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Jeremiah 17:20

Jeremiah 17:20 in Multiple Translations

Say to them, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, all people of Judah and Jerusalem who enter through these gates.

And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

and say unto them, Hear ye the word of Jehovah, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

And say to them, Give ear to the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all the people of Jerusalem who come in by these doors:

Tell them, Listen to the Lord's message, kings of Judah, and all you people of Judah and Jerusalem who come in through these gates.

And say vnto them, Heare the word of the Lord, ye Kings of Iudah, and al Iudah, and all the inhabitants of Ierusale, that enter in by these gates.

and thou hast said unto them: Hear a word of Jehovah, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all inhabitants of Jerusalem, who are coming in by these gates,

Tell them, ‘Hear the LORD’s word, you kings of Judah, all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

And say to them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter by these gates:

And thou shalt say to them: Hear the word of the Lord, ye kings of Juda, and all Juda, and all the inhabitant of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates.

Say to the people at each gate, ‘You kings of Judah and everyone else who is living in Jerusalem and all you other people of Judah who enter these gates, listen to this message from Yahweh!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 17:20

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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 17:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲ֠לֵי/הֶם שִׁמְע֨וּ דְבַר יְהוָ֜ה מַלְכֵ֤י יְהוּדָה֙ וְ/כָל יְהוּדָ֔ה וְ/כֹ֖ל יֹשְׁבֵ֣י יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם הַ/בָּאִ֖ים בַּ/שְּׁעָרִ֥ים הָ/אֵֽלֶּה
וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֲ֠לֵי/הֶם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
שִׁמְע֨וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2mp
דְבַר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms
יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מַלְכֵ֤י melek H4428 King's N-mp
יְהוּדָה֙ Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
וְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper
הַ/בָּאִ֖ים bôwʼ H935 Lebo Art | V-Qal
בַּ/שְּׁעָרִ֥ים shaʻar H8179 gate Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 17:20

וְ/אָמַרְתָּ֣ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
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.
אֲ֠לֵי/הֶם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
שִׁמְע֨וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
דְבַר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֜ה 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.
מַלְכֵ֤י melek H4428 "King's" N-mp
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.
יְהוּדָה֙ 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.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | 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.
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.
וְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | 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.
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם 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.
הַ/בָּאִ֖ים bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Art | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
בַּ/שְּׁעָרִ֥ים shaʻar H8179 "gate" Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הָ/אֵֽלֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 17:20

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 19:3 saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and residents of Jerusalem. This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on this place that the ears of all who hear of it will ring,
2 Jeremiah 22:2 saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates.
3 Psalms 49:1–2 Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike.
4 Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
5 Jeremiah 13:18 Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.”
6 Micah 3:1 Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice?
7 Amos 4:1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria, you women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, who say to your husbands, “Bring us more to drink.”
8 Revelation 2:29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
9 Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
10 Hosea 5:1 “Hear this, O priests! Take heed, O house of Israel! Give ear, O royal house! For this judgment is against you because you have been a snare at Mizpah, a net spread out on Tabor.

Jeremiah 17:20 Summary

Jeremiah 17:20 is a call to attention, where God is saying, 'Listen to Me!' through the prophet Jeremiah. The Lord wants the kings, leaders, and people of Judah and Jerusalem to hear and obey His word, just like He wants us to listen to Him today (as seen in Romans 10:17). By heeding God's word, we can avoid the consequences of disobedience and live a life that honors Him, as taught in Deuteronomy 28:1-14. This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God's word in our daily lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Jeremiah 17:20 specifically address the kings of Judah and the people of Judah and Jerusalem?

The Lord is emphasizing the importance of His message to the leaders and inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem, as they are responsible for upholding God's laws and commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 17:18-20 and Jeremiah 22:1-5.

What is the significance of the gates in Jeremiah 17:20?

The gates of Jerusalem were not only physical entrances but also symbolized the center of social, economic, and spiritual life, as mentioned in Psalms 100:4, making them a strategic location for proclaiming God's word.

How does Jeremiah 17:20 relate to the surrounding verses?

Jeremiah 17:20 is a direct response to the Lord's instruction in Jeremiah 17:19, where Jeremiah is commanded to stand at the gates and proclaim God's word, which is then followed by specific commands regarding the Sabbath day in Jeremiah 17:21-22.

What is the main purpose of Jeremiah 17:20?

The primary purpose of Jeremiah 17:20 is to call the people to attention, urging them to listen to and obey God's word, as emphasized in Isaiah 55:3 and Matthew 11:15.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'gates' in my life where I need to pause and listen to God's word?
  2. How can I, like Jeremiah, be a faithful messenger of God's word to those around me?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of heeding God's word, as seen in Jeremiah 17:20, to my daily life and decisions?
  4. What are some potential consequences of not heeding God's word, and how can I avoid them in my own life?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:20

And say unto them, hear ye the word of the Lord,.... Concerning the sanctification of the sabbath; for this was not of human, but of divine institution: ye kings of Judah; which must be understood

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:20

Thus said the LORD unto me; Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, whereby the kings of Judah come in, and by the which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem; Delivered in

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:20

The word of the Lord equally concerneth the highest and the lowest, the greatest princes as well as the meanest subjects.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:20

Jeremiah 17:20 And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:Ver. 20. Ye kings of Judah.] Magistrates, being lord keepers of both the tables of the law, should carefully see to it that both be duly observed. Our King Edgar made laws for the sanctification of the Lord’ s day, Sabbath, as have also our present governors, to their lasting renown. The first blow given to the German churches was on the Lord’ s day, which they carelessly observed; for on that day was Prague lost; as was likewise Constantinople on Whitsunday, as they called it. Jer. Dike, Of Conscience. - Estius in lib. Sentent. Distinc., xi. cap. 2.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:20

Verse 20. Ye kings of Judah, and all Judah] This last clause is wanting in eight of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., in the Arabic, and some copies of the Septuagint.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:20

20. kings] The plural is certainly strange. Cp. the sing, in Jeremiah 22:2. As Co. says, we have here not a concrete situation but a model and abstraction.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:20

TO HALLOW THE SABBATH Jeremiah 17:19-27.19, 20. The connexion here is certainly not close: but the theme introduced is related to the general drift in that it lays bare another of the causes of Judah’s ruin.

Sermons on Jeremiah 17:20

SermonDescription
Compilations In My Mother's Womb (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the sanctity of life and the belief that every individual is fearfully and wonderfully made by God. He highlights the fact that God knows an
C.H. Spurgeon Trust in God - True Wisdom by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of handling matters wisely in a land full of enemies. He warns that if one does not choose their way carefully, they will fac
George Whitefield The Care of the Soul Urged as the One Thing Needful. (Luke 10:42 by George Whitefield George Whitefield preaches about the importance of the soul's care, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns. He uses the story of Mary and Martha
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 50 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the importance of offering the sacrifice of praise to God, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and acknowledgment of one's sins. He warns again
A.W. Tozer (Titus - Part 5): His Word Manifested Through Preaching by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the imperfection of preaching due to the involvement of language. He explains that language is fluid and can have different meanings in diff
Carter Conlon He Will Soon Rejoice in His Love by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God will do a work in believers, helping them understand true strength and truth. He assures that with this understanding, believers wi
Paul Washer The Great Commission - the Impossible / Possible Task by Paul Washer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching God's word without mixing it with our own ideas or clever narrations. He emphasizes the need for preachers to sp

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