Jeremiah 11:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God reminds Israel of the original covenant made at the Exodus.
The Context of Jeremiah 11:4
The covenant dates to the Egyptian deliverance and requires complete obedience.
What Does Jeremiah 11:4 Mean?
This verse traces the covenant back to its origin at the Exodus, when God delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage—described metaphorically as 'the iron furnace' for its oppressive nature. The covenant's foundation is God's liberating action, and the people's required response is obedience. The conditional promise 'so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God' shows the mutual nature of the relationship.
God's obedience requirement applies to all He has commanded, not just a few select laws. This comprehensive call to obedience is paired with God's commitment to be their God—a relationship of belonging and protection contingent on the people's faithfulness.
Jeremiah 11:4 in the Original Language
'Iron furnace' (kur barzel, כור ברזל) — a metaphor for Egypt's oppressive slavery, emphasizing the severity of bondage from which God freed them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 11:4
What does Jeremiah 11:4 mean?
God reminds Israel of the original covenant made at the Exodus.
What is the context of Jeremiah 11:4?
The covenant dates to the Egyptian deliverance and requires complete obedience.