Jeremiah 23:35
Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
and every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אָחִ֑יו
to his brother
H251
אָחִ֑יו
to his brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
8 of 14
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
מֶה
H4100
מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָנָ֣ה
answered
H6030
עָנָ֣ה
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
יְהוָֽה׃
What hath the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
What hath the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
This verse provides corrective liturgy—teaching God's people how to speak reverently about divine communication. Ancient Israelite religion was deeply verbal, with set formulas for approaching sacred realities. The prescribed language ('What has the LORD answered/spoken?') modeled humble inquiry rather than presumptuous demand. This linguistic discipline aimed to reform corrupted theological culture through rehabilitated speech patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your language about God reveal presumption versus humility in seeking His will?
- What difference exists between demanding God speak and asking if He has spoken?
- How might reforming your God-language reform your actual relationship with Him?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken? (כֹּה תֹאמְרוּ אִישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵהוּ וְאִישׁ אֶל־אָחִיו מֶה־עָנָה יְהוָה וּמַה־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, koh tom'ru ish el-re'ehu v'ish el-achiv meh-anah YHWH umah-dibber YHWH). God provides alternative language: instead of asking for the מַשָּׂא (massa, 'burden'), ask What has the LORD answered? (מֶה־עָנָה יְהוָה, meh-anah YHWH) and What has the LORD spoken? (מַה־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, mah-dibber YHWH). The verbs עָנָה (anah, 'answer') and דִּבֶּר (dibber, 'speak') restore proper orientation: God as active speaker, humans as recipients.
The linguistic shift is theologically significant. The old terminology made humans subjects ('What is God's burden for us?'), implying entitlement to divine revelation. The new phrasing makes God the subject ('What has God spoken?'), emphasizing divine initiative and human receptivity. This guards against presumptuous demanding of oracles. Similarly, prayer shouldn't demand that God speak but humbly ask if He has spoken. The reformulated questions restore proper Creator-creature dynamics, where revelation is gift, not right.