Historical context of Jeremiah

Who wrote Jeremiah, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Jeremiah

Date written

c. 627-580 BC

Original audience

Judah on the brink of exile.

Genre

Prophecy

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

52

Background and setting

Late 7th to early 6th century BC.

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Jeremiah was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Jeremiah or jump into chapter 1.