Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the palace of the king of Judah, and speak this word there,
Compare translations
Thus saith the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,
What Jeremiah 22:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God commands the prophet Jeremiah to go to the palace of the king of Judah. The message is significant because it indicates that God is concerned about the leadership and governance of His people. The palace represents authority and power, and God wants His word to be delivered directly to those in charge. This shows that God holds leaders accountable for their actions and decisions. The phrase 'speak this word' implies that Jeremiah has a specific message from God that needs to be communicated. This moment highlights the importance of prophetic voices in guiding rulers and the nation as a whole. It also emphasizes that God's messages are not just for the common people but also for those in positions of power, reminding them of their responsibilities to lead justly and righteously. Overall, this verse sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the themes of justice, accountability, and divine authority in the following chapters.
How to apply Jeremiah 22:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of speaking truth to power. As individuals, we should not shy away from addressing issues of justice and morality, especially in leadership. It reminds us that God cares about how leaders govern and that we should hold them accountable to His standards.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 22:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 22:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 22:1 mean?
Jeremiah 22:1 conveys God's command to the prophet Jeremiah to go to the king's palace in Judah and deliver a specific message. This emphasizes God's concern for leadership and accountability in governance.
What is the significance of the palace in Jeremiah 22:1?
The palace in Jeremiah 22:1 symbolizes authority and power, representing the leadership of Judah. God's instruction to speak there highlights the importance of addressing those in positions of power regarding their responsibilities.
What does 'speak this word' mean in Jeremiah 22:1?
The phrase 'speak this word' indicates that Jeremiah has a specific message from God that he must communicate to the king. It underscores the importance of prophetic messages in guiding leaders.
How does Jeremiah 22:1 relate to leadership accountability?
Jeremiah 22:1 illustrates that God holds leaders accountable for their actions and decisions. It serves as a reminder that those in power must govern justly and in accordance with God's standards.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.