Old Testament
Jeremiah 35:6
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, the Rechabites are responding to a request to drink wine.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
But they refused. "We don't drink wine," they said. "Our ancestor Jonadab son of Rechab gave us a command: 'You and your descendants must never drink wine.
But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Rechabites are responding to a request to drink wine. They firmly refuse, citing a command from their ancestor Jonadab, who instructed them and their descendants to abstain from wine. This reflects their commitment to their family traditions and values, showing how deeply they honor their ancestor's wishes. The Rechabites' refusal to drink wine symbolizes their dedication to a lifestyle of discipline and separation from the practices of others around them. Their actions highlight the importance of obedience to family teachings and the significance of maintaining one's identity and values in a world that often pressures individuals to conform. This verse serves as a reminder of the strength found in adhering to one's principles and the impact of generational teachings on personal choices.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 35:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own commitments and values. Just as the Rechabites honored their ancestor's command, we should consider how we uphold our own beliefs and traditions in our daily lives. Staying true to our principles can strengthen our character and influence others positively.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 35:6 mean?
Jeremiah 35:6 describes the Rechabites refusing to drink wine, citing a command from their ancestor Jonadab. This illustrates their commitment to family traditions and values, emphasizing the importance of obedience to ancestral teachings.
What is the significance of the Rechabites' refusal in Jeremiah 35:6?
The Rechabites' refusal to drink wine signifies their dedication to a disciplined lifestyle and separation from societal norms. Their actions highlight the strength found in adhering to personal principles and the impact of generational teachings.
What does the command from Jonadab in Jeremiah 35:6 teach us?
Jonadab's command in Jeremiah 35:6 teaches the value of commitment to one's beliefs and traditions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining one's identity and values despite external pressures.
How does Jeremiah 35:6 relate to family traditions?
Jeremiah 35:6 illustrates how the Rechabites honor their family traditions by adhering to Jonadab's command. This reflects the significance of family teachings in shaping personal choices and lifestyle.

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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