Jeremiah 32:19

KJV

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

KJV (with Strong's)

Great {H1419} in counsel {H6098}, and mighty {H7227} in work {H5950}: for thine eyes {H5869} are open {H6491} upon all the ways {H1870} of the sons {H1121} of men {H120}: to give {H5414} every one {H376} according to his ways {H1870}, and according to the fruit {H6529} of his doings {H4611}:

Complete Jewish Bible

great in counsel, mighty in deed! Your eyes are open to all the ways of human beings in order to repay each one according to his ways, according to the consequences of what he does.

Berean Standard Bible

the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.

American Standard Version

great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:19 stands as a profound declaration of God's character, articulated within Jeremiah's prayer during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and his own imprisonment. It powerfully asserts God's supreme and perfect wisdom in planning, His irresistible and absolute power in execution, and His flawless omniscience, which constantly surveys every human action and intention. The verse culminates in a foundational statement of divine justice, affirming that God meticulously recompenses every individual precisely according to their conduct and the inevitable consequences that arise from their deeds. This comprehensive affirmation provides Jeremiah, and by extension, all believers, with an unshakable bedrock of trust in God's sovereign control and moral order, even amidst bewildering circumstances and impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral and climactic part of Jeremiah's prayer to the Lord, found in [Jeremiah 32:17-25](/jeremiah/32-17-25 "Jeremiah 32:17-25 - Jeremiah's Prayer of Acknowledgment of God's Power and Justice"). This prayer immediately follows God's seemingly paradoxical command for Jeremiah to purchase a field in Anathoth, even as the Babylonian army lays siege to Jerusalem, threatening its imminent destruction ([Jeremiah 32:6-15](/jeremiah/32-6-15 "Jeremiah 32:6-15 - The Purchase of the Field as a Sign of Restoration")). Jeremiah's act of obedience, buying land that would soon be overrun, serves as a powerful prophetic sign of future restoration and return from exile ([Jeremiah 32:15](/jeremiah/32-15 "Jeremiah 32:15 - A Prophetic Sign of Future Restoration")). His prayer begins with an awe-filled acknowledgment of God's omnipotence and creative power, particularly His ability to do "nothing too hard" ([Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God's Unmatched Power and Redemptive Might")). Verse 19 then transitions to extol God's wisdom, comprehensive oversight, and unwavering justice, providing the theological framework for understanding how God can both justly judge His people for their sin and yet promise their future redemption. The prayer continues with a review of Israel's history of persistent disobedience and God's consistent judgment, yet it concludes with a renewed plea for God's faithfulness, setting the stage for God's subsequent reaffirmation of the covenant and the promise of restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, a period marked by profound political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and the overwhelming threat of the rising Babylonian Empire. By 588 BC, Nebuchadnezzar's forces had laid siege to Jerusalem, a siege that would culminate in the city's destruction and the exile of its inhabitants in 586 BC. Jeremiah himself was imprisoned in the court of the guard in King Zedekiah's palace ([Jeremiah 32:2](/jeremiah/32-2 "Jeremiah 32:2 - Jeremiah's Imprisonment During the Siege")). The act of purchasing land during a siege was culturally counter-intuitive and economically irrational; land value would plummet, and immediate possession would be impossible. However, within ancient Near Eastern culture, land ownership was deeply tied to identity, inheritance, and covenant promises, symbolizing continuity and future hope. Jeremiah's purchase, therefore, was not merely a financial transaction but a profound prophetic act, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, even when His people faced the severe consequences of their unfaithfulness. The cultural understanding of divine justice also played a significant role, where actions were believed to directly lead to corresponding outcomes, either blessings for obedience or curses for disobedience, a principle deeply embedded in the Mosaic Law.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 32:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence**, emphasizing that His plans are perfectly conceived ("Great in counsel") and flawlessly executed ("mighty in work"), even when human circumstances appear chaotic or hopeless. This theme is foundational to Jeremiah's message, as he continually calls Judah to trust God despite the impending judgment and destruction. Secondly, the verse highlights **God's omniscience and constant oversight** ("for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men"). This divine attribute means that no human action, motive, or intention is hidden from Him, a truth that provides both comfort for the righteous and a solemn warning for the wicked. This theme resonates deeply with passages like [Proverbs 15:3](/proverbs/15-3 "Proverbs 15:3 - The Lord's Eyes are Everywhere") and [Psalm 139:1-6](/psalms/139-1-6 "Psalm 139:1-6 - God's Omniscience and Omnipresence"). Finally, the latter part of the verse firmly establishes the theme of **divine justice and accountability**, asserting that God's governance includes a righteous recompense for every individual based on their actions ("to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings"). This principle of just retribution is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, seen in [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God's Recompense for Deeds") and [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God's Impartial Judgment According to Works"), and it serves to explain the impending judgment on Judah as a just consequence of their persistent sin and rebellion against God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This word signifies something immense, significant, or superior in quantity, size, age, number, rank, or quality. When applied to God's "counsel," it emphasizes the vastness, profundity, and unparalleled excellence of His wisdom and strategic planning. It suggests that His plans are not merely good but are of the highest possible order, beyond human comprehension or limitation.
* **counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** From the root meaning "to advise," this noun refers to deliberate planning, purpose, and profound wisdom. In the context of God, it speaks to His perfect foresight, the intentionality behind His decrees, and the unchangeable nature of His eternal purposes. It implies that God's plans are not reactive or arbitrary but are the result of infinite wisdom, ensuring their ultimate and perfect fulfillment.
