Jeremiah 19:3
And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.
Jeremiah 19:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah is a prophetic warning given to the kings of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It conveys a message from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, foretelling of the imminent judgment that will befall the land. The phrase "Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle" is a powerful and evocative statement, emphasizing the severity of the punishment that will be brought upon the people. The use of the phrase "his ears shall tingle" suggests that the news of this calamity will be so shocking and dreadful that it will elicit a visceral reaction from those who hear it. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and serves as a call to repentance and turning back to God before it is too late.
Theological Overview
Through a theological interpretation of this verse, we can see the significance of God's warning to the kings of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The phrase "Hear ye the word of the LORD" emphasizes the importance of paying attention to God's message, as it is a command directly from the Almighty. The use of the phrase "thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" further establishes the authority behind the impending judgment. The term "evil" mentioned in the verse can be understood to refer to the consequences of disobedience to God's commands, which may manifest in various forms of calamity. Additionally, the expression "ears shall tingle" stresses the severity and inevitability of the punishment that God will bring upon the people. Overall, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's will and the importance of heeding His word to avoid facing His righteous judgment.
Jeremiah 19:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
and say, Hear ye the word of Jehovah, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem: thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.
World English Bible
and say, Hear Yahweh’s word, kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem: thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, which whoever hears, his ears shall tingle.
Douay-Rheims
And thou shalt say: Hear the word of the Lord, O ye kings of Juda, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold I will bring an affliction upon this place: so that whosoever shall hear it, his ears shall tingle:
Geneva Bible (1599)
And shalt say, Heare yee the worde of the Lord, O Kings of Iudah, and inhabitantes of Ierusalem, Thus sayth the Lord of hostes, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring a plague vpon this place, the which whosoeuer heareth, his eares shall tingle.