Jeremiah 27:19
For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city,
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֤ה
H3541
כֹ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
5 of 17
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הָֽעַמֻּדִ֔ים
concerning the pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמֻּדִ֔ים
concerning the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
7 of 17
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַיָּ֖ם
and concerning the sea
H3220
הַיָּ֖ם
and concerning the sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
9 of 17
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל֙
H5921
וְעַל֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֶ֣תֶר
and concerning the residue
H3499
יֶ֣תֶר
and concerning the residue
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
of the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
of the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
14 of 17
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַנּוֹתָרִ֖ים
that remain
H3498
הַנּוֹתָרִ֖ים
that remain
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
15 of 17
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
Cross References
2 Kings 25:13And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.2 Kings 25:17The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.
Historical Context
After Nebuchadnezzar's 597 BC capture of Jerusalem, he took valuable portable temple items but left the massive bronze furnishings (2 Kings 24:13). The remaining objects became focus of false prophetic promises that God would soon restore what was taken and protect what remained. Hananiah specifically prophesied the vessels' return within two years (Jeremiah 28:3). Jeremiah countered that all would go to Babylon.
Questions for Reflection
- What sacred symbols or traditions do you assume God will preserve regardless of your faithfulness?
- How does presuming on God's presence without obedience constitute spiritual presumption?
- What massive, unmovable things in your life might God nevertheless remove through judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that remain in this city—the specific temple furnishings listed represent items too massive for Nebuchadnezzar to take in 597 BC: the bronze pillars (עַמּוּדִים, ammudim—Jachin and Boaz, 1 Kings 7:15-22), the bronze sea (יָם, yam—massive water basin, 1 Kings 7:23-26), and bases (מְכֹנוֹת, mekhonot—wheeled stands, 1 Kings 7:27-37). False prophets claimed these would never go to Babylon. Jeremiah contradicts: they will.
The detailed inventory emphasizes that nothing is too sacred or too large to escape divine judgment. These furnishings symbolized temple worship and God's presence, yet covenant breaking makes even sacred objects subject to removal. The false prophets' assurance that God would protect temple vessels proved spiritual presumption—assuming God's presence guaranteed protection regardless of obedience.