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Jeremiah 19:1

Jeremiah 19:1 in Multiple Translations

This is what the LORD says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests,

Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;

Thus said Jehovah, Go, and buy a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests;

This is what the Lord has said: Go and get for money a potter's bottle made of earth, and take with you some of the responsible men of the people and of the priests;

This is what the Lord says: Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests with you,

Thus sayth the Lord, Goe, and buy an earthen bottel of a potter, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the Priests,

Thus said Jehovah, 'Go, and thou hast got a potter's earthen vessel, and of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests,

Thus said the LORD, “Go, and buy a potter’s earthen container, and take some of the elders of the people and of the elders of the priests;

Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;

Thus saith the Lord: Go, and take a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests:

This is another message that Yahweh gave to me: “Go and buy a clay jar from a man who makes them. Then take with you some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 19:1

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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 19:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כֹּ֚ה אָמַ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה הָל֛וֹךְ וְ/קָנִ֥יתָ בַקְבֻּ֖ק יוֹצֵ֣ר חָ֑רֶשׂ וּ/מִ/זִּקְנֵ֣י הָ/עָ֔ם וּ/מִ/זִּקְנֵ֖י הַ/כֹּהֲנִֽים
כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 thus Adv
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
הָל֛וֹךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal-Ptc
וְ/קָנִ֥יתָ qânâh H7069 to buy Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בַקְבֻּ֖ק baqbuq H1228 flask N-ms
יוֹצֵ֣ר yâtsar H3335 to form V-Qal
חָ֑רֶשׂ cheres H2789 earthenware N-ms
וּ/מִ/זִּקְנֵ֣י zâqên H2205 old Conj | Prep | Adj
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
וּ/מִ/זִּקְנֵ֖י zâqên H2205 old Conj | Prep | Adj
הַ/כֹּהֲנִֽים kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 19:1

כֹּ֚ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַ֣ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הָל֛וֹךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal-Ptc
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/קָנִ֥יתָ qânâh H7069 "to buy" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This verb means to buy or acquire something, and is used to describe God's redemption of His people. It emphasizes ownership and possession, as seen in the stories of God's creation and redemption.
Definition: 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess Aramaic equivalent: qe.na (קְנָא "to buy" H7066)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: attain, buy(-er), teach to keep cattle, get, provoke to jealousy, possess(-or), purchase, recover, redeem, [idiom] surely, [idiom] verily. See also: Genesis 4:1; 2 Chronicles 34:11; Psalms 74:2.
בַקְבֻּ֖ק baqbuq H1228 "flask" N-ms
A flask or bottle is a container for holding liquids, often made of clay or leather. In the Bible, it is used to carry oil, wine, or water, as seen in the stories of Jesus and the disciples.
Definition: flask, bottle
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: bottle, cruse. See also: 1 Kings 14:3; Jeremiah 19:1; Jeremiah 19:10.
יוֹצֵ֣ר yâtsar H3335 "to form" V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to form or shape something, like a potter molding clay. It appears in Genesis 2:7, describing God's creation of humans, and in Isaiah 64:8, where God is compared to a potter.
Definition: : formed 1) to form, fashion, frame 1a) (Qal) to form, fashion 1a1) of human activity 1a2) of divine activity 1a2a) of creation 1a2a1) of original creation 1a2a2) of individuals at conception 1a2a3) of Israel as a people 1a2b) to frame, pre-ordain, plan (fig. of divine) purpose of a situation) 1b) (Niphal) to be formed, be created 1c) (Pual) to be predetermined, be pre-ordained 1d) (Hophal) to be formed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] earthen, fashion, form, frame, make(-r), potter, purpose. See also: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 44:12; Psalms 2:9.
חָ֑רֶשׂ cheres H2789 "earthenware" N-ms
This term refers to earthenware or clay pottery, including shards or broken pieces. It is used to describe everyday objects in ancient Israel. The KJV translates it as 'earth' or 'sherd'.
Definition: earthenware, clay pottery, shard, potsherd, earthen vessel
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earth(-en), (pot-) sherd, [phrase] stone. See also: Leviticus 6:21; Psalms 22:16; Proverbs 26:23.
וּ/מִ/זִּקְנֵ֣י zâqên H2205 "old" Conj | Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
הָ/עָ֔ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וּ/מִ/זִּקְנֵ֖י zâqên H2205 "old" Conj | Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִֽים kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 19:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezekiel 8:11–12 Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’”
2 Isaiah 30:14 It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.”
3 Lamentations 4:2 How the precious sons of Zion, once worth their weight in pure gold, are now esteemed as jars of clay, the work of a potter’s hands!
4 Numbers 11:16 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you.
5 Jeremiah 18:2–4 “Go down at once to the potter’s house, and there I will reveal My message to you.” So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. But the vessel that he was shaping from the clay became flawed in his hand; so he formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best for him to do.
6 2 Kings 19:2 And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz
7 Jeremiah 19:10–11 Then you are to shatter the jar in the presence of the men who accompany you, and you are to proclaim to them that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I will shatter this nation and this city, like one shatters a potter’s jar that can never again be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room to bury them.
8 1 Chronicles 24:4–6 Since more leaders were found among Eleazar’s descendants than those of Ithamar, they were divided accordingly. There were sixteen heads of families from the descendants of Eleazar and eight from the descendants of Ithamar. Thus they were divided by lot, for there were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God among both Eleazar’s and Ithamar’s descendants. The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.
9 2 Corinthians 4:7 Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.
10 Matthew 26:3 At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,

