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 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.
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
Linguistic Insights
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.