Introduction to Jeremiah 11:1: A Superscription of Divine Authority
Jeremiah 11:1 introduces a new oracle with the recurring prophetic formula: הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר הָיָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ מֵאֵת יְהוָה. Though succinct, this clause is deeply significant. It not only establishes the divine origin of the message but also prepares the audience for a section of covenantal confrontation and judgment. This article explores the grammatical structure and literary force of the superscription, focusing especially on the phrase דְּבַר־יְהוָה.
הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר הָיָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ מֵאֵת יְהוָה לֵאמֹר׃
Grammatical and Structural Analysis
1. הַדָּבָר – “the word”
- Definite noun with the article הַ, from the root דָּבָר (“word, speech, matter”)
- Functions as the subject of the verb הָיָה
In prophetic texts, דָּבָר is not just verbal content—it refers to divine communication that is active and often performative, carrying with it authority, judgment, or promise.
2. אֲשֶׁר הָיָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ – “which came to Yirmeyahu”
- אֲשֶׁר – Relative pronoun (“which”)
- הָיָה – Qal perfect 3ms of הָיָה, meaning “to be” or “to come” in prophetic usage
- אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ – Prepositional phrase indicating the recipient: “to Jeremiah”
This construction forms a relative clause, modifying הַדָּבָר. The verb הָיָה in this context functions idiomatically to express that “a word came to” someone, marking revelation or divine encounter.
3. מֵאֵת יְהוָה – “from YHWH”
- מֵאֵת – Prepositional phrase: “from [the agency of]”
- יְהוָה – The personal name of the God of Israel
This clause emphasizes the source of the communication. The word is not Jeremiah’s invention, but originates from YHWH Himself, grounding the oracle in divine authority.
4. לֵאמֹר – “saying”
- Infinitive construct of אָמַר, introducing direct speech
Though not always necessary grammatically, the infinitive לֵאמֹר is an idiomatic quotative marker, signaling that the content of YHWH’s message will follow in the subsequent verses.
Literary and Theological Implications
1. Superscription as Structural Device
Verses like Jeremiah 11:1 serve as literary headers, marking a new section of divine speech. This formula appears multiple times throughout prophetic books (e.g., Jer 1:2, 7:1, 18:1), and helps readers track the prophetic oracles as discrete, revealed units.
2. Emphasis on Divine Origin
By stating that the word is from YHWH (מֵאֵת יְהוָה), the prophet reinforces that the coming content is not his own wisdom or opinion but divinely sourced revelation. This highlights the authority and inviolability of what follows.
3. Continuity of Prophetic Vocation
The repeated use of this formula throughout Jeremiah’s book underscores the consistency and continuity of his prophetic vocation. The phrase הָיָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ reminds the audience that Jeremiah’s authority rests in the fact that he receives YHWH’s word, not initiates it.
The Role of דְּבַר־יְהוָה in Jeremiah 11:1
In Jeremiah 11:1, the phrase דְּבַר־יְהוָה plays a foundational role:
- Grammatically: It is the subject of the clause and object of divine origin
- Literarily: It serves as a superscription that introduces a new oracle
- Theologically: It affirms that the prophet speaks with the voice of YHWH, not personal initiative
This short but powerful formula reminds the audience that every prophetic utterance is an extension of divine will. The message that follows in Jeremiah 11—concerning covenant breaking and judgment—must be understood as flowing directly from דְּבַר־יְהוָה, making it binding, urgent, and unassailable.
