Jeremiah 11:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Men of Anathoth threaten Jeremiah's life if he continues to prophesy.
The Context of Jeremiah 11:21
The men of Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown, threaten to kill him if he continues prophesying.
What Does Jeremiah 11:21 Mean?
Anathoth was Jeremiah's hometown (see Jeremiah 1:1), making this threat particularly personal and painful. The men of Anathoth—his own community—seek his life and demand that he stop prophesying in God's name. The threat 'that thou die not by our hand' reveals their willingness to kill him if he continues his prophetic ministry.
This direct threat to silence the prophet shows how Jeremiah's message about covenant judgment and idolatry has provoked violent opposition from his own people. They cannot refute his message, so they resort to threats and violence. This reveals the depth of resistance to God's word and the danger the prophet faces from those closest to him.
Jeremiah 11:21 in the Original Language
'Anathoth' (עֲנָתוֹת) — a priestly city in Benjamin, about three miles north of Jerusalem; Jeremiah's birthplace and the setting of his early opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 11:21
What does Jeremiah 11:21 mean?
Men of Anathoth threaten Jeremiah's life if he continues to prophesy.
What is the context of Jeremiah 11:21?
The men of Anathoth, Jeremiah's hometown, threaten to kill him if he continues prophesying.