Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.’ New Living Translation The descendants of Jehonadab son of Recab have obeyed their ancestor completely, but you have refused to listen to me.’ English Standard Version The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command that their father gave them, but this people has not obeyed me. Berean Standard Bible Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me. King James Bible Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me: New King James Version Surely the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them, but this people has not obeyed Me.” ’ New American Standard Bible Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have followed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.’”’ NASB 1995 ‘Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have observed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.’"’ NASB 1977 ‘Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have observed the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.’”’ Legacy Standard Bible Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have established the command of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to Me.’”’ Amplified Bible Indeed, the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have observed the command of their father which he gave them, but this people has not listened to Me.’”’ Christian Standard Bible Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out their ancestor’s command he gave them, but these people have not obeyed me. Holman Christian Standard Bible Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out their ancestor’s command he gave them, but these people have not obeyed Me. American Standard Version Forasmuch as the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people hath not hearkened unto me; Contemporary English Version The Rechabites have obeyed the command of their ancestor Jonadab, but you have not obeyed me, English Revised Version Forasmuch as the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people hath not hearkened unto me; GOD'S WORD® Translation The descendants of Jonadab, Rechab's son, have carried out the orders of their ancestor, but you refuse to listen to me. Good News Translation Jonadab's descendants have obeyed the command that their ancestor gave them, but you people have not obeyed me. International Standard Version Indeed the descendants of Rechab's son Jonadab have carried out the command of their ancestor that he gave them, but this people has not obeyed me." NET Bible Yes, the descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab have carried out the orders that their ancestor gave them. But you people have not obeyed me! New Heart English Bible Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me; Webster's Bible Translation Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened to me: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleYes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me. World English Bible The sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people has not listened to me.”’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBecause the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab have stood by the command of their father that he commanded them, and this people have not listened to Me, Young's Literal Translation 'Because the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab have performed the command of their father, that he commanded them, and this people have not hearkened unto Me, Smith's Literal Translation For the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab raised up the commands of their father which be commanded them; and this people heard not to me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSo the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have constantly kept the commandment of their father, which he commanded them: but this people hath not obeyed me. Catholic Public Domain Version So the sons of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, have remained firm in the commandment of their father, which he instructed to them, while this people has not been obedient to me. New American Bible Yes, the children of Jonadab, Rechab’s son, upheld the command which their father laid on them. But this people has not obeyed me! New Revised Standard Version The descendants of Jonadab son of Rechab have carried out the command that their ancestor gave them, but this people has not obeyed me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, the sons of Jonadab have faithfully kept the commandment of their father, who commanded them, but this people has not hearkened to me; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Behold, the sons of Yonadab son of Rekab have affirmed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, and this people has not listened to me OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father which he commanded them, but this people hath not hearkened unto Me; Brenton Septuagint Translation But the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have kept the command of their father; but this people has not hearkened to me. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Judah Rebuked…15Again and again I have sent you all My servants the prophets, proclaiming: ‘Turn now, each of you, from your wicked ways, and correct your actions. Do not go after other gods to serve them. Live in the land that I have given to you and your fathers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. 16Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me. 17Therefore this is what the LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will bring to Judah and to all the residents of Jerusalem all the disaster I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them but they have not obeyed, and I have called to them but they have not answered.’ ”… Cross References Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. / “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), / “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Matthew 15:4-6 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ / he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Mark 7:9-13 He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. / For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), ... Luke 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 15:10 If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. Romans 2:13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? James 1:22-25 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ... 1 Samuel 15:22 But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. Treasury of Scripture Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people has not listened to me: Jeremiah 35:14 The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father's commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. Isaiah 1:3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? Jump to Previous Carried Command Commanded Commandment Descendants Ear Forefather Hearkened Indeed Jonadab Jon'adab Kept Obeyed Observed Orders Performed Recab RechabJump to Next Carried Command Commanded Commandment Descendants Ear Forefather Hearkened Indeed Jonadab Jon'adab Kept Obeyed Observed Orders Performed Recab RechabJeremiah 35 1. By the obedience of the Rechabites,12. Jeremiah condemns the disobedience of the Jews. 18. God blesses the Rechabites for their obedience. Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them The Rechabites were a nomadic group descended from Jonadab, son of Rechab, who lived during the time of King Jehu of Israel (2 Kings 10:15-23). Jonadab commanded his descendants to live a life of simplicity, abstaining from wine, not building houses, and not sowing seed or planting vineyards. This lifestyle was meant to preserve their distinct identity and devotion to God. Their obedience to these commands, even generations later, highlights their commitment to their ancestral traditions and values. This obedience serves as a stark contrast to the disobedience of the people of Judah, who failed to heed God's commands despite His repeated warnings through the prophets. but these people have not listened to Me Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah. 2. Jonadab son of Rechab An ancestor of the Rechabites, known for his command to his descendants to live a nomadic lifestyle, abstain from wine, and avoid building houses. 