Jeremiah 11:20

KJV

But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

KJV (with Strong's)

But, O LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, that judgest {H8199} righteously {H6664}, that triest {H974} the reins {H3629} and the heart {H3820}, let me see {H7200} thy vengeance {H5360} on them: for unto thee have I revealed {H1540} my cause {H7379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI-Tzva'ot, righteous judge, tester of motives and thoughts, I have committed my cause to you; so let me see your vengeance on them.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.

American Standard Version

But, O Jehovah of hosts, who judgest righteously, who triest the heart and the mind, I shall see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:20 presents a fervent and deeply personal prayer from the prophet Jeremiah, appealing to the sovereign God for righteous judgment and vindication. Amidst a treacherous plot against his life, Jeremiah expresses profound trust in the LORD's omniscient character, acknowledging His ability to discern the deepest intentions of the heart. The prophet petitions God to execute divine justice upon his adversaries, confident that his plight, fully revealed to the Almighty, will be addressed by the ultimate arbiter of righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:20 is situated within a crucial section of the book (chapters 11-12) where the prophet delivers a message of judgment against Judah for breaking the Mosaic covenant. God reveals a "conspiracy" among the people to reject His word, leading to a direct plot against Jeremiah's life. This specific verse immediately follows Jeremiah's poignant lament in [Jeremiah 11:19](/jeremiah/11-19 "Jeremiah 11:19 - The Lamb Led to Slaughter"), where he likens himself to an unsuspecting lamb being led to slaughter, unaware of the malicious intentions against him until God's revelation. The prayer in verse 20 is thus a direct, desperate response to this newfound awareness of betrayal and a plea for divine intervention in the face of imminent danger. It highlights the intense personal suffering Jeremiah endured as God's faithful messenger, emphasizing the profound isolation and peril that accompanied his prophetic calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The people, despite repeated warnings, had continually violated the covenant made at Sinai, engaging in widespread idolatry and social injustice. King Josiah's reforms (c. 622 BCE), which included the rediscovery of the Book of the Law, had brought a brief revival, but the nation's heart remained largely unrepentant. Jeremiah's message of impending judgment and the call to repentance were deeply unpopular, leading to widespread rejection and persecution from various factions, including priests, false prophets, and even his own family and fellow citizens from Anathoth (cf. [Jeremiah 12:6](/jeremiah/12-6 "Jeremiah 12:6 - Even Your Brothers Betray You")). The cultural expectation of divine justice for the righteous and punishment for the wicked was deeply ingrained in Israelite society, making Jeremiah's appeal to God as the righteous judge both culturally appropriate and theologically sound, reflecting a deep-seated belief in divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, portraying God as the ultimate, impartial arbiter who will surely execute His righteous decrees against those who rebel against Him and persecute His servants. Secondly, it highlights **God's Omniscience and Penetrating Knowledge**, particularly His ability to discern the deepest, hidden motives of the human heart, a concept frequently emphasized in the wisdom literature and prophetic books (e.g., [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The LORD Searches the Heart")). Thirdly, it exemplifies the **Suffering of the Prophet**, a pervasive motif in Jeremiah's ministry, where his faithfulness to God's word brought him immense personal anguish and opposition, positioning him as a prototype of the suffering servant. Finally, it demonstrates Jeremiah's profound **Trust and Reliance on God's Sovereignty**, as he completely surrenders his "cause" to the Lord, confident that God alone can provide true vindication and act according to His perfect will, even in the face of overwhelming human opposition, a trust echoed throughout the book (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:11](/jeremiah/20-11 "Jeremiah 20:11 - The LORD is With Me")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to be," this is the sacred, covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises. It is the personal name of the God of Israel, signifying His unique relationship with His people and His active presence in their history, assuring Jeremiah that the one he addresses is the all-powerful and ever-present deity, the "self-Existent or Eternal."
* **reins (Hebrew, _kilyâh'_):** Feminine of a word for "vessel," this term literally refers to the kidneys. Figuratively, it represents the deepest, most hidden parts of a person's being—the seat of their innermost thoughts, feelings, conscience, and secret intentions. Paired with "heart," it emphasizes God's penetrating knowledge of every hidden motive and disposition, the very "interior self."
* **revealed (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to denude," "to uncover," or "to disclose." In this context, it signifies Jeremiah's act of laying bare his entire situation, his "cause" or legal dispute, before God. It implies a complete and open confession of his plight, exposing it fully to divine scrutiny and intervention, trusting God's perfect judgment and His ability to "discover" the truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But, O LORD of hosts":** Jeremiah begins with a direct, impassioned address to God, invoking His majestic and powerful title. "LORD of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) signifies God as the commander of heavenly armies and the sovereign ruler over all creation, underscoring His immense power and authority, assuring Jeremiah that the one he appeals to is fully capable of executing justice and intervening in human affairs.
* **"that judgest righteously":** The prophet appeals to God's inherent character as the perfectly just and impartial judge. This affirms God's moral perfection and His unwavering commitment to upholding what is right, providing the foundational basis for Jeremiah's plea for intervention against injustice and for the vindication of His faithful servant.
* **"that triest the reins and the heart":** This phrase highlights God's omniscience and His profound ability to probe the deepest, most hidden intentions, motives, and emotions of individuals. He sees beyond outward actions into the very core of human nature, discerning truth from deception and understanding the true character of both Jeremiah and his adversaries, leaving no secret thought or hidden agenda unexamined.
* **"let me see thy vengeance on them":** Jeremiah's plea is not for personal retribution born of malice, but for God to execute His divine justice against those who plot evil. It is a request for God to vindicate His faithful servant and demonstrate His righteous judgment against the wicked, recognizing that true "avengement" belongs to the Lord alone, and that His justice is perfectly applied.
* **"for unto thee have I revealed my cause":** This concluding clause expresses Jeremiah's complete trust and reliance on God. He has fully disclosed his legal dispute, his grievance, and his suffering to the Almighty, placing his situation entirely in God's hands for resolution and vindication, confident that God understands his plight and will act according to His perfect knowledge and righteous will.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:20 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The direct address "O LORD of hosts" is an example of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker addresses an absent person or an abstract entity, underscoring the prophet's intimate and desperate plea to God, acknowledging His supreme authority. The phrase "that triest the reins and the heart" utilizes **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (testing, discerning) to God, thereby emphasizing His profound and penetrating knowledge of human interiority in a relatable manner. Furthermore, "reins and the heart" functions as a **Merism**, a figure of speech in which two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent the whole, signifying the entirety of a person's inner being—their deepest thoughts, emotions, and moral core, from the subconscious to the conscious. This verse also carries a strong sense of **Pathos**, evoking deep emotion and sympathy for the suffering prophet who, having faithfully delivered God's word, now turns to God for justice against those who unjustly seek his life, highlighting his vulnerability and unwavering faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:20 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's absolute righteousness and omniscience as the foundation for divine justice. It reassures believers that God is not merely aware of external actions but intimately understands the hidden motives and intentions of the heart, making Him the perfect and ultimate judge. This verse underscores the principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord, encouraging His people to entrust their grievances to Him rather than seeking personal retribution. It also highlights the reality of suffering for those who faithfully serve God, and the appropriate response of crying out to Him for vindication, knowing that His justice is both certain and perfectly applied.

