Jeremiah 15:21

KJV

And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will deliver {H5337} thee out of the hand {H3027} of the wicked {H7451}, and I will redeem {H6299} thee out of the hand {H3709} of the terrible {H6184}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will free you from the grasp of the wicked and redeem you from the clutches of the ruthless."

Berean Standard Bible

I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless.”

American Standard Version

And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:21 encapsulates a profound divine promise of unwavering protection and ultimate deliverance to the prophet Jeremiah. Amidst his deep despair and lament over the severe opposition and personal suffering his prophetic ministry has caused, God responds with a powerful reaffirmation of His sovereign commitment. This verse assures Jeremiah that he will be rescued from the formidable, oppressive forces of the wicked and redeemed from the hand of the terrible, serving as a powerful testament to God's faithful and active care for His chosen servants even when their path is fraught with peril.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:21 serves as the climactic assurance in a deeply personal and pivotal dialogue between God and Jeremiah. The preceding verses reveal Jeremiah's profound despair and isolation, as he laments his very birth and the constant strife his prophetic message brings upon him, as seen in [Jeremiah 15:10](/jeremiah/15-10 "Jeremiah's Lament Over His Birth"). God's response, beginning in [Jeremiah 15:19](/jeremiah/15-19 "God's Call to Jeremiah to Return"), is not one of rebuke for Jeremiah's emotional honesty, but a challenging call to return from his despair and a powerful reaffirmation of his prophetic commission. God promises to make Jeremiah a "fortified wall of bronze" against the people, declaring, "They shall fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you" ([Jeremiah 15:20](/jeremiah/15-20 "God's Promise of Protection and Victory")). Verse 21 then provides the specific, double assurance, directly addressing Jeremiah's fears of physical harm and reinforcing the divine commitment to his safety and the successful completion of his ministry.
* **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 five kings before the devastating Babylonian exile (approximately 627-586 BCE). This era was characterized by pervasive idolatry, profound moral decay, political instability, and the looming threat of powerful empires—first Assyria, then Egypt, and ultimately Babylon. The "wicked" and "terrible" individuals Jeremiah faced were not abstract concepts but concrete manifestations of this societal corruption: false prophets who offered deceptive comfort, corrupt priests, unfaithful kings, and a populace hardened against God's word. His unwavering message of repentance and impending judgment was deeply unpopular, leading to severe persecution, imprisonment, and even plots against his life, as recounted in passages like [Jeremiah 11:18-23](/jeremiah/11-18-23 "Plot Against Jeremiah") and [Jeremiah 20:1-6](/jeremiah/20-1-6 "Jeremiah Persecuted by Pashhur"). Culturally, prophets who challenged the established religious and political order often faced extreme opposition, making divine protection a literal matter of survival for Jeremiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Protection and Deliverance**, emphasizing God's active and personal intervention to safeguard His chosen servants even in the face of overwhelming human opposition. It highlights God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant and His Called Ones**, demonstrating that despite Jeremiah's personal struggles and the nation's profound apostasy, God remains true to His promises, particularly those made at Jeremiah's commissioning, such as "I am with you to deliver thee" ([Jeremiah 1:8](/jeremiah/1-8 "God's Promise to Jeremiah at His Call")) and "they shall not prevail against you" ([Jeremiah 1:19](/jeremiah/1-19 "God's Assurance of Deliverance")). The verse also touches upon the **Nature of Prophetic Suffering**, acknowledging the immense personal cost of faithfully proclaiming God's word in a hostile environment. Finally, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God** over human wickedness and tyranny, assuring that no earthly power, however "terrible," can ultimately thwart His divine purposes or harm His protected ones without His allowance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Hebrew, _nâtsal'_):** This primitive root (H5337) signifies "to snatch away," "to rescue," or "to draw out." It often implies a swift, forceful, and decisive act of removal from danger or peril. In this context, it speaks to God's immediate and powerful intervention to extricate Jeremiah from the grasp of his adversaries, suggesting a complete and effective rescue from their malicious intentions.
* **redeem (Hebrew, _pâdâh'_):** This word (H6299) means "to sever," "to ransom," or "to release." It carries the connotation of buying back or setting free, often from bondage, captivity, or a perilous situation, implying a cost or a powerful act of liberation. Here, it emphasizes God's sovereign power to secure Jeremiah's freedom and safety, as if purchasing him out of a dangerous predicament or releasing him from a state of imminent peril.
