King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:21 in the King James Version says “Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and w...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 33:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse completes the conditional argument begun in verse 20, drawing an explicit parallel between creation's stability and covenant permanence. The phrase "my covenant with David" references 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promised David an eternal dynasty: "thy throne shall be established for ever."

The inclusion of "the Levites the priests" alongside the Davidic covenant is significant. It binds together the royal and priestly offices in God's purposes, both essential to Israel's covenant life. This dual emphasis finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who serves as both King (from Judah) and Priest (after the order of Melchizedek, which supersedes the Levitical priesthood—Hebrews 7:11-17). The priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9) and Christ's eternal high priesthood both flow from this covenant stability.

The phrase "David my servant" (David avdi) emphasizes the covenant relationship's personal nature. David is not merely a king but God's chosen servant, bound to God by grace and calling. Similarly, the Levites are "my ministers" (mesharetai), belonging to God through divine appointment. The permanence of these offices rests not on human faithfulness but divine sovereignty and grace—a key Reformed emphasis.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical priesthood faced crisis alongside the monarchy. The temple was about to be destroyed (586 BCE), ending the regular sacrificial system. The priests would go into Babylonian exile, unable to fulfill their ordained duties. Yet God declares this priestly ministry as permanent as the Davidic throne.

The post-exilic restoration saw both offices renewed: Zerubbabel (Davidic descendant) governed alongside Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3-4). However, the ultimate fulfillment required Christ, who combines both offices perfectly. The author of Hebrews extensively develops how Christ's priesthood fulfills and surpasses the Levitical system (Hebrews 7-10). The early church recognized that in Christ, believers participate in both kingly rule (Revelation 1:6) and priestly service (Romans 12:1).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's combination of kingly and priestly roles address the full scope of human need?
  2. In what ways does your identity as part of a 'royal priesthood' shape your daily life and service?
  3. How does understanding your calling as a 'servant' and 'minister' of God transform your perspective on work and vocation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
גַּם1 of 16
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּרִיתִ֤י2 of 16

“Then may also my covenant”

H1285

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

תֻפַר֙3 of 16

“be broken”

H6565

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

אֶת4 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

דָּוִ֣ד5 of 16

“with David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

עַבְדִּ֔י6 of 16

“my servant”

H5650

a servant

מִהְיֽוֹת7 of 16
H1961

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

ל֥וֹ8 of 16
H0
בֵ֖ן9 of 16

“that he should not have a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֹלֵ֣ךְ10 of 16

“to reign”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

עַל11 of 16
H5921

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

כִּסְא֑וֹ12 of 16

“upon his throne”

H3678

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

וְאֶת13 of 16
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַלְוִיִּ֥ם14 of 16

“and with the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים15 of 16

“the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

מְשָׁרְתָֽי׃16 of 16

“my ministers”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

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 33:21 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 33:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 89:342 Chronicles 7:182 Samuel 23:52 Chronicles 21:7Luke 1:32-33Luke 1:69-70

Test Your Knowledge

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