The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon),
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks a significant shift, indicating the prophecy is now directed not just to the king, but to all the people of Judah. It also establishes a precise moment in history when the might of Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, is beginning to loom large, signaling the end of Judah's independence.
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon),
English Standard Version (ESV)
This marks a significant turning point as Jeremiah is now instructed to deliver a message not just to the king, but to all of Judah, signaling a shift towards wider pronouncements of judgment. This prophecy, dated to the fourth year of King Jehoiakim, coincides with the first year of Nebuchadnezzar's sole reign in Babylon, a time of rising imperial power that would soon impact all nations. The context here is the looming threat of Babylonian conquest, a consequence of Judah's continued disobedience despite earlier warnings.
Jeremiah's message lands at a crucial historical moment. A new superpower is rising, and Judah's world is about to shift dramatically.
This verse pinpoints a significant moment: the fourth year of King Jehoiakim of Judah, which also marks the first year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign in Babylon.
A Shift in Power
Jeremiah wasn't just speaking to the king or the elite. His prophecy was intended for everyone – from Jerusalem to the farthest villages.
The verse emphasizes that the "word that came to Jeremiah concerning the people of Judah." This is crucial:
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Collective Responsibility
Understand the original words
dabar · Hebrew Noun
A divine communication from God to humanity, often mediated through a prophet, carrying God's authority, will, or revelation. It is considered active, creative, and powerful.
This prophecy occurs during a pivotal moment when Babylon, under the rising power of Nebuchadnezzar, is asserting its dominance. The "fourth year of Jehoiakim" and "first year of Nebuchadnezzar" pinpoint a time of shifting alliances and the looming threat of Babylonian exile, casting a shadow over Judah's future.
c. 627 BC
Jeremiah Called to Prophesy
Jeremiah is called by God to be a prophet. This marks the beginning of his long ministry, which would span decades and witness significant political upheaval for Judah.
609 BC
Jehoiakim Becomes King of Judah
Pharaoh-necho of Egypt installs Jehoiakim, son of Josiah, as king after defeating and killing Josiah at Carchemish. This event ushers in a period of increased Egyptian influence and Jehoiakim's unfaithfulness.
605 BC
Battle of Carchemish
Nebuchadnezzar, crown prince of Babylon, decisively defeats the Egyptian forces. This victory shifts the balance of power in the region, making Babylon the dominant empire and setting the stage for its influence over Judah.
c. 605 BC— this verse
First Deportation to Babylon
Following his victory at Carchemish, Nebuchadnezzar invades Judah and begins deporting skilled workers and nobles, including Daniel. This event is often dated to the third or fourth year of Jehoiakim's reign, coinciding with Nebuchadnezzar's first year as sole ruler.
604 BC
Nebuchadnezzar Becomes Sole Ruler of Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar fully ascends to the throne of Babylon after his father, Nabopolassar, dies. This marks the beginning of his independent reign and consolidates his power as the undisputed ruler of the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and First Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, exiling the majority of the population. This marks the devastating climax of God's judgment foretold through Jeremiah.
This verse directly references the same historical moment, highlighting Nebuchadnezzar's first year and the beginning of his incursion into Judah, which led to the exile of Daniel and others.
Jeremiah 46:2This passage also mentions the 'fourth year of Jehoiakim,' placing the defeat of the Egyptians at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar, a pivotal event that established Babylon's dominance over Judah.
2 Kings 24:1This passage describes how Jehoiakim became a vassal of Babylon, a consequence directly linked to the events initiated in Nebuchadnezzar's first year, as stated in Jeremiah 25:1.
Jeremiah 50:1This chapter also speaks of a word from the Lord concerning Babylon, showing how this chapter in Jeremiah 25 sets the stage for God's judgment on the very empire that would soon dominate Judah.
gillJeremiah 25:1: "The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;"
The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah,.... Not only in the city of Jerusalem, but in the whole land of Judea. This prophecy concerns them all; their repentance and reformation, to which they are exhorted; or their invasion, desolation, and captivity, with which th…
calvinJeremiah 25:1: "The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, that was the first year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;"
- Sermo qui fuit ad Jeremiam, ad omnem populum Jehudah (sed l accipitur etiam hic diverso sensu: sermo enim directus fuit ad Jeremiam ut esset illius testis ac proeco, deinde ad populum ut tandem perveniret ex ore Jeremioe ad omnes Judoeos quod uni dictum fuerat) anno quarto Joakim filii Jo…
This verse marks a significant shift, indicating the prophecy is now directed not just to the king, but to all the people of Judah. It also establishes a precise moment in history when the might of Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, is beginning to loom large, signaling the end of Judah's independence.
This marks a significant turning point as Jeremiah is now instructed to deliver a message not just to the king, but to all of Judah, signaling a shift towards wider pronouncements of judgment. This prophecy, dated to the fourth year of King Jehoiakim, coincides with the first year of Nebuchadnezzar's sole reign in Babylon, a time of rising imperial power that would soon impact all nations. The context here is the looming threat of Babylonian conquest, a consequence of Judah's continued disobedience despite earlier warnings.
This marks a significant turning point as Jeremiah is now instructed to deliver a message not just to the king, but to all of Judah, signaling a shift towards wider pronouncements of judgment. This prophecy, dated to the fourth year of King Jehoiakim, coincides with the first year of Nebuchadnezzar's sole reign in Babylon, a time of rising imperial power that would soon impact all nations. The context here is the looming threat of Babylonian conquest, a consequence of Judah's continued disobedience despite earlier warnings.
"The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (that was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon)," — This verse marks a significant shift, indicating the prophecy is now directed not just to the king, but to all the people of Judah. It also establishes a precise moment in history when the might of…
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Last reviewed October 2026