Jeremiah 35:6
But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יוֹנָדָ֨ב
for Jonadab
H3122
יוֹנָדָ֨ב
for Jonadab
Strong's:
H3122
Word #:
6 of 19
jonadab, the name of an israelite and of a rechabite
וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם
neither ye nor your sons
H1121
וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם
neither ye nor your sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָבִ֗ינוּ
our father
H1
אָבִ֗ינוּ
our father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
9 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
H5921
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֹ֧א
H3808
לֹ֧א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם
neither ye nor your sons
H1121
וּבְנֵיכֶ֖ם
neither ye nor your sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
17 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
1 Chronicles 2:55And the families of the scribes which dwelt at Jabez; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Suchathites. These are the Kenites that came of Hemath, the father of the house of Rechab.Luke 1:15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.2 Kings 10:15And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.Leviticus 10:9Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:Judges 13:14She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.Judges 13:7But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
Historical Context
The Rechabites were descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab (2 Kings 10:15-23), who helped Jehu purge Baal worship. Their lifestyle was a testimony of separation and faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- What traditions and commitments has God called your family to maintain?
- How does multi-generational faithfulness strengthen the church's witness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Rechabites' faithfulness to their ancestor Jonadab's commands stands in stark contrast to Israel's unfaithfulness to God's commands. For over 200 years, this clan maintained nomadic lifestyle and abstinence from wine as their ancestor directed. Jeremiah uses them as an object lesson - if mere humans inspire such loyalty, how much more should God's people obey Him? Faithfulness across generations glorifies God.