Jeremiah 15:19

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, [and] thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, If thou return {H7725}, then will I bring thee again {H7725}, and thou shalt stand {H5975} before {H6440} me: and if thou take forth {H3318} the precious {H3368} from the vile {H2151}, thou shalt be as my mouth {H6310}: let them return {H7725} unto thee; but return {H7725} not thou unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is ADONAI's answer: "If you return - if I bring you back you will stand before me. If you separate the precious from the base, you will be my spokesman. It will then be they who turn to you, not you who turn to them.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you return, I will restore you; you will stand in My presence. And if you speak words that are noble instead of worthless, you will be My spokesman. It is they who must turn to you, but you must not turn to them.

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, that thou mayest stand before me; and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: they shall return unto thee, but thou shalt not return unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:19 presents a profound divine ultimatum and promise to the prophet Jeremiah, who is grappling with deep despair and the overwhelming burden of his prophetic ministry. The LORD offers a pathway to spiritual and vocational restoration, contingent upon Jeremiah's genuine repentance, unwavering loyalty, and diligent discernment. He is called to actively separate the invaluable truth of God's word from the worthless falsehoods and corruptions prevalent in society, thereby qualifying him to serve as God's uncompromised mouthpiece. This divine directive also establishes Jeremiah as a moral and spiritual standard to which the people should turn for repentance, rather than the prophet himself succumbing to their unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:19 serves as a pivotal turning point within a deeply personal and emotionally charged section of the book, immediately following Jeremiah's lament in [Jeremiah 15:10-18](/jeremiah/15-10-18 "Jeremiah's Anguish and Complaint"). In this preceding passage, the prophet expresses profound anguish, cursing the day of his birth and feeling isolated and persecuted because of his prophetic message. He questions God's presence and the efficacy of his ministry, even accusing God of being like a "deceitful brook" ([Jeremiah 15:18](/jeremiah/15-18 "Jeremiah's Accusation Against God")). The LORD's response in verse 19 is a direct, yet conditional, answer to this crisis of faith and despair. It is not a gentle reassurance but a firm call to spiritual discipline and re-commitment, outlining the terms for Jeremiah's restoration to his prophetic office and intimacy with God. This dialogue underscores the intensely personal nature of Jeremiah's calling and the spiritual struggles inherent in delivering an unpopular divine message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings of Judah, from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading directly to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to covenant laws, despite repeated warnings from prophets like Jeremiah. The "vile" in this context refers not only to the pervasive moral corruption and syncretistic religious practices of the people but also, significantly, to the influence of false prophets who offered comforting, yet deceptive, messages instead of God's challenging truths. Jeremiah's divine mandate to "take forth the precious from the vile" was a radical call for spiritual purity and discernment in a society that had largely abandoned its covenant with Yahweh. The concept of "standing before me" (God) would have resonated strongly with ancient Near Eastern audiences, evoking the image of a trusted servant, minister, or ambassador in the king's court, signifying an intimate, privileged, and authoritative position of service and access to the sovereign.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine restoration and conditional covenant faithfulness**, demonstrating God's willingness to restore His servant, even in his moments of despair, provided there is genuine repentance and adherence to divine standards. Secondly, the imperative to "take forth the precious from the vile" underscores the critical theme of **spiritual discernment and purity**, which is absolutely essential for anyone representing God. Jeremiah must clearly distinguish between divine truth and human corruption, both in the content of his message and in his personal conduct. This theme is powerfully echoed in God's distinction between true and false prophecy, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 23:28](/jeremiah/23-28 "Jeremiah 23:28 - The Difference Between Wheat and Chaff"), where the true prophet’s word is like wheat, while the false prophet’s is like chaff. Finally, the command "let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them" emphasizes the theme of **prophetic integrity and separation**. Jeremiah is called to be a steadfast moral and spiritual anchor, a beacon for repentance, rather than being swayed or corrupted by the prevailing ungodliness, a principle found consistently throughout the prophetic books, such as in [Ezekiel 2:6](/ekeziel/2-6 "Ezekiel 2:6 - Do Not Be Afraid of Them") and [Ezekiel 3:9](/ezekiel/3-9 "Ezekiel 3:9 - Like Adamant Harder Than Flint").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) signifies "to turn back," encompassing a wide range of applications from literal turning to figurative concepts of repentance, restoration, and a change of direction. In Jeremiah 15:19, its repeated use emphasizes a profound spiritual turning: Jeremiah is to turn back to God in faith and obedience, allowing God to "bring him again" to his rightful place. Simultaneously, the people are to turn back to Jeremiah's message, but Jeremiah is strictly forbidden from turning back to their corrupt ways. It implies a reversal of spiritual trajectory, from despair and potential compromise to renewed faithfulness and steadfastness.
