King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 32:26 Mean?

Jeremiah 32:26 in the King James Version says “Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying, — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

Jeremiah 32:26 · KJV


Context

24

Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it. mounts: or, engines of shot

25

And thou hast said unto me, O Lord GOD, Buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses; for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans. for the: or, though the

26

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

27

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

28

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ)—The divine response formula signals God's gracious answer to Jeremiah's honest perplexity. God doesn't rebuke the prophet's questioning but addresses it directly. The phrase davar-YHWH (דְבַר־יְהוָה, word of the LORD) appears over 230 times in Jeremiah, emphasizing that despite national apostasy, God continues speaking to His faithful remnant.

This transitional verse introduces God's theodicy (vv. 27-44)—His explanation of both judgment (vv. 28-35) and future restoration (vv. 37-44). The patience of God to answer His confused servant models the relational intimacy available even in crisis. As Jesus later taught, 'Ask, and it shall be given you' (Matthew 7:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic revelation in Israel was not automatic or constant. Specific moments when 'the word of the LORD came' were recognized as divine interventions. Jeremiah received God's word in prison (32:2), showing that confinement cannot limit divine communication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when God's actions seem to contradict His character or promises?
  2. Do you bring your confusion and doubts directly to God in prayer, or suppress them?
  3. What does this verse teach about God's willingness to explain His ways to His servants?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיְהִי֙1 of 6
H1961

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

דְּבַר2 of 6

Then came the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 6

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֶֽל4 of 6
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ5 of 6

unto Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לֵאמֹֽר׃6 of 6

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 32:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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