King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 42:3 Mean?

That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

Jeremiah 42:3 · King James Version


Context

1

Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,

2

And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:) Let: or, Let our supplication fall before thee

3

That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

4

Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.

5

Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The remnant asks Jeremiah to inquire of God concerning their next steps. Their request sounds pious - 'pray for us unto the LORD thy God' and desire to know 'the way wherein we may walk.' Yet verse 20 reveals they'd already decided to go to Egypt and were seeking confirmation, not direction. Seeking God's counsel while having predetermined the answer is self-deception.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurs after Gedaliah's assassination. The remnant feared Babylonian reprisal and contemplated fleeing to Egypt, despite God's previous warnings against this.

Reflection Questions

  1. When do you seek God's guidance while already having made up your mind?
  2. How can you ensure you're truly seeking God's will rather than His endorsement of your plans?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְיַגֶּד
1 of 13

may shew

H5046
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
לָ֙נוּ֙
2 of 13
H0
יְהוָ֣ה
3 of 13

That the LORD

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ
4 of 13

thy God

H430
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
5 of 13
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ
6 of 13

us the way

H1870
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
7 of 13
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נֵֽלֶךְ
8 of 13
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בָּ֑הּ
9 of 13
H0
וְאֶת
10 of 13
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֖ר
11 of 13

and the thing

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
12 of 13
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃
13 of 13

that we may do

H6213
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 42:3 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 42:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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