Old Testament

Jeremiah 35:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, acknowledges the Rechabites for their faithfulness to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

Then Jeremiah turned to the Rechabites and said, "This is what the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Because you have obeyed the commands of your ancestor Jonadab, kept all his instructions, and done everything he told you to do —

KJVKing James Version

And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, acknowledges the Rechabites for their faithfulness to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab. The Rechabites are praised for their commitment to a lifestyle of simplicity and abstaining from wine, which reflects their dedication to their family traditions and values. This obedience is significant because it shows their loyalty not only to their ancestor but also to God’s expectations. The Rechabites serve as an example of how honoring family commitments can align with divine principles. Their actions demonstrate that faithfulness to one’s heritage and values can lead to God’s favor and blessings. This verse highlights the importance of obedience and the impact of following wise counsel from previous generations, showing that such adherence can lead to a deeper relationship with God.

How to apply Jeremiah 35:18 to your life

We can learn from the Rechabites' example by valuing and honoring our family traditions and commitments. This verse encourages us to be faithful in our responsibilities and to uphold the values passed down to us, which can strengthen our relationship with God and our community.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 35:18 mean?

Jeremiah 35:18 conveys God's acknowledgment of the Rechabites for their loyalty to the commands of their ancestor Jonadab. It highlights their commitment to a lifestyle of simplicity and obedience, which aligns with God's expectations.

What is the significance of the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:18?

The Rechabites are significant in Jeremiah 35:18 because they exemplify faithfulness to family traditions and values. Their obedience to Jonadab's commands serves as a model of how honoring one's heritage can lead to divine favor.

What does the phrase 'obeyed the commands of your ancestor Jonadab' mean in Jeremiah 35:18?

The phrase 'obeyed the commands of your ancestor Jonadab' in Jeremiah 35:18 means that the Rechabites followed the lifestyle and instructions set by Jonadab, which included abstaining from wine and living simply, reflecting their dedication to family values.

What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 35:18?

From Jeremiah 35:18, we learn the importance of valuing and honoring family traditions. The verse encourages us to be faithful in our commitments, as this can strengthen our relationship with God and our community.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.