Jeremiah 1:3

Jeremiah 1:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and through the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

King James Version KJV

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

American Standard Version ASV

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And it came again in the days of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, up to the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah; till Jerusalem was taken away in the fifth month.

Free Bible Version FBV

and on through the time of Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, king of Judah, up to the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, son of Josiah, king of Judah, which was when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And also in the dayes of Iehoiakim the sonne of Iosiah King of Iudah vnto the ende of the eleuenth yeere of Zedekiah, the sonne of Iosiah King of Iudah, euen vnto the carying away of Ierusalem captiue in the fift moneth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and it is in the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, till the completion of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah, king of Judah, till the removal of Jerusalem in the fifth month.

World English Bible WEB

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And which came to him in the days of Joakim the son of Josias king of Juda, unto the end of the eleventh year of Sedecias the son of Josias king of Juda, even unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive, in the fifth month.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh continued to give me more messages when Josiah’s son Jehoiakim was the king, and he continued to do that until Zedekiah had been the king of Judah for almost eleven years. It was in August of that year that the people of Jerusalem were ◄exiled/taken as prisoners► to Babylonia.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 1:3

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 1:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִ֗י בִּ/ימֵ֨י יְהוֹיָקִ֤ים בֶּן יֹאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ יְהוּדָ֔ה עַד תֹּם֙ עַשְׁתֵּ֣י עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה שָׁנָ֔ה לְ/צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ בֶן יֹאשִׁיָּ֖הוּ מֶ֣לֶךְ יְהוּדָ֑ה עַד גְּל֥וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם בַּ/חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ/חֲמִישִֽׁי

וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בִּ/ימֵ֨י yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-mp

יְהוֹיָקִ֤ים Yᵉhôwyâqîym H3079 Jehoiakim N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

יֹאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ֙ Yôʼshîyâh H2977 Josiah N-proper

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

תֹּם֙ tâmam H8552 to finish V-Qal-Inf-a

עַשְׁתֵּ֣י ʻashtêy H6249 eleven Adj

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj

שָׁנָ֔ה shâneh H8141 year N-fs

לְ/צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 Zedekiah Prep | N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

יֹאשִׁיָּ֖הוּ Yôʼshîyâh H2977 Josiah N-proper

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

יְהוּדָ֑ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

גְּל֥וֹת gâlâh H1540 to reveal V-Qal-Inf-a

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

בַּ/חֹ֥דֶשׁ chôdesh H2320 month Prep | N-ms

הַ/חֲמִישִֽׁי chămîyshîy H2549 fifth Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 1:3

וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

בִּ/ימֵ֨י yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יְהוֹיָקִ֤ים Yᵉhôwyâqîym H3079 "Jehoiakim" N-proper

Jehoiakim means Jehovah raises up, and was a king of Judah, son of Josiah, who is mentioned in 2 Kings 23:34 and Jeremiah 27:1.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.23.34; son of: Josiah (H2977) and Zebidah (H2080); half-brother of: Jehoahaz (H3059H), Zedekiah (H6667H) and Shallum (H7967J); married to Nehushta (H5179); father of: Jehoiachin (H3078); also called Zedekiah at Jer.27.1; Eliakim at 2Ki.23.34; 1x Also named: el.ya.qim (אֶלְיָקִים "Eliakim" H0471I) § Jehoiakim = "Jehovah raises up" son of Josiah and the third from the last king of Judah; subject vassel of Nebuchadnezzar who reigned for 11 years before he died a violent death either in combat or by the hands of his own subjects

Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Jehoiakim. Compare H3113 (יוֹיָקִים). See also: 2 Kings 23:34; Jeremiah 26:21; Jeremiah 1:3.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יֹאשִׁיָּ֨הוּ֙ Yôʼshîyâh H2977 "Josiah" N-proper

Josiah means 'whom Jehovah heals' and was a king of Judah who led great revivals to worship God, as seen in 2 Kings 22-23. He reigned for 31 years and was the son of Amon. Josiah is also the name of another Israelite mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Zec.6.10; son of: Zephaniah (H6846I); also called Hen at Zec.6.14; Also named: chen (חֵן "Hen" H2581) § Josiah = "whom Jehovah heals" 1) son of Amon by Jedidah who succeeded his father to the throne of Judah and reigned for 31 years; his reign is noteworthy for the great revivals back to the worship of Jehovah which he led 2) a returned exile and son of Zephaniah at whose house took place the solemn and symbolical crowning of Joshua the high priest in the time of Zechariah the prophet

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Josiah. See also: 1 Kings 13:2; 2 Chronicles 35:22; Jeremiah 1:2.

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

תֹּם֙ tâmam H8552 "to finish" V-Qal-Inf-a

To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.

Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly

Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.

