Jeremiah Chapter 25 · Verse 4

Authorized King James Version

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And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

Original Language Analysis

וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ and sending H7971
וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ and sending
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 1 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָ֨ה And the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֨ה And the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲלֵיכֶ֜ם H413
אֲלֵיכֶ֜ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 16
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֲבָדָ֧יו unto you all his servants H5650
עֲבָדָ֧יו unto you all his servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 6 of 16
a servant
הַנְּבִאִ֛ים the prophets H5030
הַנְּבִאִ֛ים the prophets
Strong's: H5030
Word #: 7 of 16
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
הַשְׁכֵּ֥ם rising early H7925
הַשְׁכֵּ֥ם rising early
Strong's: H7925
Word #: 8 of 16
literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning
וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ and sending H7971
וְשָׁלֹ֖חַ and sending
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 9 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לִשְׁמֹֽעַ׃ them but ye have not hearkened H8085
לִשְׁמֹֽעַ׃ them but ye have not hearkened
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 11 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 12 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִטִּיתֶ֥ם nor inclined H5186
הִטִּיתֶ֥ם nor inclined
Strong's: H5186
Word #: 13 of 16
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אָזְנְכֶ֖ם your ear H241
אָזְנְכֶ֖ם your ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 15 of 16
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
לִשְׁמֹֽעַ׃ them but ye have not hearkened H8085
לִשְׁמֹֽעַ׃ them but ye have not hearkened
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 16 of 16
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear. The phrase ʿăḇāḏāyw hannĕḇîʾîm (עֲבָדָיו הַנְּבִיאִים, his servants the prophets) identifies these messengers as God's authorized representatives. The repetition of 'rising early and sending' emphasizes divine diligence—God took initiative repeatedly to warn His people. The phrase hiṭṭû ʾeṯ-ʾoznĕḵem (הִטּוּ אֶת־אָזְנְכֶם, inclined your ear) describes active listening, leaning in to hear. Judah refused even this basic receptivity.

This verse establishes a pattern of prophetic witness spanning generations. God sent not one prophet but many—Isaiah, Micah, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Nahum, Urijah (26:20-23), and others contemporary with Jeremiah. Their unified message called for repentance and warned of judgment. The multiplicity of witnesses fulfilled the legal principle requiring two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). No one could claim they hadn't been warned. Similarly, God sent multiple messengers to Israel—prophets, John the Baptist, the apostles, and ultimately His Son (Matthew 21:33-39; Hebrews 1:1-2).

Historical Context

The prophetic ministry to Judah spanned centuries. From the divided kingdom period through the final days before exile, God consistently sent prophets calling for covenant faithfulness. Isaiah prophesied in the 8th century BC, warning of Assyrian and Babylonian threats. Micah, Zephaniah, and Habakkuk all ministered before or during Jeremiah's time. Their unanimous message—repent or face exile—went unheeded. Archaeological evidence confirms Judah's persistent idolatry during this period, including worship of Asherah, Baal, and even child sacrifice.

Questions for Reflection