Jeremiah 44 24

Jeremiah 44:24 kjv

Moreover Jeremiah said unto all the people, and to all the women, Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah that are in the land of Egypt:

Jeremiah 44:24 nkjv

Moreover Jeremiah said to all the people and to all the women, "Hear the word of the LORD, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt!

Jeremiah 44:24 niv

Then Jeremiah said to all the people, including the women, "Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah in Egypt.

Jeremiah 44:24 esv

Jeremiah said to all the people and all the women, "Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah who are in the land of Egypt.

Jeremiah 44:24 nlt

Then Jeremiah said to them all, including the women, "Listen to this message from the LORD, all you citizens of Judah who live in Egypt.

Jeremiah 44 verses

Jeremiah 44 24 Meaning

The verse declares that those who claim to have honored the queen of heaven and poured out drink offerings to her have indeed done so. It confirms their actions but frames them as a direct defiance and rejection of God, punishable by God's judgment.

Jeremiah 44 24 Context

Jeremiah chapter 44 describes a poignant encounter between the prophet Jeremiah and the Judean refugees in Egypt, specifically in Tahpanhes. Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the murder of Gedaliah, a remnant of Jews fled to Egypt, against God's clear instruction. Within this group, particularly the women, the practice of worshipping the "queen of heaven" (likely the moon goddess, Ishtar/Astarte) had resurfaced with vigor. They attributed their nation's calamities to stopping this worship and believed their prosperity was linked to it. Jeremiah, under divine command, confronts them directly, recounting God's severe displeasure and outlining the impending judgment for their continued idolatry. This verse, 44:24, is Jeremiah confirming their past actions of worship, which they themselves acknowledged, but unequivocally condemns them as an act of rebellion against the Lord.

Jeremiah 44 24 Word Analysis

• Also (waGAM): And also. Connects this statement to what precedes and follows, showing continuity of discourse.
• and (and): Used multiple times, linking clauses and phrases, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their actions.
• Ye: You (plural). Addresses the group directly.
• know (yidʻu): To be certain, to be aware of. Highlights their consciousness of their actions.
• that (ki): Because, for, that. Introduces the reason or confirmation of their actions.
• Ye (waYe): And you. Another emphatic pronoun.
• have done (ʻaśitem): You have acted, performed. Refers to their concrete actions and practices.
• deeds (maʻăśehem): Deeds, actions, works. Their specific religious practices.
• your (ketiyib = ketoybehahem): Your. Possession belonging to them.
• and (wa): Connects their actions with their words.
• your (ʻodʻiqêkêm): Offerings of drink (libations). Refers to the liquid offerings poured out.
• offerings of drink (libathêkem): Pourings out, drink offerings. Specifically, the libations they poured to the queen of heaven.
• and (wa): Connects drink offerings with words spoken.
• indeed (aʻmen): Truly, certainly, amen. A strong affirmation, confirming the reality of their stated actions.
• did (ʻaśitahen): You did them. The past tense action, reinforcing the truth of their confession.
• so (ʼothem): Them. Refers back to the deeds and offerings.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Also ye know and certainly did so your deeds and your offerings of drink": This phrase confirms the refugees' own admission and understanding that they had indeed performed the rituals of worship. It’s not a new accusation but a validation of their confessed activities, which Jeremiah then contextualizes as sin. The emphasis on "also" implies this knowledge and action are in addition to previous transgressions.
• "that ye have done your deeds and your offerings of drink indeed did them": This reconfirms their actions with a strong affirmation ("indeed"). It underscores that their commitment and practice of worshipping the queen of heaven was a reality they couldn't deny, making their continued disobedience stark.

Jeremiah 44 24 Bonus Section

The specific term "queen of heaven" is a significant clue pointing to Mesopotamian and Canaanite deities associated with the moon and fertility, such as Ishtar or Asherah. The practice of pouring out drink offerings and making cakes for this deity was a deeply ingrained ritual among the apostate Israelites, as seen in other passages like Jeremiah 7:18 and Ezekiel 8:16. The Judeans’ insistence that God's anger was due to the cessation of this worship, rather than the worship itself, highlights their perverted theology. They believed they could placate God by ceasing their offending rituals, but in their hearts, they yearned to return to them, viewing them as a more potent means of securing well-being. Jeremiah's response underscores the exclusive nature of God's claim on His people; there is no room for syncretism or the worship of other gods alongside Him.

Jeremiah 44 24 Commentary

Jeremiah’s statement in verse 24 is critical because it moves from the refugees’ proud assertion of their continued worship (Jer 44:17-19) to God’s solemn confirmation of those actions, but reframed as sin. The refugees saw their worship as essential for prosperity and a return to the good old days, even blaming Judah's suffering on its cessation. Jeremiah, however, validates their ritualistic actions ("you know that you have done your deeds and your drink offerings") but immediately counters their positive self-assessment. He clarifies that these actions are not signs of loyalty to God but of profound betrayal, performed specifically in opposition to the LORD’s commandments. The “indeed” serves to seal the factual nature of their ritual, making their denial of responsibility and their continued practice all the more grievous in God's eyes. This is God acknowledging the reality of their idolatry while pronouncing a definitive judgment against it.