Jeremiah 11:4
New International Version
the terms I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, out of the iron-smelting furnace.’ I said, ‘Obey me and do everything I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God.

New Living Translation
For I said to your ancestors when I brought them out of the iron-smelting furnace of Egypt, “If you obey me and do whatever I command you, then you will be my people, and I will be your God.”

English Standard Version
that I commanded your fathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Listen to my voice, and do all that I command you. So shall you be my people, and I will be your God,

Berean Standard Bible
which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’

King James Bible
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:

New King James Version
which I commanded your fathers in the day I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and do according to all that I command you; so shall you be My people, and I will be your God,’

New American Standard Bible
which I commanded your forefathers on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all that I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’

NASB 1995
which I commanded your forefathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all which I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’

NASB 1977
which I commanded your forefathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all which I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’

Legacy Standard Bible
which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all which I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’

Amplified Bible
which I commanded your fathers at the time that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice and do according to all that I command you. So you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’

Christian Standard Bible
which I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace.” I declared, “Obey me, and do everything that I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God,”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
which I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace.’ I declared: ‘Obey Me, and do everything that I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God,’

American Standard Version
which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of 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;

Contemporary English Version
My commands haven't changed since I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, a nation that seemed like a blazing furnace where iron ore is melted. I told your ancestors that if they obeyed my commands, I would be their God, and they would be my people.

English Revised Version
which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of 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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I made this promise to your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, which was an iron smelter. I said, "Obey me, and do everything that I have told you to do. Then you will be my people, and I will be your God.

Good News Translation
It is the covenant I made with their ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt, the land that was like a blazing furnace to them. I told them to obey me and to do everything that I had commanded. I told them that if they obeyed, they would be my people and I would be their God.

International Standard Version
which I commanded to your ancestors on the day I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace. I said, 'Obey me and do everything that I commanded you. Then you will be my people and I'll be your God.'

Majority Standard Bible
which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’

NET Bible
Those are the terms that I charged your ancestors to keep when I brought them out of Egypt, that place which was like an iron-smelting furnace. I said at that time, "Obey me and carry out the terms of the agreement exactly as I commanded you. If you do, you will be my people and I will be your God.

New Heart English Bible
which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, "Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so you shall be my people, and I will be your God;

Webster's Bible Translation
Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth from 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:

World English Bible
which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace,’ saying, ‘Obey my voice and do them, according to all which I command you; so you shall be my people, and I will be your God;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
That I commanded your fathers, "" In the day of My bringing them out from the land of Egypt, "" Out of the iron furnace, saying, Listen to My voice, and you have done them, "" According to all that I command you, "" And you have been to Me for a people, "" And I am to you for God,

Young's Literal Translation
That I commanded your fathers, In the day of My bringing them out from the land of Egypt, Out of the iron furnace, saying, Hearken to My voice, and ye have done them, According to all that I command you, And ye have been to Me for a people, And I am to you for God,

Smith's Literal Translation
Which I commanded your fathers in the day of my bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the furnace of iron, saying, Hear ye to my voice, and do them according to all that I shall command you: and be to me for a people, and I will be to you for God:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying: Hear ye my voice, and do all things that I command you: and you shall be my people, and I will be your God:

Catholic Public Domain Version
which I commanded to your fathers in the day when I led them away from the land of Egypt, away from the iron furnace, saying: Listen to my voice, and do all that I command you, and then you will be my people and I will be your God.

New American Bible
which I commanded your ancestors the day I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, that iron furnace, saying: Listen to my voice and do all that I command you. Then you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

New Revised Standard Version
which I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron-smelter, saying, Listen to my voice, and do all that I command you. So shall you be my people, and I will be your God,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Hearken to my voice and do all that I command you; so shall you be my people, and I will be your God;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Which I commanded to your fathers in the day that I brought them out from the land of Egypt, from the furnace of iron, and I said: ‘Hear my voice, and you shall do everything that I shall command you, and you shall be to me a people, and I shall be God to you
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying: Hearken to My voice, and do them, according to all which I command you; so shall ye be My people, and I will be your God;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
which I commanded your fathers, in the day wherein I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Hearken to my voice, and do all things that I shall command you; so shall ye be to me a people, and I will be to you a God;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Broken Covenant
3You must tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant, 4which I commanded your forefathers when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, ‘Obey Me, and do everything I command you, and you will be My people, and I will be your God.’ 5This was in order to establish the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is to this day.” “Amen, LORD,” I answered.…

Cross References
Exodus 19:5-6
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. / And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Deuteronomy 7:6-11
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. / The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. / But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ...

Exodus 24:3-8
When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” / And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. / Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. ...

Deuteronomy 26:16-19
The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these statutes and ordinances. You must be careful to follow them with all your heart and with all your soul. / Today you have proclaimed that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in His ways, keep His statutes and commandments and ordinances, and listen to His voice. / And today the LORD has proclaimed that you are His people and treasured possession as He promised, that you are to keep all His commandments, ...

Leviticus 26:3-13
If you follow My statutes and carefully keep My commandments, / I will give you rains in their season, and the land will yield its produce, and the trees of the field will bear their fruit. / Your threshing will continue until the grape harvest, and the grape harvest will continue until sowing time; you will have your fill of food to eat and will dwell securely in your land. ...

Deuteronomy 28:1-14
“Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. / And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God: / You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. ...

Exodus 6:7
I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.

Deuteronomy 5:2-3
The LORD our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. / He did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with all of us who are alive here today.

