Old Testament

Jeremiah 52:1

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

At a Glance

Jeremiah 52:1 introduces Zedekiah, who became king of Judah at the young age of 21.

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

Zedekiah was 21 years old when he became king, and he ruled in Jerusalem for 11 years. His mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

KJVKing James Version

Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

Jeremiah 52:1 introduces Zedekiah, who became king of Judah at the young age of 21. His reign lasted for 11 years in Jerusalem, a significant period during which the kingdom faced great challenges. Zedekiah was the son of Josiah and was appointed king by Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king. His mother, Hamutal, was the daughter of Jeremiah from Libnah, which highlights the royal lineage and connections. Zedekiah's reign was marked by political instability and conflict, particularly with Babylon, leading to the eventual fall of Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for understanding the historical context of Zedekiah's leadership and the events that unfolded during his time as king, including the eventual destruction of the city and the temple. It emphasizes the importance of leadership and the impact of decisions made by rulers on their nations.

Key themes

Related topics

leadership, wisdom, guidance

How to apply Jeremiah 52:1 to your life

This verse reminds us of the weight of leadership and the importance of wise decision-making. As leaders in our own lives, whether in family, work, or community, we should strive to make choices that positively impact those we lead, learning from the past to guide our future actions.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 52:1 mean?

Jeremiah 52:1 introduces Zedekiah as the king of Judah, who began his reign at 21 years old and ruled for 11 years in Jerusalem. This verse highlights his royal lineage through his mother, Hamutal, and sets the context for the political challenges faced during his reign.

Who was Zedekiah in Jeremiah 52:1?

Zedekiah was the last king of Judah, appointed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He was the son of King Josiah and ruled during a tumultuous time leading up to the fall of Jerusalem.

What is the significance of Zedekiah's age in Jeremiah 52:1?

Zedekiah became king at the young age of 21, which emphasizes the inexperience he had in leadership during a critical period for Judah. His youth may have contributed to the challenges he faced as king.

What does the name Hamutal mean in Jeremiah 52:1?

Hamutal, Zedekiah's mother, is mentioned in Jeremiah 52:1, highlighting her lineage as the daughter of Jeremiah from Libnah. The name itself means 'compassionate' or 'tender,' reflecting qualities that may be valued in leadership.

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.