Jeremiah 22:24
As I live, saith the LORD, though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence;
Original Language Analysis
חַי
As I live
H2416
חַי
As I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
1 of 19
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָה֒
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֒
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 19
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִהְיֶ֞ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֞ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 19
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
12 of 19
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
14 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יַ֣ד
hand
H3027
יַ֣ד
hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
15 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
יְמִינִ֑י
upon my right
H3225
יְמִינִ֑י
upon my right
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
16 of 19
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Jeremiah 37:1And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.1 Chronicles 3:16And the sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son.Song of Solomon 8:6Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.Haggai 2:23In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.
Historical Context
Jehoiachin (Coniah/Jeconiah) reigned only three months (598-597 BC) before Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and deported him to Babylon with the royal family, nobles, and craftsmen (2 Kings 24:8-16). He spent 37 years imprisoned in Babylon before brief release (2 Kings 25:27-30). Despite this curse, Jesus descended from his line (Matthew 1:11-12), demonstrating God's sovereign grace.
Questions for Reflection
- What privileges or positions have you assumed protect you from divine accountability?
- How does this verse challenge notions of 'once saved, always saved' without perseverance?
- In what ways might you be trusting your spiritual heritage rather than present faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Though Coniah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck thee thence—the Hebrew חוֹתָם (chotam, 'signet ring') represented royal authority, identity, and power. Kings sealed official documents with their signet, making it precious and constantly worn. God declares that even if Coniah (Jehoiachin, contracted form) held this place of intimacy and authority, divine judgment would rip him away. The verb נָתַק (nataq, 'pluck/tear off') conveys violent removal.
As I live, saith the LORD (חַי־אָנִי נְאֻם־יְהוָה, chai-ani ne'um-YHWH)—the oath formula invokes God's very existence as guarantee. This represents irrevocable judgment. Tragically, God had earlier compared David's line to His signet (Haggai 2:23 reverses this for Zerubbabel). The curse demonstrates that covenant privilege without covenant faithfulness brings covenant curse. Even proximity to God offers no protection from sin's consequences—compare Judas's apostolic position yet eternal loss.