עַשְׁתֵּ֣י ʻashtêy H6249 "eleven" Adj

This Hebrew word means the number eleven, like one more than ten. It is used in the Bible to count things, such as eleven of something.

Definition: 1) one, eleven, eleventh 1a) one as combined with ten ( a.sar (עָשָׂר "ten" H6240))

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] eleven(-th). See also: Exodus 26:7; 1 Chronicles 24:12; Jeremiah 1:3.

עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj

In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.

Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.

שָׁנָ֔ה shâneh H8141 "year" N-fs

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

לְ/צִדְקִיָּ֥הוּ Tsidqîyâh H6667 "Zedekiah" Prep | N-proper

Zedekiah means Jehovah is righteous, the name of six Israelites including the last king of Judah, as seen in Jeremiah 36:12. He was renamed by Nebuchadnezzar and son of Josiah. Zedekiah was a significant figure in the Divided Monarchy period.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.36.12; son of: Hananiah (H2608M) § Zedekiah = "Jehovah is righteous" 1) the last king of Judah renamed from 'Mattaniah' by Nebuchadnezzar; son of Josiah by wife Hamutal; placed on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar when he carried his nephew Jehoiakim in captivity 2) false prophet at the court of king Ahab of the northern kingdom of Israel 3) son of Maaseiah, a false prophet in Babylon 4) son of Hananiah, one of the princes of Judah in the time of Jeremiah 5) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 6) son of king Jehoiakim of Judah

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Zedekiah, Zidkijah. See also: 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 34:6; Jeremiah 1:3.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

יֹאשִׁיָּ֖הוּ Yôʼshîyâh H2977 "Josiah" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Josiah. See also: 1 Kings 13:2; 2 Chronicles 35:22; Jeremiah 1:2.

מֶ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

יְהוּדָ֑ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

גְּל֥וֹת gâlâh H1540 "to reveal" V-Qal-Inf-a

This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.

Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself

Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

בַּ/חֹ֥דֶשׁ chôdesh H2320 "month" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.

Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month

Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.

הַ/חֲמִישִֽׁי chămîyshîy H2549 "fifth" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means fifth, referring to something in the fifth position. It appears in Exodus 20:12, where honoring parents is the fifth commandment. This word is used to show order and sequence.

Definition: ordinal number, 5th

Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: fifth (part). See also: Genesis 1:23; 1 Chronicles 2:14; Jeremiah 1:3.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 1:3

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 1:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 1:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 1:3
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 1:3
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3
Sermons on Jeremiah 1:3

Context — The Call of Jeremiah

1These are the words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, one of the priests in Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. 2The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah,

3and through the days of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, until the fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah, when the people of Jerusalem went into exile.

