King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 18:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 18:19 in the King James Version says “Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.”

Jeremiah 18:19 · KJV

Context

17

I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

18

Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. with: or, for the tongue

19

Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.

20

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.

21

Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle. pour: Heb. pour them out

Read Jeremiah 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah's appeal to God: "Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me." Facing human opposition, the prophet turns to divine advocacy. "Give heed" (haqshivah, הַקְשִׁיבָה, pay attention) and "hearken" (shema, שְׁמַע, listen) both request God's attentive concern. The phrase "hearken to the voice of them that contend with me" asks God to hear the accusers' false charges so He can vindicate His servant.

This prayer models appropriate response to opposition: appeal to God rather than seeking personal revenge (Rom 12:19, 1 Pet 2:23). Jeremiah commits his cause to the Righteous Judge who knows all hearts (1 Pet 4:19). Rather than defending himself or plotting counter-attacks, he seeks divine intervention and vindication. This reflects confidence that truth will ultimately prevail because God sees and judges righteously.

The principle extends to all believers facing opposition for righteousness' sake. Christ taught blessing comes to those persecuted for His name (Matt 5:10-12). The proper response isn't retaliation but prayer, trusting God to vindicate in His time. Reformed theology emphasizes that final judgment belongs to God alone—Christians must not usurp His prerogative but wait patiently for His justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophets regularly appealed to God when facing opposition (1 Kgs 19:10, Ps 7, 35, 109, 140). These lament psalms and prophetic complaints don't represent weak faith but confident appeal to the divine court. Ancient Near Eastern legal culture involved appeal to higher authorities when justice was denied locally. The ultimate appeal was to God Himself, the Supreme Judge over all earthly courts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you typically respond to opposition—with self-defense, retaliation, or appeal to God?
  2. What does it mean to commit your cause to God rather than taking matters into your own hands?
  3. How does Christ's example of committing Himself to the Father during unjust suffering guide your response to opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַקְשִׁ֥יבָה1 of 6

“Give heed”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 6

“to me O LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלָ֑י3 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּשְׁמַ֖ע4 of 6

“and hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְק֥וֹל5 of 6

“to the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

יְרִיבָֽי׃6 of 6

“of them that contend”

H3401

literally he will contend; properly, adjective contentious; used as noun, an adversary

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 18:19 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 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 6:9Psalms 109:28Psalms 55:16-17Micah 7:8Jeremiah 20:12Luke 6:11-12

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