Old Testament
Jeremiah 26:2
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"The LORD says: 'Stand in the courtyard of the LORD's house and speak to the people from every city in Judah who come to worship there. Deliver every word I command you to say — don't leave out a single one.
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Thus saith the LORD; Stand in the court of the LORD’s house, and speak unto all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in the LORD’s house, all the words that I command thee to speak unto them; diminish not a word:
What Jeremiah 26:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Jeremiah to stand in the temple courtyard and address the people of Judah who come to worship. He emphasizes the importance of delivering His message exactly as commanded, without omitting any part. This highlights the seriousness of God's word and the responsibility of the prophet to communicate it faithfully. The call to speak to all cities signifies the need for a collective response from the people, urging them to listen and heed God's warnings. The command to not diminish a word underscores the integrity and completeness of the message, indicating that every detail is crucial for understanding God's will. This moment reflects the urgency of repentance and the need for the people to align their lives with God's expectations, as they gather in a place of worship.
How to apply Jeremiah 26:2 to your life
As believers, we are called to share God's message with clarity and integrity. This verse reminds us to communicate God's truth without alteration, ensuring that we convey His teachings faithfully in our conversations and actions. We should also encourage others to listen and respond to God's word.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Jeremiah on Trial (Jeremiah 26:1–24)
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Jeremiah

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 26:2
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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 26:2 teach about God's message?
Jeremiah 26:2 emphasizes the importance of delivering God's message exactly as He commands. It shows that every word from God is significant and should not be altered or omitted. This highlights the seriousness of the prophet's role in communicating God's will to the people.
Why is it important to not diminish a word in God's message?
Not diminishing a word in God's message, as stated in Jeremiah 26:2, underscores the integrity and completeness of His teachings. Every detail is crucial for understanding God's will and intentions. Altering the message can lead to misunderstandings and misrepresentations of God's truth.
How can we apply Jeremiah 26:2 in our daily lives?
We can apply Jeremiah 26:2 by ensuring that we communicate God's truth clearly and faithfully in our conversations. This means sharing His teachings without alteration and encouraging others to listen to His word. It also involves living in a way that reflects our understanding of God's expectations.
What is the significance of addressing all cities of Judah?
Addressing all cities of Judah in Jeremiah 26:2 signifies the collective responsibility of the people to respond to God's message. It emphasizes that God's call for repentance and alignment with His will is not just for individuals but for the entire community, urging unity in worship and obedience.
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