Jeremiah 32:9

Authorized King James Version

PDF

And I bought the field of Hanameel my uncle's son, that was in Anathoth, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.

Original Language Analysis

וָֽאֶקְנֶה֙ And I bought H7069
וָֽאֶקְנֶה֙ And I bought
Strong's: H7069
Word #: 1 of 17
to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה the field H7704
הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה the field
Strong's: H7704
Word #: 3 of 17
a field (as flat)
מֵאֵ֛ת H853
מֵאֵ֛ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֲנַמְאֵ֥ל of Hanameel H2601
חֲנַמְאֵ֥ל of Hanameel
Strong's: H2601
Word #: 5 of 17
chanamel, an israelite
בֶּן son H1121
בֶּן son
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 6 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
דֹּדִ֖י my uncle's H1730
דֹּדִ֖י my uncle's
Strong's: H1730
Word #: 7 of 17
(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 8 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בַּעֲנָת֑וֹת that was in Anathoth H6068
בַּעֲנָת֑וֹת that was in Anathoth
Strong's: H6068
Word #: 9 of 17
anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal
וָֽאֶשְׁקֲלָה and weighed H8254
וָֽאֶשְׁקֲלָה and weighed
Strong's: H8254
Word #: 10 of 17
to suspend or poise (especially in trade)
לּוֹ֙ H0
לּוֹ֙
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 17
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכָּֽסֶף׃ him the money H3701
הַכָּֽסֶף׃ him the money
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 13 of 17
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
שִׁבְעָ֥ה even seventeen H7651
שִׁבְעָ֥ה even seventeen
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 14 of 17
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
שְׁקָלִ֖ים shekels H8255
שְׁקָלִ֖ים shekels
Strong's: H8255
Word #: 15 of 17
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
וַעֲשָׂרָ֥ה H6235
וַעֲשָׂרָ֥ה
Strong's: H6235
Word #: 16 of 17
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
הַכָּֽסֶף׃ him the money H3701
הַכָּֽסֶף׃ him the money
Strong's: H3701
Word #: 17 of 17
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

Analysis & Commentary

I bought the field of Hanameel—Jeremiah's symbolic purchase of land in occupied territory enacts prophetic hope. While imprisoned and prophesying doom, he invests in Judah's future. The Hebrew qanah (buy/redeem) connects to God's redemption of Israel (go'el—kinsman redeemer).

Seventeen shekels of silver (שִׁבְעָה שְׁקָלִים וַעֲשָׂרָה הַכֶּסֶף)—approximately 7 ounces, a modest sum reflecting the land's devaluation during siege. The precision demonstrates historical authenticity. This real estate transaction during enemy occupation seems absurd—like buying stock during a market crash—yet demonstrates radical faith in God's promise that 'houses and fields...shall be possessed again in this land' (v. 15). Jeremiah puts his money where his prophecy is, investing in God's future when circumstances scream hopelessness.

Historical Context

Levitical law required family land redemption (Leviticus 25:25-28, Ruth 4:1-6). As nearest kinsman, Jeremiah had obligation and right to redeem Hanameel's field in Anathoth (Jeremiah's hometown). The careful legal documentation (v. 10-12) follows ancient Near Eastern practice—similar legal tablets have been discovered archaeologically.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People