Jeremiah 19:1 Summary

In Jeremiah 19:1, God tells Jeremiah to buy a clay jar from a potter and take some leaders with him. This is the beginning of an object lesson that God wants Jeremiah to share with the people of Jerusalem. Just like the clay jar can be broken, Jerusalem will be broken because of its sin, as seen in Jeremiah 19:10-11. This reminds us that our actions have consequences, and that God wants us to turn away from sin and follow Him, as seen in Ezekiel 18:30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God instruct Jeremiah to buy a clay jar from a potter?

God instructed Jeremiah to buy a clay jar to use as an object lesson to illustrate the fragility and breakability of Jerusalem, just like the jar, as seen in Jeremiah 19:10-11. This was a visual representation of the judgment that was to come upon the city.

What is the significance of taking some of the elders of the people and leaders of the priests with Jeremiah?

The presence of the elders and leaders of the priests added gravity and importance to the task, and also served as witnesses to the proclamation that Jeremiah was about to make, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:15. Their involvement emphasized the seriousness of the message.

What can we learn from God's specific instructions to Jeremiah in this verse?

We can learn about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem unusual or difficult, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22. God's instructions to Jeremiah demonstrate His desire to communicate with His people in a way that is clear and understandable, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

How does this verse relate to the larger context of Jeremiah's ministry?

This verse is part of a larger narrative in which Jeremiah is called to proclaim God's judgment on Jerusalem, as seen in Jeremiah 1:10. The actions described in this verse are a specific example of Jeremiah's obedience to God's commands and his role as a prophet to the nation of Judah, as seen in Isaiah 6:8-9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I can be more obedient to God's commands in my own life, even when they seem difficult or unusual?
  2. How can I use everyday objects or experiences to illustrate spiritual truths to others, as Jeremiah used the clay jar?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to be broken or reshaped, like the clay jar, in order to be more conformed to the image of Christ?
  4. How can I be a witness to the proclamation of God's message, like the elders and leaders of the priests, in my own community or sphere of influence?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 19:1

Thus saith the Lord, go and get a potter's earthen bottle,.... From the potter's house, where he had lately been; and where he had been shown, in an emblematic way, what God would do in a short time

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 19:1

Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests; Referred, by Maurer, etc., to the beginning of Zedekiah's reign.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 19:1

CHAPTER 19 Under the type of breaking a potter’ s vessel is foreshown the desolation of the Jews for their sins committed in the valley of Hinnom and elsewhere. Critics dispute the figure and fashion of this bottle; ( see the English Annotations, and Mr. Pool’ s Latin Synopsis;) but that is not much material, for God’ s design was only to show the fragility of this people, how easily he could break them, and how certainly he would break them in pieces. For the more public notice of this typical action, Jeremiah is commanded to take for witnesses some of the gravest of the people and of the priests; whether they were members of the Sanhedrim (which was made up of these two sorts) or not, the Scripture saith not.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 19:1

