King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 15:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 15:21 in the King James Version says “And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible. — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 15:21 · KJV


Context

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
God responds to Jeremiah's complaint: '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.' The condition 'if thou return' doesn't mean Jeremiah had apostatized but that he needed to return to proper spiritual perspective. The promise: restoration to prophetic ministry ('stand before me'). The second condition: 'take forth the precious from the vile'—separate valuable truth from worthless complaint or discouragement. Then he'll be 'as my mouth'—God's spokesman. This shows even faithful servants need recalibration when discouragement distorts perspective.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Even great prophets experienced spiritual crises requiring divine correction and recommissioning. God's gentle rebuke and renewed commission demonstrate His patience with struggling servants.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'return' when we haven't abandoned God but have lost proper perspective?
  2. How do we 'take forth the precious from the vile' in our thinking and ministry?
  3. What does being God's 'mouth' require in terms of spiritual preparation and perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְהִצַּלְתִּ֖יךָ1 of 6

And I will deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִיַּ֣ד2 of 6

thee out of the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

רָעִ֑ים3 of 6

of the wicked

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּפְדִתִ֖יךָ4 of 6

and I will redeem

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

מִכַּ֥ף5 of 6

thee out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

עָרִצִֽים׃6 of 6

of the terrible

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical


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 15:21 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 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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