Jeremiah 29:25

Jeremiah 29:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah:

King James Version KJV

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

American Standard Version ASV

Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thine own name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Shemaiah the Nehelamite sent a letter in his name to Zephaniah, the son of Maaseiah the priest, saying,

Free Bible Version FBV

that this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: On your own authority you sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah, son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests, saying,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus speaketh the Lord of hostes, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy Name vnto all the people, that are at Ierusalem, and to Zephaniah the sonne of Maaseiah the Priest, and to all the Priests, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Thus said Jehovah of Hosts, God of Israel, saying, Because that thou hast sent in thy name letters unto all the people who [are] in Jerusalem, and unto Zephaniah son of Maaseiah the priest, and unto all the priests, saying,

World English Bible WEB

“The LORD of Armies, the God of Israel, says, ‘Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people who are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name to all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Because thou hast sent letters in thy name to all the people that are in Jerusalem, and to Sophonias the son of Maasias the priest, and to all the priests, saying:

Translation for Translators T4T

This is what the Commander of the armies of angels, the God whom we Israelis worship, says: “You wrote a letter that no one told you to write. You sent it to Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, and you sent copies to the other priests and all the other people here in Jerusalem. This is what you wrote to him:

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 29:25

BAB

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 29:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כֹּֽה אָמַ֞ר יְהוָ֧ה צְבָא֛וֹת אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵ/אמֹ֑ר יַ֡עַן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתָּה֩ שָׁלַ֨חְתָּ בְ/שִׁמְ/כָ֜ה סְפָרִ֗ים אֶל כָּל הָ/עָם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם וְ/אֶל צְפַנְיָ֤ה בֶן מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙ הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן וְ/אֶ֥ל כָּל הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים לֵ/אמֹֽר

כֹּֽה kôh H3541 thus Adv

אָמַ֞ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֧ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צְבָא֛וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יַ֡עַן yaʻan H3282 because Conj

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אַתָּה֩ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron

שָׁלַ֨חְתָּ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-2ms

בְ/שִׁמְ/כָ֜ה shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff

סְפָרִ֗ים çêpher H5612 scroll N-mp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הָ/עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

צְפַנְיָ֤ה Tsᵉphanyâh H6846 Zephaniah N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙ Maʻăsêyâh H4641 Maaseiah N-proper

הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms

וְ/אֶ֥ל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-mp

לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 29:25

כֹּֽה 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.

אָמַ֞ר 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.

יְהוָ֧ה 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.

צְבָא֛וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

לֵ/אמֹ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יַ֡עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Conj

This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.

Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אַתָּה֩ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

שָׁלַ֨חְתָּ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

בְ/שִׁמְ/כָ֜ה shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

סְפָרִ֗ים çêpher H5612 "scroll" N-mp

This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.

Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

הָ/עָם֙ 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.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִַ֔ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | 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.

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

צְפַנְיָ֤ה Tsᵉphanyâh H6846 "Zephaniah" N-proper

Zephaniah was a prophet in the Bible, his name meaning God has treasured, who wrote about God's judgments in the book of Zephaniah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Tahath (H8480H); father of: Uzziah (H5818H); also called Zephaniah at 1Ch.6.36; Another name of u.ri.el (אוּרִיאֵל "Uriel" H0222G) § Zephaniah = "Jehovah has treasured" 1) the 9th in order of the 12 minor prophets; descendant of king Hezekiah of Judah and prophet in the time of king Josiah of Judah 2) son of Maaseiah and second priest in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah; succeeded Jehoiada and an officer of the temple; slain at Riblah on the capture of Jerusalem 3) father of Josiah and Hen in the time of the prophet Zechariah 4) a Levite

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Zephaniah. See also: 2 Kings 25:18; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 21:1.

בֶן 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.

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָה֙ Maʻăsêyâh H4641 "Maaseiah" N-proper

Maaseiah means work of Jehovah, a name given to 16 Israelites, including a descendant of Jeshua in Ezra's time. It symbolizes God's action in their lives. Maaseiah is mentioned in Jeremiah 35:4.

Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.4; son of: Shallum (H7967S) § Maaseiah = "work of Jehovah" 1) a descendant of Jeshua who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 2) a priest of the sons of Harim who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) a priest of the sons of Pashur who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) father of Azariah 6) one who stood on the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people 7) a Levite who assisted when Ezra read the law to the people 8) one of the heads of the people whose descendants signed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a Benjamite ancestor of Sallu 10) a priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 11) another priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 12) father of Zephaniah the prophet in the reign of Zedekiah 13) father of Zedekiah the false prophet in the time of Jeremiah 14) a Levite of the 2nd rank who David appointed to sound with psalteries on Alamoth 15) son of Adaiah and one of the captains of hundreds in the reign of king Joash of Judah 16) an officer of high rank in the reign of king Uzziah 17) son of king Ahaz of Judah who was killed by Zichri in the invasion of Judah by king Pekah of Israel 18) governor of Jerusalem in the reign of Josiah 19) son of Shallum and a Levite of high rand in the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah 20) ancestor of Baruch and Seraiah and a priest

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maaseiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; Nehemiah 8:4; Jeremiah 21:1.

הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms

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.

וְ/אֶ֥ל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-mp

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.

לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Study Notes — Jeremiah 29:25

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Context
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Jeremiah 29:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 29:25
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:25
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 29:25
Sermons on Jeremiah 29:25

Context — The Message to Shemaiah

23For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.” 24You are to tell Shemaiah the Nehelamite that

25this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah:

26‘The LORD has appointed you priest in place of Jehoiada, to be the chief officer in the house of the LORD, responsible for any madman who acts like a prophet—you must put him in stocks and neck irons. 27So now, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth, who poses as a prophet among you?

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 37:3	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!”
2	Jeremiah 29:29	(Zephaniah the priest, however, had read this letter to Jeremiah the prophet.)
3	Jeremiah 52:24	The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.
4	1 Kings 21:8–13	Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them. They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.
5	Ezra 4:7–16	And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, and the rest of the peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and elsewhere west of the Euphrates. (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.
6	2 Kings 25:18–21	The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers. Of those still in the city, he took a court official who had been appointed over the men of war, as well as five royal advisors. He also took the scribe of the captain of the army, who had enlisted the people of the land, and sixty men who were found in the city. Nebuzaradan captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. There at Riblah in the land of Hamath, the king of Babylon struck them down and put them to death. So Judah was taken into exile, away from its own land.
7	Nehemiah 6:19	Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.
8	Jeremiah 21:1–2	This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur son of Malchijah and the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah. They said, “Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”
9	Nehemiah 6:5	The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter
10	2 Kings 19:14	So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:25 Summary

[This verse is about a man named Shemaiah who was sending letters to the people of Jerusalem, including a priest named Zephaniah, and God is addressing him because he was speaking lies in God's name, which is similar to the warning in Jeremiah 23:30-32. God is holding Shemaiah accountable for his actions, which is in line with the principle that we will be judged for every word we speak, as seen in Matthew 12:36-37. We can learn from this verse to be careful with our words and actions, and to make sure we are speaking and acting in God's name, not our own, as seen in Colossians 3:17. By doing so, we can build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down or speaking lies, as seen in Ephesians 4:29.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shemaiah the Nehelamite and why is he being addressed by God?

Shemaiah the Nehelamite is a false prophet who has been sending letters to the people of Jerusalem, including the priest Zephaniah, and God is addressing him because of his actions, as seen in Jeremiah 29:24 and Jeremiah 29:25. Shemaiah's actions are similar to those condemned in Deuteronomy 18:20, where God warns against false prophets.

What is the significance of Zephaniah son of Maaseiah in this verse?

Zephaniah son of Maaseiah is a priest who has been appointed by God, as stated in Jeremiah 29:25, and he has a role in the house of the LORD, which is similar to the role of priests in the Old Testament, such as those mentioned in Exodus 28:1 and Numbers 3:10.

Why is God speaking to Shemaiah about his letters to Zephaniah and the people of Jerusalem?

God is speaking to Shemaiah because he has been speaking lies in God's name, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:23, and God is holding him accountable for his actions, which is in line with the warning in Jeremiah 23:30-32 against prophets who speak falsely in God's name.

