Jeremiah 44:16
As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
הַדָּבָ֛ר
As for the word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֛ר
As for the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבַּ֥רְתָּ
that thou hast spoken
H1696
דִּבַּ֥רְתָּ
that thou hast spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
unto us in the name
H8034
בְּשֵׁ֣ם
unto us in the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 9
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵינֶ֥נּוּ
H369
Historical Context
By 585 BC, Jeremiah had prophesied for over 40 years with consistent vindication—Jerusalem fell exactly as he warned. Yet even this prophetic credibility cannot penetrate hardened hearts. This represents the final stage of apostasy where evidence becomes irrelevant, truth is rejected regardless of its source or verification.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it reveal about the human heart that validated truth can still be consciously rejected?
- How does pragmatism ('what works') replace theology ('what's true') in modern religious thought?
- At what point does persistent rejection of God's word render a person or community beyond persuasion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
We will not hearken unto thee (אֵינֶנּוּ שֹׁמְעִים אֵלֶיךָ)—The Hebrew construction is emphatic: "Not at all are we listening to you." This absolute rejection of the word that thou hast spoken...in the name of the LORD (הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־דִּבַּרְתָּ אֵלֵינוּ בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה) constitutes not merely disrespect for the prophet but direct rebellion against Yahweh Himself.
The people explicitly acknowledge Jeremiah speaks in God's name yet refuse obedience—the most brazen form of apostasy. This isn't ignorance or confusion; it's informed, willful rejection. They know the word's source and consciously choose idolatry over covenantal faithfulness. Their theology has collapsed into pure pragmatism: 'We tried your God; the Queen of Heaven works better.'