Jeremiah 2 1

Jeremiah 2:1 kjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 2:1 nkjv

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 2:1 niv

The word of the LORD came to me:

Jeremiah 2:1 esv

The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

Jeremiah 2:1 nlt

The LORD gave me another message. He said,

Jeremiah 2 verses

Jeremiah 2 1 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial introductory statement, establishing the divine origin and authority of the subsequent message from the God of Israel through His prophet Jeremiah. It signifies that the words to follow are not Jeremiah's own opinions or insights but are direct, unadulterated revelation from the Lord, indicating the start of a specific divine communication to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 2 1 Context

Jeremiah 2:1 initiates the main prophetic message of Jeremiah to Judah, beginning a prolonged discourse that highlights the nation's spiritual apostasy. Historically, Jeremiah prophesied during the turbulent final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th and early 6th century BCE), under kings like Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation had turned away from the God of their covenant, YHWH, engaging in idolatry and seeking foreign political alliances instead of relying on divine protection. This opening verse is foundational, asserting that the ensuing harsh words of indictment and judgment, along with later promises of restoration, originate directly from the Lord, lending them absolute authority and underscoring the gravity of Judah's departure. The rest of chapter 2 specifically accuses Judah of forsaking God, the "fountain of living waters," for "broken cisterns."

Jeremiah 2 1 Word analysis

• The word (dāḇār, דָּבָר): This Hebrew term is rich in meaning, encompassing not just spoken sound but also a matter, affair, message, or even a command or event. Here, it denotes a definite, active communication from God. It carries inherent authority and often implies effect or action.
• of the Lord (YHWH, יְהוָה): Refers to the personal, covenantal Name of God. This signifies that the message comes from the sovereign, unchanging God of Israel, who had revealed Himself to their ancestors and entered into a special relationship with them. It contrasts with messages from pagan deities.
• came (hāyāh, הָיָה): While often translated simply as "was," in this context, it conveys an active, dynamic "becoming" or "arriving." The divine word is not static; it actively came into Jeremiah's experience, signifying an initiation of revelation. It is an event.
• to me (’ēlay, אֵלַי): This direct personal pronoun indicates Jeremiah as the specific recipient. It emphasizes his individual commission and the intimate nature of God's communication to him, underscoring that the prophecy is delivered through a chosen human vessel.
• saying (lē’mōr, לֵאמֹר): A common Hebrew infinitive often translated "to say" or "saying." It acts as an introductory particle, signaling that the direct discourse of the divine message is about to follow. It connects the "word" with its content.
• "The word of the Lord came to me, saying": This entire phrase is a quintessential prophetic formula used repeatedly across the prophetic books. Its repeated usage across various prophets lends weight and continuity to the entire prophetic tradition within Israel. It functions as an authenticating stamp, validating the subsequent words as being solely from God and demanding the attention and obedience of the listeners, establishing prophetic authority. It highlights divine initiative in revelation.

Jeremiah 2 1 Bonus section

The consistent use of "The word of the Lord came" formula throughout the Old Testament underscores a fundamental truth about divine revelation: God is not silent, but actively communicates with His people through His chosen messengers. This contrasts sharply with the silent, impotent idols worshipped by surrounding nations, and also highlights the grave responsibility placed upon the prophet to deliver God's exact message, without addition or subtraction. Furthermore, it points to the authoritative nature of all prophetic scripture, whose source is explicitly God Himself, ensuring its reliability and binding nature. This emphasis on the "word of the Lord" serves as a bulwark against the false prophets and their own words which often contradicted God's message during Jeremiah's time.

Jeremiah 2 1 Commentary

Jeremiah 2:1 sets the infallible foundation for the lengthy prophecies that follow. It immediately strips any human opinion from the impending message, proclaiming it to be pure divine utterance. This verse underscores that Jeremiah, like other true prophets, was merely a conduit for the living word of God, not its originator. It transforms what might appear as harsh human critique into a holy pronouncement, requiring deep contemplation and repentance from the Judean people. The brevity of this verse, paradoxically, lends immense weight to the subsequent unfolding of Judah's spiritual failings and the consequences foretold. It calls for awe before the God who still speaks to His people, even when their hearts are far from Him.