Jeremiah 44:20
Then Jeremiah said unto all the people, to the men, and to the women, and to all the people which had given him that answer, saying,
Original Language Analysis
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Then Jeremiah
H3414
יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ
Then Jeremiah
Strong's:
H3414
Word #:
2 of 16
jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
and to all the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
and to all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַגְּבָרִ֤ים
to the men
H1397
הַגְּבָרִ֤ים
to the men
Strong's:
H1397
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
and to all the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
and to all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הָעֹנִ֥ים
H6030
הָעֹנִ֥ים
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֹת֛וֹ
H853
אֹת֛וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
This confrontation occurred at a public gathering in Egypt, likely Pathros (v.15), probably around 582-580 BC. Jeremiah, now elderly and nearing the end of his ministry, faces a community that has collectively rejected everything he's preached for 40+ years. Yet he doesn't soften the message to accommodate their hardness.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must truth-speakers persist in declaring God's word even when facing unanimous opposition?
- How does addressing both genders equally emphasize universal accountability before God?
- What gives a prophet courage to stand alone against an entire community's consensus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then Jeremiah said unto all the people (וַיֹּאמֶר יִרְמְיָהוּ אֶל־כָּל־הָעָם)—The prophet addresses the men, and to the women (אֶל־הַגְּבָרִים וְאֶל־הַנָּשִׁים) equally, dismantling their attempt to divide responsibility. All the people which had given him that answer (כָּל־הָעָם הַמְשִׁיבִים אֹתוֹ) indicates this defiant response was collective, not individual dissent.
This verse serves as a transition to Jeremiah's devastating rebuttal (vv.21-23). Rather than being silenced by their united opposition, the prophet confronts the entire community. The structure demonstrates God's word doesn't retreat before human consensus—truth remains authoritative regardless of popular rejection. When the multitude agrees in error, the solitary prophet must still declare divine verdict.