Jeremiah 19:1 Thus saith the LORD, Go and get a potter’ s earthen bottle, and [take] of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;Ver. 1. Thus saith the Lord.] By the former type of a potter and his vessel, God had showed the Jews what he could do to them - viz., break them at his pleasure, and remake them upon their repentance. Here, by a like prophetic paradigm, is set forth what the Lord now will do to them - viz., break them so for their obstinace, as that they should never be repaired, and restored to their ancient lustre and flourish. And this the prophet Jeremiah ( fortissimus ille Dei athleta, as one calleth him) that valiant champion of the Lord, telleth them freely, though he kissed the stocks and was well beaten for his boldness. Where it is worthy our observation, that as the prophet’ s task was more and more increased, so was his strength and courage. Deus gratiam multiplicat onere ingravescente. So it was with Athanasius, Luther, Latimer, Calvin, &c. Go and get a potter’ s earthen bottle.] Called in Hebrew Bakbuk, either from the emptiness and hollowness of it, or else from the guggling sound that it made when it was either filled or emptied. By a like figure it is said of the vulturine eagle, that they do glutglut blood. And take of the ancients.] Of both sorts for witnesses. Onomatopoeia. Jegnalegnudam.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 19:1

XIX. (1) And get a potter’s earthen bottle.—The word for “get” involves buying as the process. The similitude—one might better call it, the parable dramatised—represents the darker side of the imagery of Jer 18:3-4. There the vessel was still on the potter’s wheel, capable of being re-shaped. Now we have the vessel which has been baked and hardened. No change is possible. If it is unfit for the uses for which it was designed, there is nothing left but to break it. As such it became now the fit symbol of the obdurate people of Israel. Their polity, their nationality, their religious system, had to be broken up. The word for “vessel” indicates a large earthen jar with a narrow neck, the “cruse” used for honey in 1 Kings 14:3. Its form, bakbuk, clearly intended to represent the gurgling sound of the water as it was poured out, is interesting as an example of onomatopœia in the history of language. Take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests.—The elders. and therefore the representatives of the civil and ecclesiastical rulers, were to be the witnesses of this acted prophecy of the destruction of all that they held most precious. The word “take” is not in the Hebrew, but either some such verb has to be supplied. or the verb “go” has to be carried on, “Let the ancients . . . go with thee.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 19:1

CHAPTER XIX By the significant type of breaking a potter's vessel, Jeremiah is directed to predict the utter desolation of Judah and Jerusalem, 1-15. The prophets taught frequently by symbolic actions as well as by words. NOTES ON CHAP. XIX Verse 1. Go and get a potter's earthen bottle] This discourse was also delivered some time in the reign of Jehoiakim. Under the type of breaking a potter's earthen bottle or jug, Jeremiah shows his enemies that the word of the Lord should stand, that Jerusalem should be taken and sacked, and they all carried into captivity. Ancients of the priests] The chiefs of the twenty-four classes which David had established. See 1 Chronicles 24:4.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 19:1

1. buy a potter’s earthen bottle] The point in ch. 18 (the potter’s clay) was the power of God to alter the destinies of a people at any moment, just as the potter’s work (Jeremiah 19:4) was made “again another vessel.” The special lesson here is that there may come a time in the history of a nation when its persistent obduracy shall demand that the only alteration in its destiny shall take the form of breaking, destruction. take] The word (supplied in LXX) has fallen accidentally out of the Hebrew text. the elders of the priests] The expression occurs 2 Kings 19:2. They are called “the chiefs of the priests” in 2 Chronicles 36:14.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 19:1

Get (i. e., purchase) a potter’s earthen bottle - The “bottle” was a flask with a long neck, and took its name from the noise made by liquids in running out.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 19:1

THE BROKEN PITCHER AND ITS LESSON, Jeremiah 19:1-13.1. Potter — Literally, shaper of earthenware. Bottle — A jar with a narrow neck, whose Hebrew name — bakkuk — comes from the noise made by liquids in flowing out.

Sermons on Jeremiah 19:1

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe Help Wanted: A Potter by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with God at Bethel. Jacob had run away from his family and was sleeping with a stone as a pillow when he
Charles Finney Love of the World by Charles Finney The preacher delves into the metaphorical use of 'ostrakinos' in the Bible, describing it as fragile or lowly, emphasizing the contrast between the valuable treasure within and the
G.W. North Cleansing Love by G.W. North In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges faced by a man of God, using the example of Moses. He emphasizes that even though Moses was chosen by God and had great power,
Ron Bailey Nahshon by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature
Peter Maiden The Leader and the Cost by Peter Maiden In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and hardships faced by Christian leaders, using the examples of Moses and Paul. He emphasizes that occasional exhaustion and fe
Denny Kenaston Overwhelmed With the Power of the Living God by Denny Kenaston Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of being overwhelmed with the presence of the Holy Spirit, drawing examples from the lives of Moses, Jesus, and early disciples. He emp
Jacob Prasch What the Reformers Forgot by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker discusses how a cult leader manipulated his followers to the point where they were willing to die for him. The leader conducted 13-hour Bible studies ev

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