4The word of the LORD came to me, saying: 5“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 39:2	And on the ninth day of the fourth month of Zedekiah’s eleventh year, the city was breached.
2	2 Chronicles 36:5–8	Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God. Then Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jehoiakim and bound him with bronze shackles to take him to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar also took to Babylon some of the articles from the house of the LORD, and he put them in his temple in Babylon. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, the abominations he committed, and all that was found against him, they are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place.
3	2 Kings 23:34	Then Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt, where he died.
4	Zechariah 7:5	“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?
5	Jeremiah 37:1–21	Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made Zedekiah son of Josiah the king of Judah, and he reigned in place of Coniah son of Jehoiakim. But he and his officers and the people of the land refused to obey the words that the LORD had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. Yet King Zedekiah sent Jehucal son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, to Jeremiah the prophet with the message, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us!” Now Jeremiah was free to come and go among the people, for they had not yet put him in prison. Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. Then the Chaldeans will return and fight against this city. They will capture it and burn it down. This is what the LORD says: Do not deceive yourselves by saying, ‘The Chaldeans will go away for good,’ for they will not! Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.” When the Chaldean army withdrew from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army, Jeremiah started to leave Jerusalem to go to the land of Benjamin to claim his portion there among the people. But when he reached the Gate of Benjamin, the captain of the guard, whose name was Irijah son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah, seized him and said, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans!” “That is a lie,” Jeremiah replied. “I am not deserting to the Chaldeans!” But Irijah would not listen to him; instead, he arrested Jeremiah and took him to the officials. The officials were angry with Jeremiah, and they beat him and placed him in jail in the house of Jonathan the scribe, for it had been made into a prison. So Jeremiah went into a cell in the dungeon and remained there a long time. Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” Then Jeremiah asked King Zedekiah, “How have I sinned against you or your servants or these people, that you have put me in prison? Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, claiming, ‘The king of Babylon will not come against you or this land’? But now please listen, O my lord the king. May my petition come before you. Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the scribe, or I will die there.” So King Zedekiah gave orders for Jeremiah to be placed in the courtyard of the guard and given a loaf of bread daily from the street of the bakers, until all the bread in the city was gone. So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the guard.
6	Jeremiah 26:1–24	At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came from the LORD: “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and turn—each from his evil way of life—so that I may relent of the disaster I am planning to bring upon them because of the evil of their deeds. And you are to tell them that this is what the LORD says: ‘If you do not listen to Me and walk in My law, which I have set before you, and if you do not listen to the words of My servants the prophets, whom I have sent you again and again even though you did not listen, then I will make this house like Shiloh, and I will make this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’” Now the priests and prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the LORD, and as soon as he had finished telling all the people everything the LORD had commanded him to say, the priests and prophets and all the people seized him, shouting, “You must surely die! How dare you prophesy in the name of the LORD that this house will become like Shiloh and this city will be desolate and deserted!” And all the people assembled against Jeremiah in the house of the LORD. When the officials of Judah heard these things, they went up from the king’s palace to the house of the LORD and sat there at the entrance of the New Gate. Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!” But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you. As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right. But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves, upon this city, and upon its residents; for truly the LORD has sent me to speak all these words in your hearing.” Then the officials and all the people told the priests and prophets, “This man is not worthy of death, for he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God!” Some of the elders of the land stood up and said to the whole assembly of the people, “Micah the Moreshite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah and told all the people of Judah that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge.’ Did Hezekiah king of Judah or anyone else in Judah put him to death? Did Hezekiah not fear the LORD and seek His favor, and did not the LORD relent of the disaster He had pronounced against them? But we are about to bring great harm on ourselves!” Now there was another man prophesying in the name of the LORD, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land the same things that Jeremiah did. King Jehoiakim and all his mighty men and officials heard his words, and the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah found out about it, he fled in fear and went to Egypt. Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor along with some other men. They brought Uriah out of Egypt and took him to King Jehoiakim, who had him put to the sword and his body thrown into the burial place of the common people. Nevertheless, Ahikam son of Shaphan supported Jeremiah, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
7	2 Kings 24:1–9	During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded. So Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years, until he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. And the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim in order to destroy Judah, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servants the prophets. Surely this happened to Judah at the LORD’s command, to remove them from His presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all that he had done, and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? And Jehoiakim rested with his fathers, and his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place. Now the king of Egypt did not march out of his land again, because the king of Babylon had taken all his territory, from the Brook of Egypt to the Euphrates River. Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan; she was from Jerusalem. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his father had done.
8	2 Chronicles 36:11–21	Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke for the LORD. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. But Zedekiah stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, who carried off everything to Babylon—all the articles of the house of God, both large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king and his officials. Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD through Jeremiah.
9	2 Kings 24:17–30	Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place and changed his name to Zedekiah. Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. And Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as Jehoiakim had done. For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.
10	Zechariah 8:19	“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: The fasts of the fourth, the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth months will become times of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore you are to love both truth and peace.”

Jeremiah 1:3 Summary

Jeremiah 1:3 describes a time period in which the prophet Jeremiah lived and ministered, from the reign of King Josiah to the exile of the people of Jerusalem. This verse provides the historical context for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, which was marked by God's call on his life, as seen in Jeremiah 1:5 (Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations). Just as God had a plan for Jeremiah's life, He also has a plan for our lives, and we can trust Him to guide and direct us, even in uncertain or challenging circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 29:11). By studying Jeremiah 1:3, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and His faithfulness to His people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time period is being described in Jeremiah 1:3?

The time period described in Jeremiah 1:3 spans from the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign, through the reign of Jehoiakim, and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah's reign, as seen in Jeremiah 1:2-3 and 2 Kings 22:1-25:7.

Why is it significant that the people of Jerusalem went into exile in Jeremiah 1:3?

The exile of the people of Jerusalem, as mentioned in Jeremiah 1:3, is a fulfillment of God's judgment on the nation of Judah for their idolatry and disobedience, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:63-68 and Leviticus 26:33.

How does Jeremiah 1:3 relate to the call of Jeremiah as a prophet?

Jeremiah 1:3 provides the historical context for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, which began in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign, as stated in Jeremiah 1:2, and continued through the reigns of subsequent kings, as seen in Jeremiah 1:3 and 25:3.

What can we learn about God's sovereignty from Jeremiah 1:3?

