King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 4:2 Mean?

Jeremiah 4:2 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselv...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.”

Jeremiah 4:2 · KJV

Truth

Context

1

If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.

2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

3

For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

4

Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Read Jeremiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 4:2 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 4:2, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 4:2 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 4:2 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְנִשְׁבַּ֙עְתָּ֙1 of 11

“And thou shalt swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

חַי2 of 11

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֔ה3 of 11

“The LORD”

H3068

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

בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת4 of 11

“in truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט5 of 11

“in judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּבִצְדָקָ֑ה6 of 11

“and in righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְהִתְבָּ֥רְכוּ7 of 11

“shall bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

ב֛וֹ8 of 11
H0
גּוֹיִ֖ם9 of 11

“and the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וּב֥וֹ10 of 11
H0
יִתְהַלָּֽלוּ׃11 of 11

“themselves in him and in him shall they glory”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

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 4:2 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 4:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:16Genesis 22:18Jeremiah 9:24Deuteronomy 10:201 Corinthians 1:312 Corinthians 10:17

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 4 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes