Jeremiah 28:6
Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
do
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 23
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָקֵ֤ם
perform
H6965
יָקֵ֤ם
perform
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
8 of 23
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 23
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ
thy words
H1697
דְּבָרֶ֔יךָ
thy words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
11 of 23
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 23
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִבֵּ֗אתָ
which thou hast prophesied
H5012
נִבֵּ֗אתָ
which thou hast prophesied
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
13 of 23
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
לְהָשִׁ֞יב
to bring again
H7725
לְהָשִׁ֞יב
to bring again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
14 of 23
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כְּלֵ֤י
the vessels
H3627
כְּלֵ֤י
the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
15 of 23
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
בֵית
house
H1004
בֵית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
16 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
18 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַגּוֹלָ֔ה
and all that is carried away captive
H1473
הַגּוֹלָ֔ה
and all that is carried away captive
Strong's:
H1473
Word #:
19 of 23
exile; concretely and collectively exiles
מִבָּבֶ֖ל
from Babylon
H894
מִבָּבֶ֖ל
from Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
20 of 23
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
Cross References
1 Kings 1:36And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen: the LORD God of my lord the king say so too.Psalms 41:13Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.Jeremiah 11:5That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
Historical Context
Jeremiah consistently expressed anguish over the judgments he proclaimed (9:1, 14:17-18). His 'Amen' to Hananiah reflects genuine desire for quick restoration. However, divine commission required truth-telling regardless of personal preference. The tension between what prophets wish (peace, restoration) and what God reveals (judgment, exile) creates emotional burden authentic ministry bears.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between what you wish were true and what is actually true?
- What does it cost to proclaim truths you wish weren't accurate?
- How does Jeremiah's 'Amen' demonstrate that faithful prophets aren't cynics or pessimists?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied (אָמֵן כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה יָקֵם יְהוָה אֶת־דְּבָרֶיךָ, amen ken ya'aseh YHWH yaqem YHWH et-d'vareka)—Jeremiah's response begins with 'Amen' (אָמֵן, 'so be it/truly'). This isn't sarcasm but genuine desire: Jeremiah would love for Hananiah to be right! The prophet wishes judgment could be averted, exile ended quickly, restoration come soon. The phrase the LORD perform thy words expresses sincere hope that Hananiah's optimistic prophecy proves true.
This reveals Jeremiah's pastoral heart. True prophets don't delight in proclaiming judgment; they wish for repentance making judgment unnecessary. Jeremiah's 'Amen' shows he's not contrarian or pessimistic—he simply speaks truth whether pleasant or painful. God's servants sometimes must declare messages they wish weren't true. The 'nevertheless' in verse 7 introduces the hard reality that contradicts the wished-for outcome.