* **terrible (Hebrew, _ʻârîyts'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fear," this adjective (H6184) describes someone "fearful," "powerful," or "tyrannical." It denotes individuals who are mighty, oppressive, or violent, inspiring dread through their strength and ruthlessness. This word vividly portrays the formidable and intimidating nature of Jeremiah's human enemies, making God's promise of deliverance all the more significant and highlighting the magnitude of the threat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked":** This clause initiates God's twofold promise of rescue. The phrase "the hand of the wicked" (Hebrew: _yâd raʻ_) metaphorically represents the power, control, or oppressive influence of those who are morally corrupt, unrighteous, and hostile to God's ways and His prophet. The Hebrew word _yâd_ (H3027), meaning "hand," here denotes power, authority, or means. God's declaration "I will deliver thee" assures Jeremiah that He will actively and forcefully snatch him away from their destructive grasp, preventing them from accomplishing their malicious intentions against him.
* **"and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible":** This second clause reiterates and intensifies the promise of deliverance, using a different but complementary verb and a slightly different nuance of "hand." "The hand of the terrible" (Hebrew: _kaph ʻârîyts_) refers to the oppressive power of those who are mighty, violent, and tyrannical. While _yâd_ (H3027) is a general term for "hand," _kaph_ (H3709) specifically refers to the "hollow hand or palm," often emphasizing a firm, grasping hold or the capacity for forceful action. The promise to "redeem" implies a liberation from a state akin to bondage or imminent peril, signifying God's complete and sovereign act of setting Jeremiah free from the most formidable and ruthless of his enemies. Together, the two clauses emphasize the certainty, completeness, and divine nature of God's protective intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:21 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine assurance and reinforce the certainty of God's promise. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the second clause ("and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first ("And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked"). This repetition with slight variation amplifies the certainty and completeness of God's commitment to Jeremiah's safety. The recurring phrase "out of the hand of" is a clear example of **Metonymy**, where "hand" stands for the power, control, authority, or oppressive grip of the wicked and terrible. This vividly portrays the enemies' formidable influence from which Jeremiah will be rescued. The descriptions "wicked" (_raʻ_) and "terrible" (_ʻârîyts_) are instances of vivid **Characterization**, painting a clear and formidable picture of Jeremiah's adversaries and thereby magnifying the power and scope of God's intervention. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Divine Oracle** or a direct, authoritative word from God, carrying inherent certainty and designed to provide ultimate comfort and reassurance to the distressed prophet.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:21 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering commitment to His servants, even when they face overwhelming opposition and personal despair. Theologically, it underscores the truth of divine sovereignty over human evil; no matter how powerful or ruthless the "wicked" and "terrible" may seem, their power is ultimately limited by the hand of God. This promise of deliverance and redemption is not merely a physical rescue but a spiritual assurance that God's purposes for His chosen ones will prevail. It affirms that God is not distant from the suffering of His prophets but actively intervenes to uphold them, ensuring their ultimate vindication and the fulfillment of their calling. This divine protection extends beyond Jeremiah, serving as a timeless principle for all who faithfully serve God amidst a hostile world, reminding believers that their ultimate security rests in the omnipotent hand of their Redeemer.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalm/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.")
* [Psalm 91:3-4](/psalm/91-3-4 "God's Protection from Snares and Pestilence")
* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1-2 "God's Promise to Israel in Trouble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:21 offers immense spiritual nourishment for believers navigating challenging circumstances in any age. In a world often characterized by injustice, opposition, and spiritual warfare, this verse reminds us that our struggles are seen by a sovereign God who is mighty to save. Like Jeremiah, we may experience seasons of profound despair, feeling overwhelmed by the "wicked" and "terrible" forces, whether they are societal pressures, personal attacks, spiritual temptations, or even the internal battles of doubt and fear. This divine promise encourages us to bring our honest laments to God, trusting that His response is not condemnation but compassionate assurance of His active presence and power. It calls us to remember that our ultimate security rests not in our own strength or the absence of opposition, but in God's unfailing ability to "deliver" and "redeem" us. While physical rescue is often His prerogative, this deliverance also encompasses spiritual preservation, the strengthening of our faith, and the ultimate triumph of His will in and through our lives. It empowers us to continue faithfully in our calling, knowing that God is our ultimate Protector and Redeemer, who will never abandon those He has called.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wicked" or "terrible" forces in your life or ministry currently cause you despair or fear, similar to Jeremiah's experience?**
* **How does the promise of God to "deliver" and "redeem" you from such hands strengthen your faith and resolve?**
* **In what ways might God's deliverance manifest in your life, beyond a complete removal of the struggle?**
* **How can remembering God's faithfulness to Jeremiah encourage you to remain steadfast in your own calling, even amidst opposition?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "wicked" and "terrible" people was Jeremiah facing?**

