King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:20 in the King James Version says “The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.”

Jeremiah 23:20 · KJV

Context

18

For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it? counsel: or, secret

19

Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

20

The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

21

I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

22

But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Read Jeremiah 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed...the thoughts of his heart (לֹא יָשׁוּב אַף־יְהוָה עַד־עֲשֹׂתוֹ, lo yashuv af-YHWH ad-asoto)—divine anger won't reverse until completing its purpose. The phrase מְזִמּוֹת לִבּוֹ (m'zimmot libbo, 'thoughts/plans of his heart') shows intentional judgment, not emotional reaction. In the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly—retrospectively, the exiles would understand God's justice.

The verb בִּין (bin, 'understand') appears doubled for emphasis—'understand with understanding.' Hindsight vindicates divine judgment as purposeful. Daniel later studied Jeremiah's 70-year prophecy and understood (Daniel 9:2). Time proves God's word reliable and human resistance futile.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written before 586 BC, this prophecy was vindicated when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem. Exiles eventually understood that Jeremiah spoke truth while false prophets lied. The 'latter days' perspective demonstrates how divine purposes unfold across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations might you understand perfectly only in hindsight as God's purposeful work?
  2. How does knowing God's anger has specific purpose change your response to discipline?
  3. What past mysteries in your life do you now understand as divine intention?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לֹ֤א1 of 15
H3808

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

יָשׁוּב֙2 of 15

“shall not return”

H7725

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

אַף3 of 15

“The anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 15

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עַד5 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֲשֹׂת֥וֹ6 of 15

“until he have executed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְעַד7 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֲקִימ֖וֹ8 of 15

“and till he have performed”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מְזִמּ֣וֹת9 of 15

“the thoughts”

H4209

a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)

לִבּ֑וֹ10 of 15

“of his heart”

H3820

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

בְּאַֽחֲרִית֙11 of 15

“in the latter”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

הַיָּמִ֔ים12 of 15

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תִּתְבּ֥וֹנְנוּ13 of 15

“ye shall consider”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בָ֖הּ14 of 15
H0
בִּינָֽה׃15 of 15

“it perfectly”

H998

understanding

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 23:20 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 23:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 30:24Isaiah 55:11Proverbs 21:30Genesis 49:1Isaiah 14:24Zechariah 1:6

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