Jeremiah 11:3
And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 16
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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הָאִ֔ישׁ
be the man
H376
הָאִ֔ישׁ
be the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 16
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)
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמַ֔ע
that obeyeth
H8085
יִשְׁמַ֔ע
that obeyeth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵ֖י
not the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֖י
not the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
14 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
Historical Context
The curse formula 'arur' (cursed) appears twelve times in Deuteronomy 27:15-26, pronounced from Mount Ebal at covenant ratification. The curses of Deuteronomy 28:15-68 elaborate consequences for disobedience. This isn't new information—Jeremiah reminds Israel of what they already agreed to. The approaching Babylonian judgment represents these curses taking effect after centuries of violation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding covenant curses as agreed-upon consequences change our view of divine judgment?
- What does pronouncing curses on disobedience reveal about the seriousness of covenant commitment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse pronounces covenant curse: 'And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant.' The Hebrew arur (אָרוּר, cursed) is the covenant curse formula from Deuteronomy 27-28. 'Obeyeth not' (lo yishma, literally 'does not hear/obey') uses shama in its full sense of obedient response. 'Words of this covenant' directly echoes Deuteronomic language. The curse pronouncement makes clear that covenant violation carries consequences—not arbitrary punishment but agreed-upon terms activated by breach. Israel entered this covenant knowing the curses for disobedience.