Jeremiah 23:23

KJV

[Am] I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

KJV (with Strong's)

Am I a God {H430} at hand {H7138}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, and not a God {H430} afar off {H7350}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Am I God only when near," asks ADONAI, "and not when far away?

Berean Standard Bible

“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?”

American Standard Version

Am I a God at hand, saith Jehovah, and not a God afar off?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:23 presents a profound rhetorical question from the LORD, asserting His absolute and immediate presence everywhere. This divine inquiry challenges any human assumption of God's limitation or distance, serving as a foundational declaration of His omnipresence and His intimate, inescapable knowledge of all things, whether hidden or revealed. The verse powerfully underscores that God is not confined to a distant realm but is actively and universally "at hand" in every moment and every location, demonstrating His immanence and sovereign awareness over all creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within a critical prophetic discourse in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Condemnation of False Prophets"), where Jeremiah delivers a scathing indictment against the false prophets of Judah. These deceitful leaders were actively misleading the people with their own fabricated dreams and lies, brazenly claiming divine authority for their deceptive messages. The LORD, through Jeremiah, exposes their folly and the utter futility of their hidden schemes by asserting His absolute presence and comprehensive knowledge. This declaration directly counters the false prophets' erroneous belief that their clandestine actions or whispered words might escape divine notice. Indeed, the rhetorical question of [Jeremiah 23:23](/jeremiah/23-23 "Jeremiah 23:23 - God's Omnipresence") sets the stage for and finds its explicit affirmation in [Jeremiah 23:24](/jeremiah/23-24 "Jeremiah 23:24 - God Fills Heaven and Earth"), where the LORD unequivocally states, "Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD." This immediate follow-up emphasizes that no part of creation, no secret thought, and no hidden deed is outside God's immediate and pervasive awareness.
* **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 BC). The nation was deeply entrenched in widespread idolatry, pervasive moral decay, and crippling political instability. In this chaotic environment, false prophets proliferated, offering comforting but ultimately deceptive messages of peace and prosperity, which directly contradicted Jeremiah's stern warnings of impending judgment and exile. These false prophets frequently claimed to have received visions or dreams, yet their messages originated from their own imaginations, driven by self-interest, rather than from the true God. In a culture where many pagan deities were often localized or associated with specific shrines and territories, the LORD's assertion of His universal presence directly challenged both the prevailing idolatry and the deceptive practices of those who presumed they could operate beyond His sight. The profound question, "Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?" directly confronts the cultural tendency to compartmentalize God or to imagine Him as a distant, uninvolved, or geographically limited deity.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 23:23](/jeremiah/23-23 "Jeremiah 23:23 - God's Omnipresence") contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and foundational to biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully establishes **God's Omnipresence**, declaring that the LORD is not confined to a specific place or a remote, detached realm, but is intimately present everywhere, truly "at hand" in all of creation. This attribute directly leads to the theme of **Divine Knowledge and Sovereignty**: because God is everywhere, He is inherently aware of everything—no thought, no word, and no deed, no matter how secret, escapes His notice. This divine omniscience is a direct refutation of the false prophets' presumption that their lies and hidden motives could be concealed from God, a truth highlighted repeatedly throughout [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Condemnation of False Prophets"). Consequently, the verse profoundly underscores the theme of **Accountability**: if God is always near and knows all, then there is no place to hide from His scrutiny or His righteous judgment. This truth serves as both a solemn warning to the wicked and a profound comfort to the righteous, reinforcing the ultimate **Truth vs. Deception** dynamic that pervades Jeremiah's prophetic ministry, where God's undeniable reality exposes all human falsehood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** (H430) This plural form of "God" is frequently used in the Old Testament to refer to the supreme God of Israel, though it can also denote lesser gods, judges, or powerful beings. In this specific context, especially when coupled with "the LORD" (Yahweh) and with the definite article implied, it unequivocally refers to the one true, supreme God. The rhetorical question posits whether this ultimate divine being, possessing all authority and power, could ever be limited in His presence or awareness.
* **at hand (Hebrew, _qârôwb'_):** (H7138) Derived from a root meaning "to draw near," this word denotes proximity, closeness, or immediacy, whether in terms of physical location, familial relationship, or temporal nearness. When applied to God, as it is here, it speaks powerfully to His immanence—His active, direct, and intimate involvement and pervasive presence within His creation and among His people. It conveys that God is accessible, profoundly aware, and actively engaged in all affairs.
* **afar off (Hebrew, _râchôwq'_):** (H7350) This word signifies distance, remoteness, or being far away, applicable both literally in space and figuratively in time. It stands in direct contrast to "at hand," suggesting a detached, absent, or uninvolved presence. The rhetorical question in Jeremiah 23:23 directly challenges and emphatically rejects the notion that God could be distant, unconcerned, or unaware, asserting the absolute opposite truth of His ever-present reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD,"**: This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question posed directly by Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The authoritative phrase "saith the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהוָה, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) underscores that this is a direct, undeniable divine oracle, not a human speculation or a mere philosophical inquiry. The question itself, "Am I a God at hand?", challenges the listener to deeply consider the very nature of God, implying that His immediate, intimate, and pervasive presence is an undeniable and intrinsic attribute of His being.
* **"and not a God afar off?"**: This second clause completes the rhetorical question by presenting the antithetical possibility, only to implicitly and emphatically reject it. By juxtaposing the concept of being "at hand" with "afar off," the LORD forces His audience to choose between two mutually exclusive and irreconcilable concepts of His being. The very structure of the question powerfully implies that the answer to the first part is an emphatic "Yes!"—God is indeed a God who is near—and to the second, an equally emphatic "No!"—He is most certainly not a God who is distant or detached.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Jeremiah 23:23 is the **Rhetorical Question**. The LORD does not ask for information or an answer from His audience; rather, He uses the question to powerfully and undeniably assert a profound truth: His omnipresence. By posing it as a question, He actively engages the audience, compelling them to confront any erroneous assumptions they might hold about His nature and to acknowledge His pervasive and inescapable presence. This device makes the divine declaration far more impactful and memorable than a simple declarative statement would be. Furthermore, the verse masterfully utilizes **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing the concepts of "at hand" (_qârôwb_) with "afar off" (_râchôwq_). This stark contrast highlights two opposing views of God's presence, emphasizing with absolute clarity that He is definitively the former and not the latter. Finally, the phrase "saith the LORD" functions as an **Oracle Formula**, a common prophetic convention that authenticates the divine origin and supreme authority of the statement, ensuring the audience understands that this is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but a direct, authoritative word from God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:23 stands as a foundational declaration of God's omnipresence, a core and incommunicable attribute of His divine nature. It profoundly reveals that God is not a localized deity confined to a specific shrine or a distant, uninterested observer detached from His creation, but rather an ever-present, active, and intimately involved Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This pervasive truth undergirds His omniscience, as His presence in every space and time inherently ensures His knowledge of every thought, every word, and every deed. It speaks directly to His absolute sovereignty, for a God who is "at hand" everywhere is undeniably a God who reigns over all, leaving no corner of creation outside His dominion or comprehensive awareness. This divine attribute provides both immense comfort and assurance for those who seek Him and walk in integrity, and a solemn warning for those who attempt to hide their sin or engage in deception from His all-seeing eye.
* [Psalm 139:7-10](/psalm/139-7-10 "Psalm 139:7-10 - God's Omnipresence and Inescapable Presence")
* [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Eyes of the Lord Are Everywhere")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked and Open Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth articulated in Jeremiah 23:23 calls us to live with an acute and constant awareness of God's pervasive presence in every aspect of our lives. For the believer, this verse offers immense comfort, assurance, and a deep sense of security: God is always near, listening intently to our prayers, intimately aware of our deepest struggles, and actively present in every circumstance of life, whether joyous or challenging. His divine presence is an inexhaustible source of strength, unwavering guidance, and profound peace, serving as a constant reminder that we are never truly alone or abandoned. This understanding should naturally foster a deeper sense of intimacy and communion with God, encouraging us to walk in continuous, conscious fellowship with Him. Conversely, for those who might be tempted to deceive, live in secret sin, or operate under the illusion of anonymity, this verse serves as a stark and sobering warning. God sees and knows all, including the hidden motives, intentions, and desires of the heart that no human eye can discern. This inescapable truth necessitates a life of unwavering integrity, genuine authenticity, and sincere worship, knowing that absolutely nothing is hidden from the all-seeing eye of the LORD. It also profoundly empowers believers to exercise spiritual discernment against false teachings and deceptive practices, trusting that God, in His perfect timing, will expose what is not from Him, just as He exposed the false prophets in Jeremiah's tumultuous day.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's omnipresence ("at hand") practically impact your daily walk and decision-making?**
* **In what specific ways might you be tempted to live as if God were "afar off," and how can this verse challenge and transform that perspective?**
* **How does knowing that God is intimately aware of your every thought, word, and action influence your commitment to integrity and authenticity in all areas of your life?**
* **What specific comfort or challenge does this verse offer you in your current circumstances, and how might you respond to it?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be "at hand" and "not afar off"?**

