King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:2 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; the LORD is: or, ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 33:2 · 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

4

For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD the maker thereof (יְהוָה עֹשָׂהּ, YHWH osah)—God identifies Himself as Creator who formed it (יָצַר, yatsar, the potter's shaping) to establish it (לַהֲכִינָהּ, lahakinah, to make firm/secure). The threefold description—maker, former, establisher—grounds restoration promises in God's creative sovereignty. What He formed in creation, He can re-form in redemption.

The LORD is his name (יְהוָה שְׁמוֹ, YHWH shemo)—The covenant name YHWH (the self-existent One) guarantees His promises. His character ensures His faithfulness. This formula echoes Exodus 15:3 and anticipates the New Jerusalem where God's name will be on His people's foreheads (Revelation 22:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during the Babylonian siege when Jerusalem's destruction seemed certain, this verse anchors hope in God's creative power. The same God who 'formed' Adam from dust (using yatsar) can reform His devastated people. The triple emphasis counters the nation's despair with divine ability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's identity as Creator-Former-Establisher speak to areas of your life that feel ruined beyond repair?
  2. What difference does it make that YHWH's name (His essential character) guarantees His restoration promises?
  3. In what ways does God's creative power demonstrated in Genesis inform your expectations for new beginnings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כֹּֽה1 of 10
H3541

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

אָמַ֥ר2 of 10

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 10

it the LORD

H3068

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

עֹשָׂ֑הּ4 of 10

the maker

H6213

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

יְהוָ֥ה5 of 10

it the LORD

H3068

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

יוֹצֵ֥ר6 of 10

that formed

H3335

to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)

אוֹתָ֛הּ7 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַהֲכִינָ֖הּ8 of 10

it to establish

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

יְהוָ֥ה9 of 10

it the LORD

H3068

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

שְׁמֽוֹ׃10 of 10

is his name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character


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 33:2 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 33:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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