Jeremiah 17:20
And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֨וּ
unto them Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֨וּ
unto them Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דְבַר
ye the word
H1697
דְבַר
ye the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יְהוּדָ֔ה
and all Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
and all Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
7 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
and all Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
and all Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
9 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
וְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
and all the inhabitants
H3427
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י
and all the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
of Jerusalem
H3389
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
of Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
12 of 15
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
הַבָּאִ֖ים
that enter in
H935
הַבָּאִ֖ים
that enter in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
13 of 15
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
Jeremiah 19:3And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.Jeremiah 22:2And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:Ezekiel 2:7And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings often claimed divine status or autonomous authority. Israel's covenant theology radically subordinated royal power to divine law (Deut 17:14-20). Prophets regularly confronted kings—Nathan rebuked David (2 Sam 12), Elijah confronted Ahab (1 Kgs 21), Isaiah counseled Hezekiah (2 Kgs 19-20). Jeremiah's ministry included multiple confrontations with kings Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, often at personal risk.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage challenge contemporary attitudes that exempt political leaders from biblical ethical standards?
- In what ways do you need to hear God's word afresh rather than merely listening with familiarity?
- What does it mean for believers to live under dual citizenship—subject to earthly rulers while ultimately accountable to God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jeremiah's message specifically addresses "kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem"—the three primary groups comprising the covenant community. The repetition emphasizes that God's word applies to everyone without exception. "Hear ye the word of the LORD" is the classic prophetic summons demanding attention and obedience, not mere passive listening.
The phrase "that enter in by these gates" indicates ongoing, repeated action—this applies to all who regularly use these entrances, encompassing the entire population. By addressing kings alongside common citizens, Jeremiah asserts that political authority does not exempt rulers from divine law. Kings remain under God's sovereignty and accountable to His covenant stipulations.
This verse establishes the Reformed principle that all human authority is subordinate to God's word. Magistrates and citizens alike stand under divine judgment. The prophetic word speaks truth to power, calling rulers to account. Christ proclaimed that His kingdom's subjects must hear and obey His voice (John 10:27), and earthly kingdoms will be judged by how they respond to His word (Rev 11:15).