Jeremiah 25:3
From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.
Jeremiah 25:3 · King James Version
Meaning
Jeremiah, a prophet in the Old Testament, received the word of the Lord during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. For over twenty years, Jeremiah faithfully spoke the messages given to him by God, constantly urging the people to turn from their wicked ways and follow the commandments of the Lord. Despite his efforts, the people of Judah refused to listen and continued in their disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder of Jeremiah’s tireless dedication to delivering God’s word, even in the face of rejection and indifference from his audience. It highlights the prophet's unwavering commitment to his divine calling, exemplifying the challenging task of speaking the truth in a world that often chooses to ignore it. The verse emphasizes the importance of heeding the messages of God, as conveyed through His chosen messengers, and the consequences of ignoring divine instruction. It underscores the timeless relevance of Jeremiah’s ministry, showing how the struggles faced by prophets in biblical times continue to resonate with audiences today.
Theological Overview
Jeremiah 25:3 provides insight into the prophetic ministry of Jeremiah during the reign of King Josiah of Judah. The verse highlights the duration of Jeremiah's prophetic calls, emphasizing the continuity of his messages over a ten-year span from Josiah's thirteenth year to his twenty-third year as king. The repetition of the phrase "the word of the LORD hath come unto me" underscores Jeremiah's divine calling and the authority of his message as being directly from the Lord. The prophet earnestly delivered these messages to the people, diligently "rising early and speaking," demonstrating his commitment to conveying God's word faithfully. Despite Jeremiah's efforts, the people did not heed his warnings and failed to listen. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding prophetic voices and staying attuned to the word of the Lord, even when it challenges us.
Jeremiah 25:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even unto this day, these three and twenty years, the word of Jehovah hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising up early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened.
World English Bible
From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, these twenty-three years, Yahweh’s word has come to me, and I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; but you have not listened.
Douay-Rheims
From the thirteenth year of Josias the son of Ammon king of Juda until this day: this is the three and twentieth year, the word of the Lord hath come to me, and I have spoken to you, rising before day, and speaking, and you have not hearkened.
Geneva Bible (1599)
From the thirteenth yeere of Iosiah the sonne of Amon King of Iudah, euen vnto this day (that is the three and twentieth yeere) the word of the Lord hath come vnto mee, and I haue spoken vnto you rising earely and speaking, but ye woulde not heare.