Jeremiah 15:21

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

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}.

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

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

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

Jeremiah 15:21 is a powerful promise of divine protection and deliverance given by God to the prophet Jeremiah. This verse concludes a significant passage where Jeremiah expresses deep despair over his difficult prophetic ministry and the relentless opposition he faces. God responds not with rebuke for his feelings, but with a renewed call to faithfulness and a strong assurance of His unwavering support.

Context of Jeremiah 15:21

The book of Jeremiah chronicles the prophet's challenging mission to a rebellious Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their idolatry and sin. In Jeremiah 15:10, Jeremiah laments his very existence, wishing he had never been born because of the strife and contention his prophetic messages caused. God's response begins in Jeremiah 15:19, where He calls Jeremiah to "return" and reaffirm his commitment, promising to make him "a fenced brazen wall" against the people. Verse 21 then serves as the culminating reassurance, directly addressing Jeremiah's fears of those who oppose him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Protection: The verse is a direct declaration of God's commitment to safeguard His servant. It highlights that even in the face of overwhelming opposition, God's hand is stronger than any human enemy.
  • Redemption and Deliverance: God promises not just protection but active intervention. "Deliver" (Hebrew: natsal) implies snatching away from danger, while "redeem" (Hebrew: padah) suggests a powerful act of buying back or setting free, often from bondage or a perilous situation. This emphasizes God's sovereign power to rescue.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Servants: Despite Jeremiah's despair and the wickedness around him, God remains faithful to His initial call and promise to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:8, Jeremiah 1:19). This verse reinforces the truth that God will uphold those He sends, even when their path is fraught with peril.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two powerful verbs: "deliver" and "redeem." The Hebrew word for "deliver" is natsal (נָצַל), which means to snatch away, rescue, or draw out, often implying a swift and forceful rescue from danger. The word for "redeem" is padah (פָּדָה), which carries the sense of ransoming, buying back, or setting free, especially from captivity or peril. Together, these terms emphasize God's active, powerful, and complete intervention on Jeremiah's behalf against those described as "the wicked" (rasha, רָשָׁע - the guilty, unrighteous) and "the terrible" (aritz, עָרִיץ - the violent, ruthless, or tyrannical).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 15:21 offers immense encouragement for believers today who face opposition or difficult circumstances while seeking to live faithfully. It reminds us that God is aware of our struggles and is able to deliver us from the hand of the wicked and redeem us from overwhelming pressures. While we may not always be spared from suffering, this verse assures us of God's ultimate protection and His commitment to see us through, enabling us to fulfill our calling even amidst adversity. It is a testament to God's unfailing love and power to rescue His own.

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

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 1:10 (11 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 49:24 (10 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 49:25 (10 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 29:20 (7 votes)

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