Jeremiah 23:35
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 23:35
35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 23 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, wisdom, judgment. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 23:35
35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Analysis
Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken? (כֹּה תֹאמְרוּ אִישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵהוּ וְאִישׁ אֶל־אָחִיו מֶה־עָנָה יְהוָה וּמַה־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, koh tom'ru ish el-re'ehu v'ish el-achiv meh-anah YHWH umah-dibber YHWH). God provides alternative language: instead of asking for the מַשָּׂא (massa, 'burden'), ask What has the LORD answered? (מֶה־עָנָה יְהוָה, meh-anah YHWH) and What has the LORD spoken? (מַה־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, mah-dibber YHWH). The verbs עָנָה (anah, 'answer') and דִּבֶּר (dibber, 'speak') restore proper orientation: God as active speaker, humans as recipients.
The linguistic shift is theologically significant. The old terminology made humans subjects ('What is God's burden for us?'), implying entitlement to divine revelation. The new phrasing makes God the subject ('What has God spoken?'), emphasizing divine initiative and human receptivity. This guards against presumptuous demanding of oracles. Similarly, prayer shouldn't demand that God speak but humbly ask if He has spoken. The reformulated questions restore proper Creator-creature dynamics, where revelation is gift, not right.
Historical Context
This verse provides corrective liturgy—teaching God's people how to speak reverently about divine communication. Ancient Israelite religion was deeply verbal, with set formulas for approaching sacred realities. The prescribed language ('What has the LORD answered/spoken?') modeled humble inquiry rather than presumptuous demand. This linguistic discipline aimed to reform corrupted theological culture through rehabilitated speech patterns.
Reflection
- How does your language about God reveal presumption versus humility in seeking His will?
- What difference exists between demanding God speak and asking if He has spoken?
- How might reforming your God-language reform your actual relationship with Him?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord