Jeremiah 35:8
New International Version
We have obeyed everything our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine

New Living Translation
So we have obeyed him in all these things. We have never had a drink of wine to this day, nor have our wives, our sons, or our daughters.

English Standard Version
We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,

Berean Standard Bible
And we have obeyed the voice of our forefather Jonadab son of Rechab in all he commanded us. So we have not drunk wine all our lives—neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters.

King James Bible
Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

New King James Version
Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,

New American Standard Bible
And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,

NASB 1995
“We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons or our daughters,

NASB 1977
“And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,

Legacy Standard Bible
So we have listened to the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,

Amplified Bible
We have obeyed the words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, in all our days we have never drunk wine, nor have our wives, our sons, or our daughters,

Christian Standard Bible
We have obeyed Jonadab, son of our ancestor Rechab, in all he commanded us. So we haven’t drunk wine our whole life—we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab, son of our ancestor Rechab, in all he commanded us. So we haven’t drunk wine our whole life—we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters.

American Standard Version
And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters;

English Revised Version
And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
We, along with our wives, sons, and daughters, have obeyed our ancestor Jonadab, Rechab's son, in everything he ordered us to do. We have never drunk wine,

Good News Translation
We have obeyed all the instructions that Jonadab gave us. We ourselves never drink wine, and neither do our wives, our sons, or our daughters.

International Standard Version
We have obeyed everything that our ancestor, Rechab's son Jonadab, commanded us. So we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters have drunk no wine all our lives,

Majority Standard Bible
And we have obeyed the voice of our forefather Jonadab son of Rechab in all he commanded us. So we have not drunk wine all our lives—neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters.

NET Bible
We and our wives and our sons and daughters have obeyed everything our ancestor Jonadab commanded us. We have never drunk wine.

New Heart English Bible
We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters;

Webster's Bible Translation
Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

World English Bible
We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And we listen to the voice of Jonadab son of Rechab, our father, to all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters;

Young's Literal Translation
'And we hearken to the voice of Jonadab son of Rechab, our father, to all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters;

Smith's Literal Translation
And we will hear to the voice of Jonadab son of Rechab our father, for all which he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, and our daughters;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all things that he commanded us: so as to drink no wine all our days: neither we, nor our wives, nor our sons, nor our daughters:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab, the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he has commanded us, so that we do not drink wine all our days, we and our wives, our sons and daughters.

New American Bible
We have obeyed Jonadab, Rechab’s son, our father, in everything that he commanded us: not drinking wine as long as we live—neither we nor our wives nor our sons nor our daughters;

New Revised Standard Version
We have obeyed the charge of our ancestor Jonadab son of Rechab in all that he commanded us, to drink no wine all our days, ourselves, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Thus we have obeyed the command of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he has charged us, to drink no wine all our days, neither we nor our wives nor our sons nor our daughters;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And we listen to the commandment of Yonadab, son of Rekab, our father, everything that he commanded us, that we shall not drink wine all of our days, not we, neither our wives, neither our sons, neither our daughters
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And we have hearkened to the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And we hearkened to the voice of Jonadab our father, so as to drink no wine all our days, we, and our wives, and our sons, and our daughters;
Audio Bible



Context
The Obedience of the Rechabites
7Nor are you ever to build a house or sow seed or plant a vineyard. Those things are not for you. Instead, you must live in tents all your lives, so that you may live a long time in the land where you wander.’ 8And we have obeyed the voice of our forefather Jonadab son of Rechab in all he commanded us. So we have not drunk wine all our lives— neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters. 9Nor have we built houses in which to live, and we have not owned any vineyards or fields or crops.…

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leviticus 19:3
Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.

Matthew 15:4
For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

Mark 7:10
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’

Luke 18:20
You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’”

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.

2 Kings 10:15-16
When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, / saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.

2 Kings 23:3
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

2 Chronicles 34:31
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.


Treasury of Scripture

Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he has charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

Proverbs 1:8,9
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: …

Proverbs 4:1,2,10
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding…

Proverbs 6:20
My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

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Charged Commanded Daughters Drink Hearkened Jonadab Obeyed Rechab Voice Wine Wives
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Jeremiah 35
1. By the obedience of the Rechabites,
12. Jeremiah condemns the disobedience of the Jews.
18. God blesses the Rechabites for their obedience.














