King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:19 in the King James Version says “And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 33:19 · KJV


Context

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,

20

Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;

21

Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah—This formulaic introduction (דְּבַר־יְהוָה, devar-YHWH) appears over 300 times in the prophets, authenticating divine origin. The phrase emphasizes God's initiative in revelation—the prophet is passive recipient, not originator.

This verse introduces the cosmic covenant analogy (v. 20-26) comparing God's promises to the fixed laws of nature. The word (dabar) is both message and event—God's speaking creates reality. In John 1:1, the eternal Logos (Word) becomes flesh, embodying God's self-revelation. Jeremiah consistently presents God as the initiating Speaker who breaks into human history with authoritative, irrevocable declarations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic consciousness in Israel understood 'the word of the LORD' as more than information—it was active, creative power (Isaiah 55:10-11). Jeremiah's reception of God's word often brought him suffering (Jeremiah 20:7-9), yet he could not refrain from speaking it. This marks authentic versus false prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing Scripture as 'the word of the LORD' affect your approach to reading the Bible?
  2. What does God's initiative in revelation teach about the nature of saving faith (John 6:44)?
  3. How should the church today discern authentic proclamation of God's word versus human opinion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 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

And 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

came unto Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לֵאמֽוֹר׃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 33:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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