King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:20 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:20 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Jeremiah 33:20 · KJV

Context

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.

22

As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse introduces a divine analogy that grounds God's covenant promises in the created order's stability. The reference to "covenant of the day" and "covenant of the night" invokes Genesis 8:22 and God's post-flood promise that "while the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

The conditional construction "if ye can break" (im-tapheru) is rhetorical, emphasizing impossibility. The verb parar ("break/annul") is the same used for covenant violation, creating a deliberate parallel between natural law and covenantal promise. Just as humans cannot disrupt the astronomical cycles governing day and night, neither can God's covenant with David be nullified. This appeals to observable reality to confirm spiritual truth.

Theologically, this verse teaches: (1) God's covenant fidelity is anchored in His character as Creator and Sustainer of creation; (2) the same divine power maintaining natural order guarantees covenant fulfillment; (3) God's promises are more certain than physical laws; and (4) creation itself testifies to God's faithfulness. The Westminster Confession (7.1) affirms this connection between God's sovereign power over creation and His covenant reliability.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy came when the Davidic dynasty appeared finished. Jehoiachin (Jeconiah) had been taken to Babylon in 597 BCE, and Zedekiah, the last Davidic king, would soon be captured (586 BCE). To human observation, the covenant with David seemed as broken as the nation itself. Yet God appeals to creation's constancy to affirm covenant permanence.

The astronomical metaphor would resonate powerfully with an ancient Near Eastern audience familiar with Babylonian astral worship. While Babylon's gods were identified with celestial bodies, Yahweh is the Creator who established and maintains these bodies' movements. The same sovereign power that set the sun, moon, and stars in their courses guarantees the Davidic covenant. This assertion countered both pagan cosmologies and Israelite despair about covenant failure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does observing nature's regularity strengthen your confidence in God's promises?
  2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe God's promises are as certain as natural laws?
  3. How does understanding God as both Creator and Covenant-keeper affect your worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כֹּ֚ה1 of 16
H3541

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

אָמַ֣ר2 of 16

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 16

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אִם4 of 16
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תָּפֵ֙רוּ֙5 of 16

“If ye can break”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֖י7 of 16

“and my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

הַיּ֔וֹם8 of 16

“of the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְאֶת9 of 16
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֖י10 of 16

“and my covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וָלַ֖יְלָה11 of 16

“and night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וּלְבִלְתִּ֛י12 of 16
H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

הֱי֥וֹת13 of 16
H1961

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

יֽוֹמָם14 of 16

“and that there should not be day”

H3119

daily

וָלַ֖יְלָה15 of 16

“and night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

בְּעִתָּֽם׃16 of 16

“in their season”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

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 33:20 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 33:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 54:9-10Genesis 8:22Psalms 89:37Psalms 104:19-23Jeremiah 31:35-37Jeremiah 33:25-26

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