Jeremiah 11:2
Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֕וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֕וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֖י
ye the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֖י
ye the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 12
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַבְּרִ֣ית
of this covenant
H1285
הַבְּרִ֣ית
of this covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 12
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
וְדִבַּרְתָּם֙
and speak
H1696
וְדִבַּרְתָּם֙
and speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אִ֣ישׁ
unto the men
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
unto the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 12
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
9 of 12
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Jeremiah 11:6Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Historical Context
The phrase 'words of this covenant' echoes Deuteronomy repeatedly (Deuteronomy 28:69, 29:8, 31:12). When the Law was discovered during Josiah's reign, King Josiah had it read to all the people (2 Kings 23:2). Jeremiah's commission here may have been part of this broader reform movement, sending him to proclaim covenant demands in cities throughout Judah.
Questions for Reflection
- What role do prophets play in calling people back to existing covenant obligations?
- How does addressing both rural and urban populations ensure comprehensive hearing of God's word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse commands proclamation: 'Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.' The imperative 'hear' (shim'u) demands attentive obedience, not mere listening. 'This covenant' (habberit hazot) refers specifically to the Mosaic/Deuteronomic covenant. Jeremiah must 'speak' (dibber) to both 'men of Judah' (rural populations) and 'inhabitants of Jerusalem' (urban center)—comprehensive proclamation covering entire nation. The prophet becomes covenant enforcement officer, recalling Israel to their binding agreement with YHWH.