Jeremiah 6:18
Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֖ן
H3651
לָכֵ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שִׁמְע֣וּ
Therefore hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֣וּ
Therefore hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
ye nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֑ם
ye nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
3 of 8
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
וּדְעִ֥י
and know
H3045
וּדְעִ֥י
and know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עֵדָ֖ה
O congregation
H5712
עֵדָ֖ה
O congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
5 of 8
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The surrounding nations watched Judah's fall with a mixture of fear and vindication. Babylon's conquest became legendary, demonstrating that even covenant relationship with Yahweh did not protect from judgment when faithfulness failed.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God call the nations as witnesses to His judgment of His own people?
- What does this verse teach about God's concern for His reputation among all peoples?
- How should the church's witness to the world be affected by awareness that nations observe how God deals with His people?
Analysis & Commentary
God calls the nations (Gentiles) as witnesses to His judgment against Judah. The phrase 'hear, ye nations' and 'know, O congregation, what is among them' summons the world to observe God's righteous judgment. This serves multiple purposes: it vindicates God's justice before all peoples, demonstrates that covenant breaking brings consequences, and warns other nations. The appeal to witnesses reflects Ancient Near Eastern legal practices where treaties required witnesses. Reformed theology sees this as God's concern for His reputation among the nations—His judgment of Israel demonstrates His holiness and justice to all peoples.