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Jeremiah 35:6

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:

Jeremiah 35:6 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse from the book of Jeremiah mentions a group of people known as the Rechabites who abstained from drinking wine as a commandment passed down through generations by Jonadab, their forefather. This symbolizes the importance of tradition and obedience to ancestral decrees in the lineage of the Rechabites. Despite living in a society where wine was a common beverage, they chose to remain steadfast in their commitment to honor the instructions of their ancestor. By following the commandment to abstain from wine, the Rechabites demonstrated discipline, respect, and loyalty to their family heritage. This verse serves as a reminder of the power of heritage and the significance of upholding the values and beliefs passed down by our ancestors. It also reflects on the idea of obedience and the influence of ancestral instructions on shaping the behaviors and identities of individuals and communities.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse from Jeremiah 35:6-7 reveals the importance of obedience to ancestral commands and traditions. The Rechabites, descendants of Jonadab, had been given a specific command to abstain from drinking wine. This command had been passed down from generation to generation and the Rechabites adhered to it faithfully. By honoring the command of their forefather, they demonstrated their commitment to maintaining the values and beliefs of their ancestors. This obedience can be seen as a reflection of their faithfulness and loyalty, not only to their earthly fathers but also to their heavenly Father. Additionally, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of traditions and how they can shape and guide future generations.

Jeremiah 35:6 in other translations

American Standard Version

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:

World English Bible

But they said, We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your sons, forever:

Douay-Rheims

And they answered : We will not drink wine: because Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying: You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your children, for ever:

Geneva Bible (1599)

But they said, We will drinke no wine: for Ionadab the sonne of Rechab our father commanded vs, saying, Ye shall drinke no wine, neither you nor your sonnes for euer.