* **ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** Literally meaning "a road" or "path" (as trodden), this term is used figuratively to denote a course of life, a mode of action, or one's conduct. In the phrase "the ways of the sons of men," it refers to the entire trajectory of human behavior, choices, and moral conduct, encompassing both outward actions and inward intentions. God's eyes are open upon these "ways," indicating His comprehensive awareness of humanity's every path, whether righteous or wicked.
* **doings (Hebrew, _maʻălâl'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to act" or "to do," this noun refers to an act or deed, whether good or bad, emphasizing the concrete actions and works performed by individuals. The phrase "fruit of his doings" is a powerful metaphor, highlighting the inevitable consequences or outcomes that naturally arise from one's actions, much like a tree bears fruit according to its nature. It underscores the principle of moral causality and accountability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Great in counsel, and mighty in work:"** This opening clause extols God's supreme attributes, setting the foundation for His just governance. "Great in counsel" (Hebrew: _gâdôwl bᵉʻêtsâh_) emphasizes His infinite wisdom, His perfect strategic planning, and His profound understanding of all things. His plans are not merely good but are conceived with unmatched depth and foresight, ensuring their ultimate success. "Mighty in work" (Hebrew: _rab bᵉʻălîylîyâh_) highlights His irresistible power and ability to execute His plans flawlessly. His deeds are not just effective but are performed with overwhelming strength, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over creation and history, bringing His counsel to fruition.
* **"for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men:"** This clause provides the theological basis ("for") for God's greatness in counsel and might in work, linking His attributes to His pervasive knowledge and active engagement with humanity. The anthropomorphic phrase "thine eyes are open" signifies God's complete, constant, and discerning omniscience. He is not a distant or indifferent deity but intimately aware of "all the ways" – the entire course of life, conduct, and moral choices – of "the sons of men" (humanity, encompassing every individual). Nothing is hidden from His gaze; He observes every action, every intention, and every secret thought, making Him the ultimate witness.
* **"to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:"** This final clause articulates the inevitable consequence of God's omniscience and His just character. Because He sees all, He is able to "give every one" – to recompense, reward, or judge each individual – precisely "according to his ways" (their conduct, moral choices, and the path they have chosen in life) and "according to the fruit of his doings" (the natural and inevitable outcomes or consequences that arise from their actions). This affirms the principle of divine justice, where God's righteous governance ensures that actions lead to appropriate outcomes, whether blessing for obedience or judgment for rebellion, demonstrating His perfect moral order.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:19 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truths with clarity and impact. **Anthropomorphism** is strikingly evident in the phrase "thine eyes are open," attributing human physical characteristics (eyes) to God. This device makes God's omnipresence and omniscience more comprehensible and relatable to a human audience, powerfully communicating that God is not a passive observer but an active, discerning, and intimately aware witness to all human activity. **Parallelism** is used effectively in the latter part of the verse: "to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the central idea of divine recompense, emphasizing that both the path one chooses and the resulting actions are subject to God's precise and just judgment. Furthermore, the phrase "fruit of his doings" is a vivid **metaphor**, comparing the consequences of human actions to the natural yield of a plant. Just as a tree bears fruit consistent with its nature, so too do human deeds inevitably produce outcomes that reflect their inherent quality, illustrating the biblical principle of sowing and reaping.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:19 serves as a cornerstone for understanding God's character as both supremely sovereign and perfectly just. It reveals a God whose wisdom is beyond human comprehension and whose power is limitless, yet who is intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, observing every choice and action with perfect clarity. This divine oversight is not merely for observation but for the righteous administration of justice, ensuring that every individual receives what is due to them based on their conduct. This principle undergirds the entire biblical narrative, explaining God's judgments against sin (like the impending exile for Judah) and His promises of restoration for repentance. It assures believers that God is ultimately in control, and His moral order will prevail, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, providing a foundation for trust in His perfect governance.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 24:12](/proverbs/24-12 "Proverbs 24:12 - God Weighs the Heart and Recompenses")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Recompense According to Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 32:19 offers a profound anchor for faith in times of uncertainty and a powerful call to integrity in our daily lives. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and seemingly random events, this verse reminds us that a God of infinite counsel and mighty work is meticulously overseeing all things. His wisdom ensures that His purposes will prevail, and His power guarantees their execution, even when our immediate circumstances suggest otherwise, much like Jeremiah buying land during a siege. This truth invites us to trust in His overarching plan, even when we don't understand the details or when our circumstances seem contradictory to His promises. Furthermore, the verse's declaration that God's eyes are open upon all our ways, and that He will give us according to the fruit of our doings, serves as a sober reminder of our accountability. It encourages us to live with intentionality, knowing that our choices, both public and private, have eternal significance and are always observed by our just God. This should motivate us to pursue righteousness, to cultivate a character pleasing to Him, and to align our actions with His will, knowing that ultimately, God will bring all things to account and His perfect justice will be revealed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's "great counsel" and "mighty work" impact your trust in Him when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges or confusing circumstances in your own life?**
* **Knowing that God's "eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men," how does this influence your daily decisions and the integrity of your actions, especially when no one else is watching?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's perfect plan, even if it seems counterintuitive or difficult, much like Jeremiah's act of buying the field?**