We have obeyed
The Hebrew root for "obeyed" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which means to hear, listen, or give heed. In the context of Jeremiah 35:8, this word emphasizes the active listening and adherence to the commands given by their forefather. The Rechabites' obedience is a testament to their faithfulness and respect for their ancestral traditions, which is a powerful example of loyalty and discipline. This obedience is not just passive hearing but an active, intentional following of instructions, reflecting a deep commitment to their identity and values.

the voice of Jonadab
Jonadab, the son of Rechab, is a significant figure in this narrative. His "voice" represents the authority and wisdom passed down through generations. Historically, Jonadab is known for his zealousness for the Lord, as seen in 2 Kings 10:15-23, where he supports Jehu in eradicating Baal worship. The Rechabites' adherence to Jonadab's commands highlights the importance of godly leadership and the impact of a righteous legacy. It underscores the value of listening to and honoring the guidance of those who walk closely with God.

son of Rechab
Rechab is the patriarch of the Rechabite family, and his lineage is marked by a distinct lifestyle that sets them apart from the surrounding culture. The mention of Rechab ties the Rechabites to a heritage of faithfulness and separation from the idolatrous practices of their time. This phrase reminds us of the significance of spiritual heritage and the influence of family in shaping one's faith and conduct.

our forefather
The term "forefather" connects the Rechabites to their ancestral roots, emphasizing the continuity of faith and practice across generations. It speaks to the enduring nature of their commitment and the respect they hold for their lineage. In a broader biblical context, this highlights the importance of honoring one's spiritual ancestors and the teachings they impart, which can guide and sustain faith communities through changing times.

in all that he commanded us
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the Rechabites' obedience. It wasn't selective or partial; they followed "all" that was commanded. This total obedience is a model of complete submission to God's will, as mediated through their forefather's instructions. It challenges believers to consider the extent of their own obedience to God's commands and the teachings of Scripture.

not to drink wine
The prohibition against drinking wine is a specific command that sets the Rechabites apart. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wine was a common part of social and religious life. By abstaining, the Rechabites maintained a distinct identity and avoided the potential pitfalls of indulgence and assimilation into pagan cultures. This abstinence symbolizes self-control and dedication to a higher calling, encouraging believers to consider what practices they might need to abstain from to maintain their spiritual integrity.

all our days
The phrase "all our days" indicates a lifelong commitment to the commands of Jonadab. It reflects the enduring nature of their covenant and the steadfastness required to uphold it. This lifelong dedication serves as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful throughout their lives, regardless of changing circumstances or pressures to conform to the world.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
We have obeyed
וַנִּשְׁמַ֗ע (wan·niš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the voice
בְּק֨וֹל (bə·qō·wl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

of our forefather
אָבִ֔ינוּ (’ā·ḇî·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1: Father

Jonadab
יְהוֹנָדָ֤ב (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
רֵכָב֙ (rê·ḵāḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7394: Rechab -- perhaps 'band of riders', a Benjamite, also the head of a nomadic family

in all
לְכֹ֖ל (lə·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

he commanded us.
צִוָּ֑נוּ (ṣiw·wā·nū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

So we have not
לְבִלְתִּ֤י (lə·ḇil·tî)
Preposition-l
Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until

drunk
שְׁתֽוֹת־ (šə·ṯō·wṯ-)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

wine
יַ֙יִן֙ (ya·yin)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

our lives—
יָמֵ֔ינוּ (yā·mê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3117: A day

neither we
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū)
Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

[nor] our wives
נָשֵׁ֔ינוּ (nā·šê·nū)
Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

[nor] sons
בָּנֵ֖ינוּ (bā·nê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1121: A son

[nor] daughters.
וּבְנֹתֵֽינוּ׃ (ū·ḇə·nō·ṯê·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1323: A daughter


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 35:8 We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab (Jer.)
Jeremiah 35:7
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