Jeremiah 1:3 demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations, as He orchestrates the rise and fall of kingdoms, including the kingdom of Judah, as seen in Daniel 2:21 and Isaiah 46:10.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which God's sovereignty is evident in my own life, and how can I trust Him more fully with my circumstances?
How can I, like Jeremiah, remain faithful to God's call on my life, even in the face of challenging circumstances or opposition?
What are some ways in which I can be a witness for God in a world that often rejects Him, and how can I be faithful to share His message with others?
In what ways can I, like the people of Jerusalem, be in danger of spiritual exile or separation from God, and how can I guard my heart against this?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 1:3

And it came also in the days of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah king of Judah,.... In the beginning of his reign, and in the fourth year of his reign; see Jeremiah 25:1, no mention is made of Jehoahaz,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 1:3

To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. Jehoiakim ... Josiah ... Zedekiah.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3

It, viz. the word of the Lord, as , came also in the days of Jehoiakim; called at first by Josiah, Eliakim, . Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin, whereof the former reigned before him, , the latter succeeded, , are conceived not to be mentioned, because they reigned but each of them three months, and therefore not considerable, the Scripture often taking little notice of a small time, as of six months: compare , with : see . Zedekiah; of whom read ,16. Unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive, i.e. the inhabitants of Jerusalem, namely, under Zedekiah, , during all which time, things standing in that state and condition, Jeremiah prophesied. This doth not terminate the time of his prophecies, for he prophesied also both in Judea, and in Egypt afterwards; but only relates to what he prophesied while the city and temple were standing, the rest seeming rather to be added as a supplement, than to be reduced unto this general title of his prophecies. In the fifth month, viz. of that present year; for though the year end not at the fifth month, yet it might end the year of Zedekiah’ s reign, because he might begin his reign at the fifth month of the year.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3

Jeremiah 1:3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.Ver. 3. It came also in the days of Jehoiakim.] Called at first Eliakim by his good father Josiah, from whom he degenerated, cutting Jeremiah’ s roll with a penknife and burning it, at which his father’ s heart would have melted. Unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah.] Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim are not mentioned, because their reign was so short, hardly half a year. By this computation it appeareth that Jeremiah prophesied forty years at least. And the Holy Ghost setteth a special mark (as a reverend writer hath well observed) upon those forty years of his prophesying, where, when the Lord summeth up the years that were between the falling away of the ten tribes and the burning of the temple, three hundred and ninety in all, and counteth them by the prophet’ s lying so many days upon his left side, he bids him to lie forty days upon his right side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days, a day for a year. Not to signify that it was forty years above three hundred and ninety between the revolt of the ten tribes and the captivity of Judah (for it was but three hundred and ninety exactly in all), but because he would set and mark out Judah’ s singular iniquity by a singular mark; for that they had forty years so pregnant instructions and admonitions by so eminent a prophet, and yet were impenitent to their own destruction. Unto the carrying away of Jerusalem.] He thought, belike, when he prefixed this title, that he should have prophesied no more, when once Jerusalem was carried captive; but it proved otherwise, for he prophesied after that in Egypt; yet not forty years also after the captivity, as the Jews have fabled. Nor is it so certain that for that prophecy he was slain by Pharaohophra (whom Herodotus calleth Apryes, and saith he was a very proud prince), as some have reported. Lightfoot’ s Harmony: Chron. of Old Test. Lib. ii. in fine.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3

(3) It came also . . .—The short reigns of Jehoahaz (three months) and Jehoiachin or Jeconiah (three months also) are passed over, and mention made of the more conspicuous reigns of Jehoiakim (eleven years) and Zedekiah (also eleven). Assuming Jeremiah to have been about twenty when the prophetic call came to him, he was sixty or sixty-one at the time of the captivity.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 1:3

3. in the fifth month] See ch. Jeremiah 52:12 ff. The city had been captured in the preceding month (2 Kings 25:4; 2 Kings 25:8-10).

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 1:3

The whole period contained in this verse is no less than 40 years and 6 months, namely, 18 years under Josiah, two periods of 11 years each under Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, and 3 months under each of

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 1:3

2, 3. To whom the word of the Lord came — To whom the spirit of prophecy was imparted. In the days of Josiah — The sixteenth king of Judah after the separation from it of the kingdom of Israel.

Sermons on Jeremiah 1:3

	Sermon	Description
	God or Self, Which? by Charles Spurgeon by C.H. Spurgeon	This sermon by C. H. Spurgeon delves into the theme of serving God wholeheartedly versus serving oneself, using the text from Zechariah chapter 7. It highlights the importance of g
	A Theology of Fasting by Tim Conway	This sermon delves into the importance of fasting as an act of worship and seeking the Lord with a desperate heart. It emphasizes that fasting should be done with the right motives
	3 Characteristics of a Sacred Assembly by Shane Idleman	Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of a Sacred Assembly, highlighting three key characteristics: the necessity of fasting to prepare the heart, the importance of gathering i
	Questions/answers on Fasting by James Blaine Chapman	James Blaine Chapman discusses the practice of fasting, emphasizing the importance of considering one's health and personal circumstances when deciding to fast. He distinguishes be
	Jeremiah 37-39 by Ken Baird	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sad lesson of the children of Israel being exiled from their land and the judgment of God taking effect. The speaker emphasizes the deep
	Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson	Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.1 & 2 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Zechariah and highlights the importance of understanding God's sovereignty and His commitment to building His church. The preach