King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:17 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; David: Heb. There s...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; David: Heb. There shall not be cut off from David”

Jeremiah 33:17 · KJV

Context

15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. The LORD: Heb. Jehovahtsidkenu

17

For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; David: Heb. There shall not be cut off from David

18

Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.

19

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

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne (לֹא־יִכָּרֵת לְדָוִד אִישׁ יֹשֵׁב עַל־כִּסֵּא)—This is God's unconditional covenant promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), reaffirmed in Judah's darkest hour. The Hebrew yikkaret (be cut off) emphasizes permanence: David's line will never fail.

The fulfillment is ultimately Christological—Jesus the Messiah sits on David's throne eternally (Luke 1:32-33, Acts 2:29-36). Though the political Davidic kingdom ended in 586 BC, the messianic kingdom never fails. This verse bridges the already/not yet tension: Christ reigns now spiritually, and will reign physically in the millennial kingdom. God's covenant with David is as certain as the fixed order of creation (v. 20-21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken during Jerusalem's siege (588-586 BC) when the Davidic monarchy faced imminent extinction. The timing underscores God's sovereignty—He reaffirms His covenant precisely when circumstances seem to contradict it. This echoes the Abrahamic covenant reaffirmed during famine and barrenness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's eternal reign as David's greater Son demonstrate God's faithfulness to seemingly impossible promises?
  2. What 'thrones' in your life seem to be failing, yet God has promised to sustain?
  3. How does this unconditional covenant differ from conditional covenants that depend on human obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
כִּי1 of 13
H3588

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

כֹ֖ה2 of 13
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 13

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

לֹֽא5 of 13

“shall never”

H3808

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

יִכָּרֵ֣ת6 of 13

“want”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

לְדָוִ֔ד7 of 13

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אִ֕ישׁ8 of 13

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יֹשֵׁ֖ב9 of 13

“to sit”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל10 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֥א11 of 13

“upon the throne”

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

בֵֽית12 of 13

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 33:17 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 33:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 2:4Psalms 89:29-37Luke 1:32-331 Chronicles 17:11-141 Kings 8:25Isaiah 9:7

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