King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 16:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 16:21 in the King James Version says “Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD. The LORD: or, JEHOVAH

Jeremiah 16:21 · KJV


Context

19

O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.

20

Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?

21

Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD. The LORD: or, JEHOVAH


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God declares His purpose in judgment and subsequent restoration: 'they shall know that my name is The LORD.' The Hebrew name YAHWEH signifies God's self-existence and covenant faithfulness. Knowledge of God is the goal of all His actions - even judgment serves pedagogical purposes. This experiential knowledge transcends intellectual assent to include relationship and trust.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's exile would teach them experientially what they refused to learn through blessing - that YAHWEH alone is God, and His word is trustworthy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God used difficult circumstances to teach you His character?
  2. What's the difference between knowing about God and knowing Him personally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לָכֵן֙1 of 14
H3651

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

הִנְנִ֣י2 of 14
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

וְיָדְע֖וּ3 of 14

I will cause them to know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בַּפַּ֣עַם4 of 14

Therefore behold I will this once

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

הַזֹּ֔את5 of 14
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְיָדְע֖וּ6 of 14

I will cause them to know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת7 of 14
H853

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

יָדִ֖י8 of 14

mine 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

וְאֶת9 of 14
H853

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

גְּבֽוּרָתִ֑י10 of 14

and my might

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

וְיָדְע֖וּ11 of 14

I will cause them to know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי12 of 14
H3588

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

שְׁמִ֥י13 of 14

that my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

is The LORD

H3068

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


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 16:21 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 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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