King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:1 in the King James Version says “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, s... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

Jeremiah 33:1 · KJV


Context

1

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

2

Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; the LORD is: or, JEHOVAH, etc

3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. mighty: or, hidden


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time—This divine word (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, debar-YHWH) came while Jeremiah remained imprisoned in the court of the prison (חֲצַר הַמַּטָּרָה, chatsar hammattarah). The 'second time' refers back to chapter 32, emphasizing God's persistent grace even when Jeremiah was confined for prophesying Jerusalem's fall. The prison courtyard became a pulpit for restoration promises—God speaks His brightest words in our darkest places.

This pattern of hope-in-confinement anticipates Paul's prison epistles (Philippians, Ephesians) where captivity produced theology of cosmic restoration. The prophet who announced judgment now receives revelation of redemption, demonstrating that God's final word is always grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah was imprisoned by King Zedekiah (circa 588 BC) in the court of the guard for prophesying Jerusalem's conquest by Babylon. From this confined space, God revealed some of Scripture's most glorious restoration promises, showing that physical captivity could not limit divine revelation.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you experienced God's clearest guidance during your most restricted circumstances?
  2. How does Jeremiah's prison testimony encourage faithfulness when speaking truth costs you freedom?
  3. What 'second time' words of hope might God be speaking to situations you've already given up on?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְהִ֧י1 of 12
H1961

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

דְבַר2 of 12

Moreover the word

H1697

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

יְהוָ֛ה3 of 12

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֶֽל4 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יִרְמְיָ֖הוּ5 of 12

came unto Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

שֵׁנִ֑ית6 of 12

the second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

וְהוּא֙7 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ8 of 12
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עָצ֔וּר9 of 12

time while he was yet shut up

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

בַּחֲצַ֥ר10 of 12

in the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

הַמַּטָּרָ֖ה11 of 12

of the prison

H4307

a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

לֵאמֹֽר׃12 of 12

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 33:1 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 33:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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