How does this verse relate to the rest of Jeremiah 29?

This verse is part of a larger section in Jeremiah 29 where God is addressing the false prophets and their actions, including Shemaiah, and warning them of the consequences of speaking lies in His name, as seen in Jeremiah 29:21-23 and Jeremiah 29:31-32, which is similar to the warnings in Isaiah 44:25 and Ezekiel 13:9.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be speaking or acting in my own name, rather than in God's name, and how can I align my actions with God's will, as seen in Romans 12:2?
How can I discern when someone is speaking lies in God's name, and what is my responsibility to speak truth and correct false teachings, as seen in 1 Timothy 4:1 and 2 Timothy 4:2-4?
What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to take control or act in my own strength, rather than relying on God's power and guidance, and how can I surrender those areas to Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31?
How can I use my words and actions to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down or speaking lies, as seen in Ephesians 4:29 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:25

Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying,.... [See comments on Jeremiah 29:4]; because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that [are] at Jerusalem; not in the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 29:25

Thus shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying, A second communication which Jeremiah sent to Babylon after the messengers who carried his first letter had brought a letter from the

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:25

Jeremiah 29:25 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that [are] at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,Ver. 25. Because thou hast sent letters in thy name.] Such as Sadoletus, a Popish bishop, sent to Geneva in Calvin’ s absence, to bring them back again to the obedience of the see of Rome; and as we have many from the Romish factors sent hither, to the seducing of not a few, a subtle and shrewd way of deceiving the simple. And to Zephaniah.] The second under the high priest Seraiah, and successor likely to that Pashur who was deposed for some misdemeanour, like as Dr Weston was here in Queen Mary’ s days, put by all his Church dignities for being taken in bed with a harlot. Of this Zephaniah, see 2 Kings 25:18, his office was to judge of prophecies, and to punish such as he found to be false prophets. And to all the priests.] Who were much too forward of themselves to bandy against God’ s true prophets, and did as little need by letter to be excited thereunto, as Bishop Bonner did to be stirred up to persecute Protestants; and yet to him were letters sent from King Philip and Queen Mary, complaining that heretics were not so reformed as they should be, and exhorting him to more diligence, &c. Acts and Mon. Clarke’ s Martyrol., 136.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:25

(25) Because thou hast sent letters in thy name . . .—The letters were probably sent through the envoys named in Jeremiah 29:3 on their return from Babylon. Their object was to urge Zephaniah, who appears in 2 Kings 25:18 as the Sagan, or second priest, to exercise his authority to restrain Jeremiah from prophesying, and to punish him as a false prophet. It was an attempt to turn the tables on him for the manner in which he had thwarted the plans of the party of revolt at Babylon. The part taken by Zephaniah in acting for the king when he wished to consult Jeremiah (Jeremiah 21:1), and imploring his intercession (Jeremiah 37:3), makes it probable that he endeavoured to maintain a neutral Gamaliel-like position between the two parties, and had seemed so lukewarm and temporising that he was open to the influence of threats. On the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan he was taken prisoner and slain (Jeremiah 52:24-27).

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 29:25

25. in thine own name] not, as Jeremiah spoke, in the name of the Lord. unto all the people that are at Jerusalem] LXX rightly omit. Zephaniah] See on Jeremiah 21:1 (which however belongs to a somewhat later time than this). In ch. Jeremiah 52:24 = 2 Kings 25:18 he is called “second priest,” i.e. next in rank to the high-priest. and to all the priests] LXX rightly omit.

Sermons on Jeremiah 29:25

	Sermon	Description
	A Letter From the Devil by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his father's struggles and how the devil tried to tempt him with thoughts of financial success. The preacher emphasizes t
	Two Letters - Two Replies - Two Results by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a stag who was ashamed of his scrawny legs but had impressive antlers. The stag's pride and flattery led to his downfall when he go
	Hezekiah's Prayer by Bill Barratt	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and protection in the face of attacks from the enemy. He warns against believing the lies of the de
	And Hezekiah Spread It Before the Lord. by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the unwavering faith of King Hezekiah and the prophet during a time of crisis in Jerusalem, where they turned to God as their only ally against overwhelming o
	Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled