Jeremiah 26:8
Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י׀
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּכַלּ֣וֹת
had made an end
H3615
כְּכַלּ֣וֹת
had made an end
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
2 of 22
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
Now it came to pass when Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֗הוּ
Now it came to pass when Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
3 of 22
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
him to speak
H1696
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
him to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 22
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 22
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 #:
6 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֔ה
all that the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
all that the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
him to speak
H1696
לְדַבֵּ֖ר
him to speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
10 of 22
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֥ם
and all the people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיִּתְפְּשׂ֨וּ
took
H8610
וַיִּתְפְּשׂ֨וּ
took
Strong's:
H8610
Word #:
14 of 22
to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably
אֹת֜וֹ
H853
אֹת֜וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים
that the priests
H3548
הַכֹּהֲנִ֧ים
that the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
16 of 22
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְהַנְּבִיאִ֛ים
and the prophets
H5030
וְהַנְּבִיאִ֛ים
and the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
17 of 22
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֥ם
and all the people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
and all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
19 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Jeremiah's sermon in the temple court (26:2) threatened the religious establishment's power and comfort. Truth-telling endangers those whose position depends on maintaining the status quo.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does speaking God's truth sometimes provoke the strongest opposition from religious people?
- How do you respond when biblical truth threatens your comfort or position?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The priests, prophets, and people seized Jeremiah, demanding death: 'Thou shalt surely die.' Speaking God's word against Jerusalem's sin provoked violent opposition. Religious leaders, who should have received prophetic correction, instead led the persecution. This foreshadows Christ's treatment by religious authorities (John 11:53) and warns that institutional religion can oppose God's truth.