Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And say, 'Listen to the word of the LORD, king of Judah—you who sit on David's throne, along with your officials and all the people who come through these gates.'
Compare translations
And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, thou, and thy servants, and thy people that enter in by these gates:
What Jeremiah 22:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a message to the king of Judah, who is seated on David's throne. This emphasizes the importance of the king's role and the responsibility he has to lead the people according to God's will. The mention of the officials and the people entering through the gates highlights that this message is not just for the king but for all who are part of the community. It serves as a reminder that leadership comes with accountability to God and that the words of the Lord should guide their actions. The verse sets the stage for a call to listen and respond to God's guidance, which is crucial for the well-being of the nation. It underscores the significance of divine authority in governance and the need for leaders to align their decisions with God's commands.
How to apply Jeremiah 22:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to God's guidance in our own lives, especially those in leadership positions. It reminds us that our decisions impact others and that we should seek divine wisdom in our actions. By doing so, we can lead with integrity and purpose.
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 22:2
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 22:2
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 is the significance of David's throne in Jeremiah 22:2?
David's throne represents God's covenant with Israel and the expectation of righteous leadership. The king of Judah, as a descendant of David, is called to uphold God's laws and lead the people in accordance with His will. This connection emphasizes the importance of divine authority in governance and the responsibility of leaders to act justly and faithfully.
How does Jeremiah 22:2 relate to modern leadership?
Jeremiah 22:2 serves as a reminder for modern leaders to seek God's guidance in their decision-making. Just as the king of Judah was accountable to God, today's leaders are encouraged to lead with integrity, considering the impact of their choices on their communities. This verse highlights the importance of aligning leadership actions with divine principles for the well-being of all.
What message does God want the king to hear in Jeremiah 22:2?
In Jeremiah 22:2, God wants the king of Judah to listen to His word, which serves as a call to accountability and righteous leadership. The message emphasizes that the king's actions should reflect God's will, not only for his own benefit but for the entire community. It underscores the importance of heeding divine guidance to ensure the nation's prosperity and moral integrity.
What can we learn about community responsibility from Jeremiah 22:2?
Jeremiah 22:2 highlights that leadership is not an isolated role; it involves the entire community, including officials and citizens. The verse teaches that everyone has a part to play in upholding God's standards and supporting their leaders in making wise, just decisions. This collective responsibility fosters a stronger, more accountable society.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.