King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:20 in the King James Version says “But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: f...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.”

Jeremiah 11:20 · KJV

Context

18

And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.

19

But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. the tree: Heb. the stalk with his bread

20

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

21

Therefore thus saith the LORD of the men of Anathoth, that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that thou die not by our hand:

22

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine: punish: Heb. visit upon

Read Jeremiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse appeals for divine justice: 'But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart.' Jeremiah appeals to God as righteous Judge (shophet tsedeq) who tests (bochen) inner motivations. 'Reins' (kelayoth, kidneys) and 'heart' (lev) represent the seat of emotions and will—God examines motives, not just actions. 'Let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.' The Hebrew neqamah (נְקָמָה, vengeance) is divine vindication, not personal revenge. 'Revealed my cause' (galithi eth-rivi) means entrusted his case to God's court. Jeremiah doesn't seek personal retaliation but commits his situation to divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This appeal for divine vengeance appears throughout Jeremiah's confessions (15:15, 17:18, 18:21-23, 20:12). The 'reins and heart' phrase appears also in Jeremiah 17:10, 20:12, and Psalm 7:9—emphasizing God's complete knowledge of human motivation. Similar appeals appear in imprecatory Psalms (Psalm 35, 69, 109). These are not personal vendettas but appeals to divine justice against those who oppose God's word.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does appealing for divine vengeance differ from seeking personal revenge?
  2. What does 'revealing my cause to You' teach about handling injustice through trust in God's justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַֽיהוָ֤ה1 of 15

“But O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֙2 of 15

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שֹׁפֵ֣ט3 of 15

“that judgest”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

צֶ֔דֶק4 of 15

“righteously”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

בֹּחֵ֥ן5 of 15

“that triest”

H974

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

כְּלָי֖וֹת6 of 15

“the reins”

H3629

a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)

וָלֵ֑ב7 of 15

“and the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֶרְאֶ֤ה8 of 15

“let me see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נִקְמָֽתְךָ֙9 of 15

“thy vengeance”

H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

מֵהֶ֔ם10 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּ֥י11 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵלֶ֖יךָ12 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גִּלִּ֥יתִי13 of 15

“on them for unto thee have I revealed”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֶת14 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

רִיבִֽי׃15 of 15

“my cause”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

Study Guide

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 11:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 20:12Jeremiah 17:101 Samuel 16:7Psalms 7:9Jeremiah 17:18Genesis 18:25

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