King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:23 in the King James Version says “Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying, — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 33:23 · KJV


Context

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,

24

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

25

Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant be not with day and night, and if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying (וַיְהִי דְבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־יִרְמְיָהוּ שֵׁנִית לֵאמֹר)—a second revelation while Jeremiah remains imprisoned (v. 1, 'shut up in the court of the prison'). The Hebrew debar-YHWH (word of the LORD) marks prophetic authority—not Jeremiah's opinion but divine speech. This formula appears over 150 times in Jeremiah, grounding hope in God's initiative, not human optimism.

The verse serves as transitional hinge: vv. 1-22 detailed Davidic and Levitical covenant promises; vv. 23-26 address skeptical objections to those promises. The structure mirrors ancient Near Eastern disputation oracles where the prophet anticipates and refutes doubts. God doesn't merely announce restoration—He engages with Israel's unbelief, dignifying their doubts with reasoned response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This second oracle came during the same imprisonment period as chapter 32 (588-587 BC), likely days or weeks after the initial revelation. Jerusalem was still under siege, conditions worsening daily. The delay between first and second words tests prophetic patience—God's timing differs from human urgency, yet His word comes 'a second time' (שֵׁנִית), confirming and expanding initial promises.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's willingness to address doubts and objections inform your approach to honest questions about His promises?
  2. What does the timing—a second word during continued imprisonment—teach about God's communication pattern in trials?
  3. Why might God separate His messages into multiple revelations rather than giving complete information at once?

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

Moreover 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 to Jeremiah

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

לֵאמֹֽר׃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 33:23 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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