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.

But, O LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, that triest {H974} the righteous {H6662}, and seest {H7200} the reins {H3629} and the heart {H3820}, let me see {H7200} thy vengeance {H5360} on them: for unto thee have I opened {H1540} my cause {H7379}.

ADONAI-Tzva'ot, you who test the righteous and see people's hearts and thoughts, let me see you take vengeance on them, for I have committed my cause to you.

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

But, O Jehovah of hosts, that triest the righteous, that seest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

Jeremiah 20:12 KJV Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 20:12 is a powerful expression from the prophet Jeremiah's "confessions", a series of deeply personal laments revealing his anguish amidst his prophetic ministry. This verse follows his public humiliation and imprisonment by Pashhur, a chief priest (Jeremiah 20:1-3). Jeremiah felt abandoned, mocked, and derided for faithfully delivering God's message, as seen in Jeremiah 20:7-8, yet he could not refrain from speaking God's word.

Meaning & Key Themes

  • Divine Omniscience & Justice: The address "O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart" highlights God's absolute knowledge and supreme authority. "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes His power over all creation and heavenly armies. The profound phrase "seest the reins and the heart" indicates God's ability to discern the deepest, hidden intentions and emotions (the "reins" or kidneys, a metaphor for inner thoughts and conscience) as well as the conscious will and intellect (the "heart"). God is presented as the ultimate Judge who truly knows the inner person.
  • Plea for Divine Vengeance: Jeremiah's cry, "let me see thy vengeance on them," is not a call for personal retribution but a desperate appeal to God's divine justice. Having been persecuted for delivering God's word, he trusts that God, who sees all, will repay those who have wronged him. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms, where the righteous appeal to God for justice against their oppressors, trusting that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • Opening One's Cause to God: "for unto thee have I opened my cause" signifies Jeremiah's complete reliance on God's righteous judgment. He has laid bare his suffering, his integrity, and his persecutors' malice before the one true Judge.

Linguistic Insights

  • The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) signifies God's absolute power and authority, often invoked in times of conflict or when emphasizing divine might.
  • The term "reins" (Hebrew: kilyah) literally refers to the kidneys, which in ancient Hebrew thought were considered the seat of deep emotions, affections, and conscience. This is distinct from the "heart" (lev), which encompassed intellect and will. Together, they convey a comprehensive understanding of God's ability to scrutinize the entirety of a person's inner being.

Practical Application

This verse offers comfort to those who feel unjustly treated or misunderstood. It reminds us that God is omniscient; He sees beyond outward appearances and knows the true intentions of both the righteous and their adversaries. It teaches us to bring our grievances and "open our cause" to God, trusting in His perfect justice rather than seeking personal revenge. For believers, the assurance that God "triest the righteous" means He refines and strengthens our character through trials, preparing us for His purposes, much like He did for Jeremiah. This process of refinement is also mentioned in 1 Peter 1:7.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 11:20

    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.

  • Psalms 62:8

    ¶ Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.

  • Psalms 54:7

    For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen [his desire] upon mine enemies.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 59:10

    The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see [my desire] upon mine enemies.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 26:2

    Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

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