King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 7:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 7:23 in the King James Version says “But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye i... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Jeremiah 7:23 · KJV


Context

21

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Put your burnt offerings unto your sacrifices, and eat flesh.

22

For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: concerning: Heb. concerning the matter of

23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. imagination: or, stubbornness went: Heb. were

25

Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God states His primary command: 'But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.' This encapsulates the covenant relationship: obedience brings blessing and confirms the God-people relationship. The promise 'I will be your God, and ye shall be my people' is the covenant formula repeated throughout Scripture. The condition 'walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded' emphasizes comprehensive obedience. The purpose clause 'that it may be well unto you' shows God's commands serve human flourishing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This covenant formula appears throughout the Pentateuch (Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12) and is fulfilled ultimately in the New Covenant (2 Corinthians 6:16; Revelation 21:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for God to be 'our God' and us to be 'His people'?
  2. How does obedience relate to covenant relationship and blessing?
  3. What is the connection between God's commands and human flourishing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
כִּ֣י1 of 26
H3588

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

אִֽם2 of 26
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

אֶת3 of 26
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר4 of 26

But this thing

H1697

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

הַ֠זֶּה5 of 26
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲצַוֶּ֣ה6 of 26

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אוֹתָ֤ם7 of 26
H853

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

לֵאמֹר֙8 of 26

I them saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שִׁמְע֣וּ9 of 26

Obey

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

בְקוֹלִ֔י10 of 26

my voice

H6963

a voice or sound

וְהָיִ֤יתִי11 of 26
H1961

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

לָכֶם֙12 of 26
H0
לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים13 of 26

and I will be your 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

וְאַתֶּ֖ם14 of 26
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּֽהְיוּ15 of 26
H1961

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

לִ֣י16 of 26
H0
לְעָ֑ם17 of 26

and ye shall be my people

H5971

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

וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֗ם18 of 26

and walk

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּכָל19 of 26
H3605

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

הַדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙20 of 26

ye in all the ways

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אֲשֶׁ֣ר21 of 26
H834

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

אֲצַוֶּ֣ה22 of 26

commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

אֶתְכֶ֔ם23 of 26
H853

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

לְמַ֖עַן24 of 26
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יִיטַ֥ב25 of 26

you that it may be well

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לָכֶֽם׃26 of 26
H0

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 7:23 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 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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