Jeremiah 11:6
Then 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.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
Then the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
Then the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קְרָ֨א
unto me Proclaim
H7121
קְרָ֨א
unto me Proclaim
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
4 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵי֙
all these words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי֙
all these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
7 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּעָרֵ֣י
in the cities
H5892
בְּעָרֵ֣י
in the cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
10 of 20
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וּבְחֻצ֥וֹת
and in the streets
H2351
וּבְחֻצ֥וֹת
and in the streets
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
12 of 20
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
שִׁמְע֗וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֗וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
14 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דִּבְרֵי֙
all these words
H1697
דִּבְרֵי֙
all these words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
16 of 20
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 #:
17 of 20
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Cross References
Romans 2:13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.James 1:22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Jeremiah 3:12Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.Jeremiah 7:2Stand in the gate of the LORD'S house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all ye of Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.Jeremiah 19:2And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Historical Context
This commission suggests Jeremiah traveled throughout Judah proclaiming covenant demands, possibly as part of Josiah's reform movement. The 'streets of Jerusalem' (chutsoth Yerushalayim) were public gathering spaces where proclamations reached maximum audience. Ancient cities had designated areas for public announcements; Jeremiah was to use these forums for covenant proclamation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does comprehensive proclamation 'in all cities' and 'in streets' suggest about reaching everyone with God's word?
- How does the repeated command to 'hear and do' define authentic response to divine revelation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse commissions proclamation: 'Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem.' The Hebrew qara (קָרָא, proclaim, cry out) indicates public announcement. 'All these words' (eth-kol-haddevarim) ensures complete message delivery—no editing or softening. 'Cities of Judah' and 'streets of Jerusalem' describe comprehensive geographic coverage. 'Saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.' The repeated 'hear' (shim'u) with 'do' (asah) connects hearing to action—genuine hearing produces obedience. Faith without works is dead; hearing without doing is disobedience.