Jeremiah 42:21
And now I have this day declared it to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, nor any thing for the which he hath sent me unto you.
Original Language Analysis
וָאַגִּ֥ד
declared
H5046
וָאַגִּ֥ד
declared
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
הַיּ֑וֹם
And now I have this day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
And now I have this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 12
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שְׁמַעְתֶּ֗ם
it to you but ye have not obeyed
H8085
שְׁמַעְתֶּ֗ם
it to you but ye have not obeyed
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
5 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וּלְכֹ֖ל
H3605
וּלְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
The remnant's disobedience fulfilled Jeremiah's earlier prophecy that the people would refuse to listen (7:27, 25:3-7). Their rejection mirrors Israel's consistent pattern—demanding prophetic word, then rejecting it when it contradicts their will (1 Kings 22:8, Isaiah 30:10, Amos 7:10-17). This final rebellion precipitates the community's last judgment: forced exile to Egypt, dying there by sword and famine (44:12-14).
Questions for Reflection
- What's the accountability difference between ignorance of God's will and knowing but disobeying?
- How do we sometimes seek prophetic/pastoral counsel not for guidance but for validation of predetermined decisions?
- When has God's clear answer to prayer been the opposite of what you hoped—how did you respond?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And now I have this day declared it to you (וַאַגִּד לָכֶם הַיּוֹם)—emphasis on temporal precision: 'this very day' (הַיּוֹם, hayom) eliminates excuse of ignorance. The verb nagad (נָגַד, declare/report) stresses prophetic faithfulness—Jeremiah discharged his duty fully. But ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God (וְלֹא שְׁמַעְתֶּם בְּקוֹל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם)—again 'your God,' emphasizing their covenant responsibility.
Nor any thing for the which He hath sent me unto you (וּלְכֹל אֲשֶׁר שְׁלָחַנִי אֲלֵיכֶם)—comprehensive disobedience, rejecting not peripheral details but core divine command (stay in the land, vv. 10-12). The phrase 'sent me' (shelachani, שְׁלָחַנִי) grounds Jeremiah's authority in prophetic commission. Deuteronomy 18:18-19 warned: whoever doesn't listen to God's prophet will be held accountable. They face not mere political miscalculation but covenant rebellion.