Jeremiah Chapter 17 · Verse 19
Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;
Original Language Analysis
כֹּה
H3541
כֹּה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֜ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָלֹ֤ךְ
unto me Go
H1980
הָלֹ֤ךְ
unto me Go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְעָֽמַדְתָּ֙
and stand
H5975
וְעָֽמַדְתָּ֙
and stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 20
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
עָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
14 of 20
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וַאֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
וַאֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵ֣צְאוּ
and by the which they go out
H3318
יֵ֣צְאוּ
and by the which they go out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
16 of 20
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
וּבְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וּבְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
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 26:2Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD'S house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD'S house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
Historical Context
Jerusalem's gates were named and had specific functions—the Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Water Gate, etc. (Neh 3). The gates were not merely defensive structures but vital social spaces where community life transpired. Prophets regularly delivered oracles at city gates (1 Kgs 22:10, Jer 7:2, 19:2). This public setting ensured that Jeremiah's message couldn't be dismissed as private opinion or marginal discourse but confronted the entire community as God's authoritative word.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are the 'gates' of modern society where God's word needs to be publicly proclaimed?
- How do you balance respectful engagement with prophetic boldness when addressing cultural and political issues?
- In what ways does the church's witness need to reach beyond comfortable religious spaces into the public square?
Analysis & Commentary
God commissions Jeremiah to a public prophetic act, positioning him strategically "in the gate of the children of the people"—likely the main public entrance to Jerusalem where both common folk and royalty passed. The command to stand "whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem" emphasizes comprehensive witness. No one, regardless of social status, could avoid hearing God's word.
Gates in ancient cities served as centers of commerce, legal proceedings, and public assembly (Ruth 4:1-11, Deut 21:19). Positioning Jeremiah there ensured maximum exposure for his message. The prophetic word would confront all social classes—from kings to commoners—demonstrating that covenant obligations apply universally. No one stands exempt from God's law or immune to His judgment.
This public proclamation models the church's calling to bear witness in the marketplace of ideas, not merely within religious enclaves. Christ commanded proclamation of the gospel to all nations (Matt 28:19), and the apostles preached in public forums (Acts 17:17). Truth must confront culture at every level, speaking to rulers and citizens alike with the authority of God's word.