Jeremiah 25:2
The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying,
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֜ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֜ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 13
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יִרְמְיָ֤הוּ
The which Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֤הוּ
The which Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
3 of 13
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַ֣ם
unto all the people
H5971
עַ֣ם
unto all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
8 of 13
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
and to all the inhabitants
H3427
יֹשְׁבֵ֥י
and to all the inhabitants
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
Historical Context
Jerusalem in 605 BC was still intact, the temple functioning, sacrifices being offered. To the casual observer, covenant life appeared normal. Yet spiritual reality contradicted external appearances—the people had abandoned Yahweh for idols while maintaining religious rituals. Jeremiah's public proclamation of this message likely occurred in the temple courts, where he frequently preached (7:2, 19:14, 26:2). His message was considered treasonous by many, as it predicted Judah's defeat.
Questions for Reflection
- What gives a prophet or preacher the authority to proclaim an unpopular message, and how can we discern true from false authority?
- How can religious activity and external observance coexist with spiritual apostasy, and what does this reveal about the nature of genuine faith?
- In what ways might we be tempted to prefer comforting messages over the challenging truth of God's word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The which Jeremiah the prophet spake unto all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem—This comprehensive audience indicates the universal scope of God's message. The Hebrew nāḇî (נָבִיא, prophet) identifies Jeremiah as God's authorized spokesman, one who speaks not his own thoughts but divine revelation. The inclusion of both 'people of Judah' and 'inhabitants of Jerusalem' emphasizes that rural and urban populations alike stood under this word of judgment.
Jeremiah's public proclamation of this message required immense courage. He was declaring imminent destruction to a nation that wanted to hear promises of peace (6:14, 8:11). False prophets were proclaiming prosperity while Jeremiah announced catastrophe. This pattern—God's messenger standing alone against popular religious sentiment—appears throughout Scripture. Micaiah versus the 400 false prophets (1 Kings 22), Jesus versus the religious establishment, Paul versus the Judaizers. Truth is not determined by majority opinion but by conformity to God's revealed word.