* [Psalm 7:9](/psalm/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - God Tests the Hearts and Minds")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Open Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:20 offers profound solace and a clear directive for believers navigating injustice and persecution in their own lives. It reminds us that our God is not distant or unaware but is the "LORD of hosts," who "judgest righteously" and "triest the reins and the heart." When we face betrayal, false accusations, or plots against our well-being, this verse invites us to emulate Jeremiah's posture: to lay our "cause" completely before the Lord, trusting in His perfect knowledge and unwavering justice. It frees us from the burden of seeking personal revenge, empowering us to release our grievances into the hands of the One who sees all and will act in His perfect timing and wisdom. This trust fosters peace, knowing that no hidden sin or injustice escapes God's notice, and that He will ultimately vindicate His faithful, bringing forth truth and righteousness in His appointed time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah's prayer encourage you to trust God with your deepest hurts and grievances, especially when you feel wronged or misunderstood?**
* **In what ways does the truth that God "triest the reins and the heart" bring you comfort or conviction?**
* **What does it mean practically to "reveal your cause" to the Lord, and how can you do this more consistently in your prayer life?**
* **How can you resist the temptation to seek personal vengeance and instead rely on God's righteous judgment, as Jeremiah did?**

### FAQ
**Is it permissible for a believer to pray for "vengeance" as Jeremiah did?**

Answer: Jeremiah's prayer for "vengeance" must be understood within its biblical context. It is not a call for personal, malicious retribution, but a plea for divine justice. Jeremiah, as God's prophet, was facing a plot against his life precisely because he was faithfully delivering God's word. His request is for God to uphold His own righteous character and covenant faithfulness by acting against those who oppose His will and persecute His servant. In the New Testament, believers are explicitly commanded not to take vengeance into their own hands, but to leave room for God's wrath, knowing that "[Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to the Lord")". Therefore, while we do not pray for personal revenge, we can and should pray for God's justice to prevail, for the wicked to be restrained, and for His righteous will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

**What is the significance of God "testing the reins and the heart"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's absolute omniscience and His profound insight into the innermost being of humanity. In ancient Hebrew thought, the "reins" (kidneys) were considered the seat of deep emotions, conscience, and hidden thoughts, while the "heart" represented the mind, will, and moral character. Together, they signify the totality of one's inner life—conscious and subconscious motives, intentions, and desires. God "testing" them means He thoroughly examines and discerns these hidden aspects, seeing beyond outward appearances or deceptive words. This truth assures the righteous that their true motives are known and affirmed by God, and it serves as a warning to the wicked that no secret sin or hidden agenda escapes His perfect scrutiny ([Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God Knows My Thoughts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's plea for righteous judgment and vindication finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Like Jeremiah, Jesus was the faithful messenger of God, who faced intense opposition, betrayal, and a plot against His life, ultimately being led "[like a lamb to the slaughter](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant")". He, too, entrusted His cause to the One "who judges righteously," as [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering") states, "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." The cross, while appearing to be the ultimate injustice, was in fact the ultimate display of God's righteous judgment, where the "vengeance" against sin itself was poured out upon Christ, the sinless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")! His resurrection was God's resounding vindication of His suffering Servant, declaring Him to be the Son of God in power ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Christ Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Thus, in Christ, we see the perfect model of entrusting our cause to God, knowing that the One who suffered unjustly has become our righteous Judge and ultimate Vindicator, promising that He will return to execute final, perfect justice upon all who reject Him ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 20:12

But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Psalms 7:9

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.

Jeremiah 17:18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

Jeremiah 15:15

¶ O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Revelation 2:23

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.