Answer: For God to be "at hand" (Hebrew: _qârôwb_) means He is intimately near, present, and actively involved in all of creation and in the lives of His people. It signifies His immanence, accessibility, and immediate awareness of everything. This implies that He is not merely a distant creator, but an ever-present sustainer and observer. Conversely, "not afar off" (Hebrew: _râchôwq_) means He is emphatically not distant, detached, or uninvolved. He is not confined to a specific location in heaven, nor is He ignorant of what transpires on earth, or in the hidden corners of human hearts. This rhetorical question in [Jeremiah 23:23](/jeremiah/23-23 "Jeremiah 23:23 - God's Omnipresence") is God's emphatic declaration that He is universally present and actively engaged, seeing and knowing all things, leaving no place or thought hidden from Him. This truth is further elaborated in the very next verse, [Jeremiah 23:24](/jeremiah/23-24 "Jeremiah 23:24 - God Fills Heaven and Earth"), where the LORD states, "Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of God being "at hand" and not "afar off," so powerfully declared in [Jeremiah 23:23](/jeremiah/23-23 "Jeremiah 23:23 - God's Omnipresence"), finds its ultimate and most tangible fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's omnipresence as a divine attribute, the New Testament demonstrates how this attribute is uniquely embodied and made supremely accessible through the Incarnation. In Jesus, God literally became "at hand," choosing to dwell among humanity as [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - God With Us"). The eternal Word, who was with God and was God, "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")), bringing the infinite, transcendent God into the immediate, tangible reality of human experience. Through Christ, the distant God of philosophical speculation became the intimately near God of personal relationship and redemptive action. Furthermore, Jesus' post-resurrection promise to His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Constant Presence")), and His sending of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Helper, the Spirit of Truth")), ensures that God's "at hand" presence is not merely a historical event but a continuing, indwelling reality for believers today. The Spirit of Christ indwells believers, making God's presence more intimate and personal than ever before, fulfilling the promise that God is indeed not "afar off" but eternally near and deeply involved in the lives of His people.

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

Psalms 139:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known [me].

Psalms 139:10

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

1 Kings 20:23

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods [are] gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

1 Kings 20:28

And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD [is] God of the hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Jonah 1:3

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Jonah 1:4

¶ But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

Psalms 113:5

Who [is] like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,