Jeremiah 28:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The false prophet Hananiah boldly proclaims a message from God in the temple during the fourth year of Zedekiah's reign.
The Context of Jeremiah 28:1
Jeremiah, already under pressure for preaching submission to Babylon, now faces a rival prophet who offers a contradictory message.
What Does Jeremiah 28:1 Mean?
The setting is the house of the LORD, with priests and all the people present—a public, official moment. Hananiah son of Azzur speaks from Gibeon, a city designated as a priest city. The timing is Zedekiah's fourth year (595 BC), when Babylon's siege of Jerusalem feels both imminent and intolerable to the hopeful.
What makes this moment critical is the audience and the authority. Hananiah claims to speak for the LORD, not as a private opinion but as a prophetic proclamation in God's house. The people witnessing this have every reason to listen—he occupies a position of trust, and his message offers relief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 28:1
What does Jeremiah 28:1 mean?
The false prophet Hananiah boldly proclaims a message from God in the temple during the fourth year of Zedekiah's reign.
What is the context of Jeremiah 28:1?
Jeremiah, already under pressure for preaching submission to Babylon, now faces a rival prophet who offers a contradictory message.