3. Rechabites A clan in Israel who faithfully adhered to the commands of their forefather Jonadab, serving as an example of obedience. 4. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, often rebuked by God through prophets like Jeremiah for their disobedience and idolatry. 5. God's Command The divine instructions given to the people of Judah, which they failed to obey, contrasting with the Rechabites' faithfulness. Teaching Points Obedience to God Over TraditionThe Rechabites' adherence to Jonadab's command serves as a model for prioritizing God's commands over cultural or personal traditions. Faithfulness in Small Things The Rechabites' faithfulness in seemingly minor commands highlights the importance of obedience in all areas of life, not just the significant ones. Contrast of Obedience and Disobedience The stark contrast between the Rechabites and the people of Judah serves as a reminder of the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Generational Faithfulness The Rechabites' commitment across generations encourages us to instill and uphold godly values within our families. God's Call to Repentance The passage underscores God's desire for His people to return to Him, emphasizing the need for repentance and realignment with His will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 35:16?2. How does Jeremiah 35:16 highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands? 3. What lessons can we learn from the Rechabites' faithfulness in Jeremiah 35:16? 4. How does Jeremiah 35:16 connect with Ephesians 6:1 about honoring authority? 5. In what ways can we apply the Rechabites' example to modern Christian living? 6. How can Jeremiah 35:16 inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith today? 7. Why did the Rechabites obey their ancestor's command but Israel did not obey God in Jeremiah 35:16? 8. What does Jeremiah 35:16 reveal about the importance of obedience in faith? 9. How does the Rechabites' obedience challenge modern believers' commitment to God's commands? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 35? 11. Who were the Rechabites in the Bible? 12. Jeremiah 35:19 - Does the promise of perpetual blessings for the Rechabites conflict with other scriptures that suggest Israel's covenants can be broken? 13. Jeremiah 35:6 - Is it plausible that a family lineage strictly abstained from wine in a culture where wine was central to various religious observances? 14. What are the consequences of a father's past actions? What Does Jeremiah 35:16 Mean YesThe verse opens with an affirmative that draws attention to a living object lesson. God highlights what He is about to compare. Earlier in the chapter the prophet had set wine before the Rechabites, and they refused it (Jeremiah 35:5–6). Their obedience is not hypothetical; it is documented fact, already witnessed by Jeremiah and, through his writing, by us. This “Yes” says, in effect, “Look closely—this really happened.” Compare the Lord’s similar use of an emphatic affirmation in Isaiah 7:14 (“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign”) and in Jeremiah 1:12 (“You have seen correctly, for I am watching over My word to accomplish it”). the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab These are the descendants of a faithful ancestor who lived about 250 years earlier (2 Kings 10:15–28). They are nomads within Israelite territory, distinct yet present, and serve here as a foil to the covenant nation. Their heritage mattered: God often points to family lines to underscore continuity of belief—think of Timothy’s line through Lois and Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) or the faithful descendants of Zadok (Ezekiel 44:15). The Rechabites’ identity is tied to their forefather’s example; likewise Israel was to see itself as “sons of Abraham” (Isaiah 51:2) and live accordingly. carried out the command their forefather gave them Jonadab’s rule—no wine, no settled houses—was not God’s law, yet his offspring obeyed it scrupulously (Jeremiah 35:8–10). The Lord applauds their steadfast loyalty, showing that sincere obedience is both observable and possible. Scripture often holds up human examples to shame broader disobedience: consider the Queen of the South rising against an unrepentant generation (Matthew 12:42) or the Ninevites who heeded Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Faithful practice over centuries demonstrates the power of a righteous legacy (Proverbs 22:6). but these people have not listened to Me Now comes the divine contrast. Israel, privileged with covenant, priesthood, prophets, and promises, had repeatedly ignored the Lord (Jeremiah 7:13; 25:4–7). The Rechabites honored a merely human tradition; Israel dishonored the living God. The shock is intentional: external religion without obedience is hollow (Micah 6:6–8). Jesus later echoes the same indictment when He says, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). The greater the revelation, the greater the accountability (Hebrews 2:1–3). summary Jeremiah 35:16 underscores this piercing truth: if a clan can faithfully keep an ancestor’s voice for generations, how much more should God’s covenant people heed the very word of the Lord. The verse is a mirror held to our hearts, reminding us that true devotion is proven in obedient action, not empty profession. May we be found as consistent in following our Redeemer as the Rechabites were in following Jonadab. Verse 16. - Because, etc. This rendering is against Hebrew usage, and any reader will see that the obedience of the Rechabites stands in no inner connection with the sentence pronounced upon Judah. Ver. 16 is rather an emphatic recapitulation of what has preceded. It runs literally, (I say) that the sons of Jonadab have performed, etc., but (that) this people hath not hearkened unto me; or, in more English phraseology, "Yea, the sons of Jonadab," etc.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Yes,כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the sons בְּנֵי֙ (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Jonadab יְהוֹנָדָ֣ב (yə·hō·w·nā·ḏāḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3082: Jonadab -- 'the LORD is noble', a Rechabite, also a nephew of David son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Rechab רֵכָ֔ב (rê·ḵāḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7394: Rechab -- perhaps 'band of riders', a Benjamite, also the head of a nomadic family carried out הֵקִ֗ימוּ (hê·qî·mū) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand the command מִצְוַ֥ת (miṣ·waṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4687: Commandment their forefather אֲבִיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḇî·hem) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father gave them, צִוָּ֑ם (ṣiw·wām) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order but these הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that people וְהָעָ֣ם (wə·hā·‘ām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock have not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no listened שָׁמְע֖וּ (šā·mə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently to אֵלָֽי׃ (’ê·lāy) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Me. ס (s) Punctuation Strong's Hebrew Links Jeremiah 35:16 NIVJeremiah 35:16 NLT Jeremiah 35:16 ESV Jeremiah 35:16 NASB Jeremiah 35:16 KJV Jeremiah 35:16 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 35:16 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 35:16 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 35:16 French Bible Jeremiah 35:16 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son (Jer.) |
    |