King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 1:12 Mean?

“Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.”

Context

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof is toward the north. toward: Heb. from the face of the north

Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. shall: Heb. shall be opened

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **I will hasten.**—The Hebrew, by using a participle formed from the same root (*shôkêd*)*, ***presents a play upon** the name of the “almond,” as the *watcher, *which it is impossible to reproduce; literally, *I, too, am watching over my word to perform it.*

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.