### FAQ
**What does "Great in counsel, and mighty in work" mean about God's character?**

Answer: This phrase describes two fundamental and interconnected aspects of God's character: His infinite wisdom and His irresistible power. "Great in counsel" (Hebrew: _gâdôwl bᵉʻêtsâh_) means God possesses perfect, profound, and strategic wisdom that is beyond human comprehension. His plans are not only well-conceived but are the best possible plans, eternally purposed and flawlessly designed. "Mighty in work" (Hebrew: _rab bᵉʻălîylîyâh_) means God has the absolute power to execute His plans flawlessly and decisively. His actions are not arbitrary but flow from His perfect counsel, ensuring that His purposes are always accomplished, regardless of any obstacles or human resistance. This combination assures us that God is both the ultimate strategist and the supreme executor of His will, making Him utterly trustworthy.

**How does God's omniscience relate to His justice in this verse?**

Answer: The verse explicitly links God's omniscience ("for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men") to His justice ("to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings"). God's perfect knowledge of every human action, motive, and intention is the prerequisite for His perfect justice. Because He sees everything—nothing is hidden from His gaze—He is able to administer righteous judgment and recompense without error, partiality, or incomplete information. His justice is not based on human perception or limited understanding but on His comprehensive and infallible understanding of all deeds and their underlying intentions, ensuring that every individual receives what is truly due to them. This profound connection between His seeing and His judging is also powerfully articulated in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things Are Naked and Open Before God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:19, with its declaration of God's great counsel, mighty work, comprehensive oversight, and perfect justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest revelation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's "great counsel," for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The "mighty work" of God is supremely demonstrated in Christ's redemptive work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, through which God disarmed spiritual powers and triumphed over sin and death, accomplishing His eternal plan of salvation ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). While God's eyes are indeed open upon all the ways of humanity, seeing every sin and shortcoming, Christ, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offers a way for humanity to be reconciled to a just God, not by perfectly fulfilling "his ways" or earning the "fruit of his doings" through their own efforts, but through faith in His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. The principle of giving "every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings" is upheld in Christ, who will return as the righteous judge of all ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Recompense")). However, for those who are "in Christ," their "doings" are covered by His imputed righteousness, and they receive the "fruit" of His perfect life and atoning death—eternal life, reconciliation with God, and reigning in life through Him ([Romans 5:17](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ Jesus")). Thus, Christ is both the perfect demonstration of God's unwavering justice and the divine means by which sinful humanity can stand righteous and receive grace before Him.

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

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.

Matthew 16:27

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Psalms 62:12

Also unto thee, O Lord, [belongeth] mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Isaiah 28:29

This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, [which] is wonderful in counsel, [and] excellent in working.

Jeremiah 16:17

For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

Job 34:21

For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.

Revelation 22:12

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.