Deuteronomy 29:12-13
so that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you today, and into His oath, / and so that He may establish you today as His people, and He may be your God as He promised you and as He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Hebrews 8:8-10
But God found fault with the people and said: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not abide by My covenant, and I disregarded them, declares the Lord. / For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Romans 9:4
the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

Ezekiel 36:28
Then you will live in the land that I gave your forefathers; you will be My people, and I will be your God.

2 Corinthians 6:16
What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Jeremiah 7:23
but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.


Treasury of Scripture

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 you be my people, and I will be your God:

I commanded.

Jeremiah 31:32
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

Exodus 24:3-8
And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do…

Deuteronomy 5:2,3
The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb…

iron.

Deuteronomy 4:20
But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.

1 Kings 8:51
For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron:

Isaiah 48:10
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

obey.

Jeremiah 7:22,23
For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: …

Jeremiah 26:13
Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

Exodus 20:6
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

ye be.

Jeremiah 24:7
And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Jeremiah 30:22
And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Jeremiah 31:31,33
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: …

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Jeremiah 11
1. Jeremiah proclaims God's covenant;
8. rebukes the peoples' disobeying thereof;
11. prophesies evils to come upon them;
18. and upon the men of Anathoth, for conspiring to kill him.














the terms of the covenant
The phrase "the terms of the covenant" refers to the specific stipulations and obligations that God set forth for the Israelites. In Hebrew, the word for "covenant" is "בְּרִית" (berit), which signifies a solemn agreement or contract. This covenant is reminiscent of ancient Near Eastern treaties, where a suzerain (a powerful king) would establish a relationship with a vassal (a lesser king or people). In this context, God is the suzerain, and Israel is the vassal. The covenant at Sinai, where God gave the Law through Moses, is central to understanding Israel's identity and mission. It was not merely a legal contract but a relational bond, calling Israel to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6).

I commanded your forefathers
This phrase underscores the continuity of God's revelation and expectations from one generation to the next. The Hebrew word for "commanded" is "צִוָּה" (tsivah), which implies a directive given with authority. God’s commands to the forefathers, particularly at Mount Sinai, were foundational for the nation of Israel. The historical context here is crucial; it reminds the Israelites of their ancestors' experiences and the divine instructions given to them. This continuity emphasizes the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands as a perpetual requirement.

when I brought them out of the land of Egypt
This phrase recalls the pivotal event of the Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Hebrew term for "brought out" is "הוֹצֵאתִי" (hotzeiti), which conveys the idea of a powerful and purposeful act of salvation. The Exodus is a central theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's redemptive power and faithfulness. It serves as a constant reminder of God's grace and the beginning of Israel's journey as His chosen people. This historical event is foundational for understanding Israel's identity and their covenant relationship with God.

out of the iron furnace
The metaphor "iron furnace" vividly describes the harsh conditions of slavery in Egypt. In Hebrew, "כּוּר הַבַּרְזֶל" (kur ha-barzel) suggests a place of intense heat and pressure, used for refining metals. This imagery highlights the severity of Israel's oppression and the miraculous nature of their deliverance. It also serves as a reminder of God's ability to purify and transform His people through trials. The "iron furnace" metaphor is a powerful illustration of God's redemptive work, bringing His people out of bondage and into freedom.

saying ‘Obey My voice, and do all that I command you.’
This phrase emphasizes the centrality of obedience in the covenant relationship. The Hebrew word for "obey" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, and respond appropriately. It implies an active, attentive listening that results in action. God's call to "do all that I command you" underscores the comprehensive nature of His expectations. Obedience is not selective but encompasses all aspects of life. This call to obedience is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of aligning one's life with God's will.

So you will be My people, and I will be your God
This phrase encapsulates the essence of the covenant relationship. The promise "you will be My people" signifies a special, chosen status for Israel, set apart for God's purposes. The reciprocal promise "I will be your God" assures them of His presence, protection, and provision. This covenant formula is foundational to the identity of Israel and is echoed throughout the Bible. It reflects God's desire for a personal, intimate relationship with His people, characterized by mutual commitment and faithfulness. This relationship is ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, where believers are grafted into this divine promise.

Verse 4. - From the iron furnace; rather, out of the iron furnace. It is Egypt which is thus described (comp. Deuteronomy 4:20; 1 Kings 8:51). The oppression in Egypt was like the furnace in which iron is rendered malleable by heat (so Isaiah 48:10, "I have tested thee in the furnace of affliction").

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
which
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I commanded
צִוִּ֣יתִי (ṣiw·wî·ṯî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

your forefathers
אֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֡ם (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

when
בְּי֣וֹם (bə·yō·wm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3117: A day

I brought them out
הוֹצִיאִֽי־ (hō·w·ṣî·’î-)
Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of the land
מֵאֶֽרֶץ־ (mê·’e·reṣ-)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Egypt,
מִצְרַיִם֩ (miṣ·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

out of the iron
הַבַּרְזֶ֜ל (hab·bar·zel)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement

furnace,
מִכּ֨וּר (mik·kūr)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3564: Smelting pot or furnace

saying,
לֵאמֹ֗ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Obey Me,
שִׁמְע֤וּ (šim·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

and do
וַעֲשִׂיתֶ֣ם (wa·‘ă·śî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

everything
כְּכֹ֥ל (kə·ḵōl)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I command you,
אֲצַוֶּ֖ה (’ă·ṣaw·weh)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

and you will be
וִהְיִ֤יתֶם (wih·yî·ṯem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

My people,
לְעָ֔ם (lə·‘ām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and I
וְאָ֣נֹכִ֔י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

will be
אֶהְיֶ֥ה (’eh·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

your God.”
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃ (lê·lō·hîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 11:4 Which I commanded your fathers (Jer.)
Jeremiah 11:3
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