Jeremiah 19:1
Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָל֛וֹךְ
Go
H1980
הָל֛וֹךְ
Go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
4 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וְקָנִ֥יתָ
and get
H7069
וְקָנִ֥יתָ
and get
Strong's:
H7069
Word #:
5 of 12
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
יוֹצֵ֣ר
a potter's
H3335
יוֹצֵ֣ר
a potter's
Strong's:
H3335
Word #:
7 of 12
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
Isaiah 30:14And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water withal out of the pit.Lamentations 4:2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!Numbers 11:16And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee.
Historical Context
The Valley of Hinnom (Tophet) was where child sacrifice occurred under wicked kings. Jeremiah's choice of this location for his prophetic act added powerful symbolism - the place of greatest sin becomes the scene of judgment's pronouncement.
Questions for Reflection
- At what point does God's patience with sin reach its limit?
- How should the reality of irreversible judgment shape our urgency in gospel proclamation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The earthen bottle (Hebrew 'baqbuq') symbolizes Judah's fragility and impending judgment. Unlike the potter's vessel in chapter 18 that could be reshaped, this baked clay bottle can only be shattered - representing judgment beyond repentance. The public nature of this prophecy (elders and priests as witnesses) emphasizes God's justice in giving clear warning before executing judgment.