Old Testament

Jeremiah 37:1

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Zedekiah son of Josiah became king instead of Coniah son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And king Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon made king in the land of Judah.

What Jeremiah 37:1 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, we learn about the transition of power in Judah during a tumultuous time. Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, became king after Coniah, also known as Jeconiah, was removed from the throne by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This change reflects the political instability in Judah, as Babylon exerted its influence over the region. Zedekiah's reign was marked by challenges, including the pressure from Babylon and internal dissent. The mention of Josiah, Zedekiah's father, highlights a contrast between the righteous leadership of Josiah and the struggles faced by his son. This verse sets the stage for understanding the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies and the fate of Judah during this period of exile and judgment.

How to apply Jeremiah 37:1 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of leadership and the impact it has on a community. In our own lives, we should seek to be leaders who reflect integrity and righteousness, learning from the past to guide our decisions and actions today.

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.

A painting of Samuel anointing the young David in Bethlehem

Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

David

An old color photograph of Hebron on a hillside above olive groves.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.

Hebron

Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.

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 Plans

Ask AI about Jeremiah 37:1

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 37:1

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 37:1 mean?

Jeremiah 37:1 describes the change of leadership in Judah, where Zedekiah became king after Coniah was removed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. This reflects the political turmoil and influence of Babylon over Judah during that time.

Who is Zedekiah in Jeremiah 37:1?

Zedekiah, mentioned in Jeremiah 37:1, is the son of Josiah and the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His reign was marked by challenges from Babylon and internal strife.

What happened to Coniah in Jeremiah 37:1?

Coniah, also known as Jeconiah, was removed from the throne by Nebuchadnezzar, which led to Zedekiah's appointment as king. This event highlights the shifting power dynamics in Judah under Babylonian control.

What is the significance of Josiah in Jeremiah 37:1?

Josiah, Zedekiah's father, is significant in Jeremiah 37:1 as he represents a time of righteous leadership in Judah, contrasting with the struggles and failures of his son Zedekiah's reign.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.