Jeremiah 11:21
Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 18
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)
עֲנָת֔וֹת
of Anathoth
H6068
עֲנָת֔וֹת
of Anathoth
Strong's:
H6068
Word #:
7 of 18
anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal
הַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֥ים
that seek
H1245
הַֽמְבַקְשִׁ֥ים
that seek
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
8 of 18
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַפְשְׁךָ֖
thy life
H5315
נַפְשְׁךָ֖
thy life
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִנָּבֵא֙
Prophesy
H5012
תִנָּבֵא֙
Prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
13 of 18
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
not in the name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
not in the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
14 of 18
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Isaiah 30:10Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:Jeremiah 20:10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.Amos 2:12But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.
Historical Context
Anathoth was a Levitical city (Joshua 21:18), making this priestly opposition to prophecy. Jeremiah's family may have descended from Abiathar, the priest Solomon banished to Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26-27). Perhaps they resented prophecies threatening their religious establishment. The phrase 'seek thy life' (mevaqshim eth-nafsheka) appears repeatedly in Jeremiah's confessions.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would Jeremiah's own hometown and possibly family seek to kill him?
- What does the demand to 'stop prophesying or die' reveal about the threat true prophecy poses to false religion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse names the conspirators: 'Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life.' Jeremiah's own townspeople seek to kill him. 'Saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand.' They demand prophetic silence or death. The opposition isn't to Jeremiah personally but to his message—'in the name of the LORD' (beshem YHWH). Silencing the prophet means silencing God's word. This anticipates persecution of prophets throughout history—the message provokes the violence, not the messenger.