Answer: Jeremiah was facing a wide array of antagonists from within his own nation, Judah, who vehemently opposed his prophetic message. The "wicked" (Hebrew: _raʻ_) refers to those who were morally corrupt, unrighteous, and engaged in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual rebellion against God. This included false prophets who gave comforting but deceitful messages, corrupt priests, and disobedient kings and officials who persecuted Jeremiah for his warnings of impending judgment. The "terrible" (Hebrew: _ʻârîyts_) specifically denotes those who were powerful, tyrannical, violent, and ruthless in their opposition, often those in positions of authority who sought to silence or harm Jeremiah physically. Examples include Pashhur the priest, who had Jeremiah beaten and put in the stocks ([Jeremiah 20:1-6](/jeremiah/20-1-6 "Jeremiah Persecuted by Pashhur")), and the officials who sought to put him to death ([Jeremiah 26:7-11](/jeremiah/26-7-11 "Jeremiah Threatened with Death")).

**Does "deliver" and "redeem" mean Jeremiah will never suffer or face hardship again?**

Answer: While [Jeremiah 15:21](/jeremiah/15-21 "Jeremiah 15:21 - God's Promise of Deliverance") is a powerful promise of divine protection and rescue, it does not guarantee that Jeremiah would be entirely free from all suffering or hardship. Indeed, Jeremiah continued to face immense opposition, imprisonment, and profound personal anguish throughout his ministry, as extensively documented in the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"). The "deliverance" and "redemption" promised here refer to God's ultimate preservation of Jeremiah's life and purpose, ensuring that his enemies would not succeed in utterly destroying him or preventing him from fulfilling his divine commission. It signifies God's sovereign hand preventing ultimate defeat or death at the hands of his adversaries, allowing him to endure and complete his work, even if it meant suffering along the way. It's a promise of ultimate security and vindication, not a life devoid of tribulation.

**How does this promise relate to God's earlier call to Jeremiah?**

Answer: This promise in [Jeremiah 15:21](/jeremiah/15-21 "Jeremiah 15:21 - God's Promise of Deliverance") is a direct reaffirmation and powerful fulfillment of the assurances God gave Jeremiah at the very beginning of his prophetic ministry. In [Jeremiah 1:8](/jeremiah/1-8 "God's Command and Promise to Jeremiah"), God commanded Jeremiah, "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD." Later, in [Jeremiah 1:19](/jeremiah/1-19 "God's Assurance of Deliverance"), God declared, "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee." Jeremiah 15:21, given after Jeremiah's profound lament and despair, serves to remind him that God's initial promises of protection and ultimate victory over his enemies remain steadfast and true, even when circumstances seem dire. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant with His chosen servant, ensuring that His divine purpose would be accomplished through Jeremiah despite all opposition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 15:21, with its profound promise of deliverance and redemption from the hand of the wicked and terrible, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah's personal rescue from his human adversaries foreshadows the cosmic deliverance wrought by the Messiah for all humanity. Humanity, held captive by the "hand of the wicked"—the pervasive power of sin and death, and the tyranny of Satan—found its ultimate Redeemer in Christ. Just as God promised to snatch Jeremiah away from peril, so too did God "deliver us from the power of darkness and transfer us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect ransom, "redeeming us from all lawlessness and purifying for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Redemption")). His decisive victory on the cross and triumphant resurrection broke the power of the one who held the power of death, that is, the devil, thereby freeing "those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery" ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Conquest of Death")). Thus, the specific, personal deliverance promised to Jeremiah becomes a universal, spiritual reality for all who are in Christ, who is our ultimate Deliverer and Redeemer, securing our eternal freedom from the hand of every wicked and terrible foe.

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

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];

Isaiah 49:24

¶ Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?

Isaiah 49:25

But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Genesis 48:16

The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Isaiah 29:20

For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off: