Jeremiah 1:12

Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

Then said {H559} the LORD {H3068} unto me, Thou hast well {H3190} seen {H7200}: for I will hasten {H8245} my word {H1697} to perform {H6213} it.

Then ADONAI said to me, "You have seen well, because I am watching [Hebrew: shoked] to fulfill my word."

โ€œYou have observed correctly,โ€ said the LORD, โ€œfor I am watching over My word to accomplish it.โ€

Then said Jehovah unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it.

Commentary

Jeremiah 1:12 is a powerful declaration from the Lord, following Jeremiah's first prophetic vision of an almond rod. It underscores the certainty and swiftness with which God fulfills His spoken word.

Context

This verse comes immediately after the Lord shows Jeremiah a vision of an almond rod in Jeremiah 1:11. The young prophet, having just received his profound commissioning from God, is being prepared for a difficult ministry. The vision serves as an object lesson, and verse 12 provides its divine interpretation and assurance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Affirmation: The phrase "Thou hast well seen" signifies God's approval of Jeremiah's understanding of the vision. It confirms that the prophet correctly perceived the symbolism, validating his role and insight.
  • The Certainty of God's Word: The core message is God's unwavering commitment to His promises and decrees. Whether they concern judgment or blessing, God declares that His word will not fail. This provides immense encouragement to Jeremiah, who would face significant opposition.
  • God's Readiness to Act: "I will hasten my word to perform it" emphasizes divine immediacy and resolve. It's not just that God's word will be performed, but that He is actively "watching over" it to bring it to pass without delay. This serves as a warning to those who would defy God and an assurance to those who trust Him.

Linguistic Insights

The profound meaning of Jeremiah 1:12 is deeply rooted in a Hebrew wordplay from the preceding verse. The word for "almond" in Hebrew is shaqed (ืฉึธืืงึตื“). This word is phonetically very similar to the Hebrew word shaqad (ืฉึธืืงึทื“), which means "to watch," "to be alert," or "to hasten." The almond tree is often the first tree to blossom in spring, symbolizing a "watching" or "waking" tree. God uses this vivid imagery to convey that just as the almond tree is quick to awake, so too is He quick to "watch over" and "hasten" the fulfillment of His word.

Practical Application

For believers today, Jeremiah 1:12 offers profound comfort and a call to trust. It reminds us that:

  • God is Faithful: Just as God promised to fulfill His word through Jeremiah, He remains faithful to all His promises found in Scripture. We can rest assured that what He has spoken, He will do.
  • Divine Promises are Reliable: Whether it's a promise of salvation, provision, or future hope, God's word is not empty. He is actively "hastening" its performance in His perfect timing. This echoes sentiments found in Isaiah 55:11, where God declares His word will not return to Him void.
  • Encouragement in Waiting: While God "hastens," His timing is sovereign. This verse encourages patience and persistent faith, knowing that the divine will is always in motion and will be accomplished.
This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding the certainty of God's prophetic and redemptive plan throughout history.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 12:28

    Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 12:25

    For I [am] the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Ezekiel 12:22

    Son of man, what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

  • Ezekiel 12:23

    Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision.

  • Luke 10:28

    And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

  • Deuteronomy 5:28

    And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.

  • Amos 8:2

    And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.
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