King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 15:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 15:19 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

Jeremiah 15:19 · KJV


Context

17

I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail? fail: Heb. be not sure?

19

Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

20

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

21

And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah protests his isolation: 'I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.' His separation from 'mockers' was deliberate—faithfulness to God necessitated separation from the ungodly. The phrase 'I sat alone' describes the loneliness of prophetic ministry. The cause: 'thy hand'—God's calling isolated him. Being 'filled with indignation' means carrying God's righteous anger against sin, making fellowship with sin-celebrating people impossible. This illustrates the cost of holiness: separation from worldly companionship. The Reformed tradition values this holy separation while guarding against pharisaical isolation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets often lived isolated lives due to their unpopular messages and calls to holiness. Jeremiah's celibacy (Jeremiah 16:1-2) and separation from normal social life symbolized coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does prophetic loneliness teach about the cost of faithful ministry?
  2. How do we balance holy separation from sin with evangelistic engagement with sinners?
  3. What does being 'filled with indignation' over sin look like in contemporary Christian life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
לָכֵ֞ן1 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 22

Therefore thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 22

the LORD

H3068

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

אִם5 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תָשׁ֥וּב6 of 22

If thou return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

תָשׁ֥וּב7 of 22

If thou return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְפָנַ֣י8 of 22

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

תַּֽעֲמֹ֔ד9 of 22

and thou shalt stand

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְאִם10 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תּוֹצִ֥יא11 of 22

me and if thou take forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

יָקָ֛ר12 of 22

the precious

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

מִזּוֹלֵ֖ל13 of 22

from the vile

H2151

figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal

כְּפִ֣י14 of 22

thou shalt be as my mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

תִֽהְיֶ֑ה15 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

תָשׁ֥וּב16 of 22

If thou return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הֵ֙מָּה֙17 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ18 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאַתָּ֖ה19 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֹֽא20 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תָשׁ֥וּב21 of 22

If thou return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃22 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to


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 15:19 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 15:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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