3 of 8
H1961

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

אֶֽל4 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֔הוּ5 of 8

“that came to Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

מֵאֵ֥ת6 of 8
H853

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

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 8

“from the LORD”

H3068

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

לֵאמֹֽר׃8 of 8

“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 7:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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