Jeremiah 28:10
Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it.
Original Language Analysis
הַנָּבִ֑יא
from off the prophet
H5030
הַנָּבִ֑יא
from off the prophet
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
3 of 10
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמּוֹטָ֔ה
the yoke
H4133
הַמּוֹטָ֔ה
the yoke
Strong's:
H4133
Word #:
5 of 10
a pole; by implication, an ox-bow; hence, a yoke (either literal or figurative)
מֵעַ֕ל
H5921
מֵעַ֕ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַוַּ֖אר
neck
H6677
צַוַּ֖אר
neck
Strong's:
H6677
Word #:
7 of 10
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
יִרְמְיָ֣ה
Jeremiah's
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֣ה
Jeremiah's
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
8 of 10
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
Historical Context
Prophetic symbolic acts were common in Scripture—Isaiah walked naked (Isaiah 20), Ezekiel dug through walls (Ezekiel 12), Hosea married a prostitute (Hosea 1-3). These actions communicated messages viscerally. Hananiah appropriated this tradition for false purposes, showing how authentic forms can convey inauthentic content. The broken yoke seemed to win the moment, but verse 13 reveals God's response: iron yokes replace wooden ones.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between dramatic spiritual theater and authentic prophetic symbolism?
- When has faithfulness looked like failure in your experience?
- What role do physical, visual demonstrations play in persuading communities toward truth or lies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah's neck, and brake it (וַיִּקַּח חֲנַנְיָה הַנָּבִיא אֶת־הַמּוֹטָה מֵעַל צַוַּאר יִרְמְיָה הַנָּבִיא וַיִּשְׁבְּרֵהוּ, vayyiqach chananyah hannavi et-hammotah me'al tsavvar yirm'yah hannavi vayyishb'rehu)—Hananiah performs symbolic counter-prophecy. Jeremiah had worn a wooden yoke symbolizing submission to Babylon (27:2-7); Hananiah breaks it, symbolizing liberation from Babylonian rule. The verb שָׁבַר (shavar, 'break') represents dramatic physical action—prophetic theater.
This demonstrates how false prophecy often employs dramatic symbolism to persuade. The broken yoke was powerful visual communication, probably eliciting crowd approval. Hananiah's action forced Jeremiah into apparent public defeat—the true prophet stood with broken yoke while false prophet claimed victory. Sometimes faithfulness looks like failure. Jesus on the cross appeared defeated while accomplishing victory. Hananiah's dramatic gesture proves nothing about truth; it merely appeals to what people want to believe.