* **Precious (Hebrew, _yâqâr'_):** Derived from the root (H3368) meaning "to be weighty" or "costly," this word describes something valuable, honorable, excellent, or of high reputation. In the context of Jeremiah 15:19, it refers to God's pure truth, His unadulterated word, righteous principles, and perhaps even the faithful remnant within Israel. It represents that which is of divine origin and eternal worth, demanding careful preservation, discernment, and proclamation, standing in stark contrast to the worthless.
* **Vile (Hebrew, _zâlal'_):** This primitive root (H2151) means "to shake" (as in the wind), leading to figurative meanings of being morally loose, worthless, or prodigal. It describes something contemptible, refuse, debased, or of no value. In direct opposition to "precious," "vile" refers to the corrupt practices, idolatrous beliefs, false prophecies, and ungodly influences that permeated Judahite society. Jeremiah is commanded to actively separate himself from and expose this spiritual refuse, refusing to allow it to contaminate his message or person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD,"**: This introductory formula, a **divine oracle formula**, establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the message that follows. It signals that what is about to be spoken is not Jeremiah's opinion or lament, but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent God of the covenant, underscoring the gravity and truthfulness of the pronouncement.
* **"If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me:"**: This is the first **conditional clause**, setting the terms for Jeremiah's restoration. "If thou return" (H7725, _shûwb'_) implies a turning from his despair, self-pity, and perhaps even doubt, back to a state of complete reliance and obedience to God. The consequence, "then will I bring thee again" (H7725, _shûwb'_) and "thou shalt stand before me" (H5975, _ʻâmad'_; H6440, _pânîym_), promises a restoration to his prophetic office, renewed strength, and an intimate, privileged position in God's presence, signifying divine favor and re-commissioning.
* **"and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth:"**: This second **conditional clause** outlines the specific spiritual discernment required for Jeremiah's continued ministry. "If thou take forth" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) implies an active, deliberate separation. Jeremiah must distinguish the "precious" (H3368, _yâqâr'_) – God's pure truth, righteous standards – from the "vile" (H2151, _zâlal'_) – the corrupt, worthless, and idolatrous ways of the people and false prophets. The profound result of this discernment is: "thou shalt be as my mouth" (H6310, _peh_), meaning Jeremiah would be a true, uncompromised, and authoritative spokesperson for God, accurately conveying His words and will.
* **"let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them."**: This final command serves as a powerful **antithesis** and a clear directive for Jeremiah's posture and mission. He is to be a standard, a beacon of truth and righteousness, to which the people should turn for repentance ("let them return unto thee"). Crucially, he is forbidden from compromising his integrity or message by conforming to their ungodly ways ("but return not thou unto them"). This underscores the absolute necessity of the prophet's distinctness, moral purity, and unyielding commitment to God's truth, even in the face of societal pressure.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message and underscore the gravity of God's instruction to Jeremiah. The predominant structural device is the **Conditional Clause**, marked by the repeated "If... then..." construction, which clearly lays out the terms of God's covenantal relationship and renewed commission with Jeremiah. This structure highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Jeremiah's obedience and God's promised restoration and empowerment. The phrase "thou shalt be as my mouth" employs a powerful **Simile**, comparing Jeremiah's future role to that of God's own speaking organ. This emphasizes the direct, unmediated, and authoritative nature of his prophetic message once he is purified and aligned with divine will, making him a true conduit for God's word. The core of the verse relies on striking **Antithesis** and **Contrast**, particularly evident in the pairing of "the precious from the vile" and the emphatic command "let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them." This stark opposition underscores the critical moral and spiritual choices Jeremiah must make, distinguishing sharply between divine truth and human corruption, and maintaining his distinct, uncompromised identity. The repeated use of the verb "return" (Hebrew, _shûwb'_) throughout the verse constitutes **Repetition**, which serves to emphasize the central theme of repentance, turning, and restoration, both for Jeremiah personally and as a call for the people. Finally, the opening "Therefore thus saith the LORD" is a classic **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending immediate and undeniable authority and divine origin to the entire pronouncement that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:19 articulates a profound theological principle: God's call to ministry is intrinsically linked with a call to personal purity and spiritual discernment. For a prophet, or indeed any believer, to effectively represent God, there must be a constant, active sifting of divine truth from human error, of God's values from worldly ones. This process of spiritual refinement is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deeply moral and spiritual commitment, requiring an unwavering adherence to God's standards above all else. The promise of being "as my mouth" signifies an intimate partnership with the Divine, where the human instrument becomes a clear, unclouded conduit for the divine message, untainted by personal despair or societal compromise. This passage underscores that true spiritual authority and effectiveness flow from uncompromised integrity and a steadfast focus on God's will, rather than seeking popular approval or succumbing to external pressures. It is a timeless reminder that God demands not just our service, but our sanctification, so that our lives and words accurately reflect His character and truth.

* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discernment Through Practice")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Call to Separation")
* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God's Promise of a Prophet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:19 offers timeless wisdom and a challenging blueprint for navigating the complexities of faith and life in a fallen world. In moments of personal struggle, doubt, or discouragement, God calls us, just as He did Jeremiah, to "return" to Him—to repent of any wavering faith, self-pity, or compromise, and to re-anchor ourselves in His unwavering truth and presence. This "return" is not a one-time event but an ongoing spiritual discipline, a daily re-commitment to walking in His ways and trusting in His sovereignty, even amidst adversity. The challenging mandate to "take forth the precious from the vile" is a vital call to cultivate spiritual discernment in every area of our lives. We are constantly bombarded with information, ideologies, and cultural norms that often contradict God's Word; this verse compels us to critically evaluate what we consume, believe, and practice, actively separating what is true, pure, and valuable in God's eyes from what is corrupt, misleading, or worthless. This requires a deep immersion in God's Word, a cultivated sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance, and the courage to reject what is ungodly. Furthermore, like Jeremiah, we are called to be distinct, to stand as a testament to God's truth in a world that often rejects it. Our integrity, our adherence to God's standards, and our refusal to compromise should serve as a beacon, drawing others to the transforming power of God, rather than allowing ourselves to be conformed to the world's patterns. We are to be a light in the darkness, not absorbed by it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to "return" to the Lord, repenting of wavering faith, compromise, or despair?**
* **How can I more effectively "take forth the precious from the vile" in my daily choices, the media I consume, my relationships, and my theological understanding?**
* **Am I allowing the world's values and pressures to influence my walk with Christ, or am I striving to be a distinct witness for Him, drawing others to His truth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and maintain my integrity in a compromising world?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Jeremiah to "stand before me"?**

Answer: To "stand before me" (H5975, _ʻâmad'_; H6440, _pânîym_) signifies a restoration to a position of divine favor, intimate access, and renewed authority in God's presence. In ancient Near Eastern courts, to "stand before" a king or deity meant to be a trusted servant, a minister, or an ambassador with direct access and the privilege of representing the sovereign. For Jeremiah, it means his prophetic office and his personal relationship with God would be fully re-established and affirmed, despite his recent despair and questioning. It implies he would once again be fit for service and communion with the LORD, equipped to receive and deliver divine messages without hindrance, serving as a direct emissary of the Almighty.

**How does "take forth the precious from the vile" apply to believers today?**

Answer: This command is a timeless call to spiritual discernment and purity for all believers, extending far beyond the prophet Jeremiah. It means actively and intentionally separating what is valuable, true, and godly ("the precious") from what is worthless, corrupt, or ungodly ("the vile") in every aspect of life. This applies to our thoughts, words, actions, relationships, entertainment choices, and even our theological understanding and interpretation of current events. It requires a commitment to God's Word as the ultimate standard, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in discerning between good and evil, truth and falsehood, wisdom and folly. Just as Jeremiah was to be a pure conduit for God's message, believers today are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness, thereby becoming effective witnesses for Him in a fallen world, as encouraged in [Philippians 1:9-10](/philippians/1-9-10 "Philippians 1:9-10 - Discerning What Is Best") and [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Do Not Be Conformed to This World").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 15:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet Jeremiah was called to be "as my mouth," a temporary and imperfect vessel for God's words, a foreshadowing of the perfect Prophet to come. In contrast, Jesus is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the perfect and unblemished revelation of the Father, the one through whom God truly speaks. He perfectly "took forth the precious from the vile" not only in His teaching, which flawlessly distinguished divine truth from human tradition and sin, but also in His life, which was utterly pure, without blemish, and entirely devoted to the Father's will ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")). Jesus perfectly fulfilled the call to "return" to God, demonstrating absolute obedience even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")), thereby securing our own return to God. Furthermore, He is the one to whom all people are called to "return" for salvation and life, through repentance and faith ([Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Return")), and He never compromised with the "vile" ways of the world but stood as the unyielding standard of righteousness. Through Christ, believers are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to "return" to God in genuine repentance and, as His ambassadors, become His "mouth" in the world, proclaiming the precious gospel message and discerning between good and evil, reflecting His purity and truth ([2 Corinthians 5:20](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the pure, uncompromised messenger.

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

Zechariah 3:7

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.

Leviticus 10:10

And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Ezekiel 44:23

And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

Ezekiel 22:26

Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Galatians 1:10

¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.