Old Testament
Jeremiah 35:2
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 instructs the prophet Jeremiah to go to the Rechabite family, a group known for their strict adherence to a nomadic lifestyle and abstaining from wine.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"Go to the Rechabite family and speak with them. Bring them into one of the rooms in the LORD's house and offer them wine to drink."
Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the prophet Jeremiah to go to the Rechabite family, a group known for their strict adherence to a nomadic lifestyle and abstaining from wine. God wants Jeremiah to invite them to the temple and offer them wine to drink. This act serves as a test to demonstrate the Rechabites' commitment to their vows and lifestyle. Despite being in a holy place and offered something that is typically enjoyed, the Rechabites refuse the wine, showcasing their dedication to their principles. This moment highlights the contrast between the Rechabites' faithfulness to their traditions and the disobedience of the people of Judah, who have turned away from God's commands. The invitation to drink wine symbolizes temptation and the challenge of remaining faithful to one's convictions in the face of societal pressures.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 35:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to remain steadfast in our commitments and values, even when faced with temptations or societal pressures. It reminds us to evaluate our choices and ensure they align with our beliefs, just as the Rechabites did in their refusal of wine.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 35:2 mean?
Jeremiah 35:2 describes God instructing the prophet Jeremiah to invite the Rechabite family to the temple and offer them wine. This act serves as a test of their commitment to their vows of abstaining from wine, highlighting their faithfulness compared to the disobedience of the people of Judah.
What is the significance of the Rechabites in Jeremiah 35:2?
The Rechabites are significant in Jeremiah 35:2 because they represent a group that strictly adheres to their traditions and vows, particularly their abstention from wine. Their refusal to drink wine in the temple illustrates their dedication to their principles and contrasts with the behavior of the people of Judah.
What does the wine symbolize in Jeremiah 35:2?
In Jeremiah 35:2, the wine symbolizes temptation and the challenge of remaining faithful to one's convictions. The offer of wine to the Rechabites serves to test their commitment to their lifestyle and values in the face of societal pressures.
How does Jeremiah 35:2 relate to faithfulness?
Jeremiah 35:2 relates to faithfulness by showcasing the Rechabites' unwavering commitment to their vows despite being offered wine in a holy place. Their refusal highlights the importance of staying true to one's beliefs and traditions, even when faced with temptation.

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.
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