Jeremiah 32:20

KJV

Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, and in Israel, and among [other] men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;

KJV (with Strong's)

Which hast set {H7760} signs {H226} and wonders {H4159} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, even unto this day {H3117}, and in Israel {H3478}, and among other men {H120}; and hast made {H6213} thee a name {H8034}, as at this day {H3117};

Complete Jewish Bible

You gave signs and performed miracles in the land of Egypt which continue to this day, also in Isra'el and among other people; thus you made yourself the reputation you have today.

Berean Standard Bible

You performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and You do so to this very day, both in Israel and among all mankind. And You have made a name for Yourself, as is the case to this day.

American Standard Version

who didst set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, both in Israel and among other men; and madest thee a name, as at this day;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 32:20 is a profound declaration within the prophet Jeremiah's prayer, offered while Jerusalem was under siege by Babylon. It serves as a powerful affirmation of God's enduring power and faithfulness, recalling His miraculous interventions in the land of Egypt and throughout Israel's history. This verse underscores that God's mighty acts, particularly the Exodus, established His renown and character, creating a lasting "name" that continues to be recognized and revered "unto this day," even in the midst of national crisis and impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 32:20 is embedded within Jeremiah's prayer of intercession and affirmation of faith (Jeremiah 32:17-25). This prayer follows God's seemingly paradoxical command to Jeremiah to purchase a field in Anathoth, even as the Babylonian army lays siege to Jerusalem and its fall is imminent (Jeremiah 32:6-15). This act of purchasing land serves as a prophetic sign of future restoration, despite the present despair. Jeremiah's prayer, initiated in [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God's Omnipotence"), begins by acknowledging God's omnipotence as Creator, then transitions into a detailed recounting of His historical faithfulness and mighty deeds, setting the stage for the specific remembrance of signs and wonders in verse 20. The prayer expresses both Jeremiah's awe at God's power and his human struggle to reconcile God's promises of restoration with the dire present circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 32 is the final years of the Kingdom of Judah, specifically around 588-586 BC, when Jerusalem was under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian forces. The city was facing utter destruction, and its inhabitants were on the brink of exile. In this period, the memory of the Exodus from Egypt, approximately 8-9 centuries prior, was foundational to Israelite identity and theology. The "signs and wonders" in Egypt (e.g., the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea) were not merely historical events but served as the paradigmatic demonstration of Yahweh's power, His covenant faithfulness, and His unique status as the deliverer of His people. Culturally, "making a name" was a vital concept in the ancient Near East, signifying the establishment of one's reputation, authority, and enduring legacy, often through powerful deeds. For God, it meant His character and power were indelibly etched into the collective memory of His people and the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence**, emphasizing God's absolute control over history and nature, as evidenced by His supernatural interventions in Egypt and Israel. These acts demonstrate that no human power or circumstance can thwart His ultimate purposes, a crucial message for a people facing national annihilation. Secondly, it underscores **God's Enduring Faithfulness and Covenant Loyalty**. By recalling past deliverances, Jeremiah affirms that God remains true to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful and face judgment. The "name" God made for Himself is intrinsically linked to His character as a faithful deliverer. Thirdly, the verse points to the **Significance of Historical Remembrance**. It teaches that recalling God's past acts of salvation is a vital source of hope and trust in times of present crisis. The events of the [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus") are presented not as isolated incidents but as a continuous testament to God's active presence and power "unto this day," providing a basis for believing in future restoration, as promised in [Jeremiah 32:37-44](/jeremiah/32-37 "Jeremiah 32:37-44 - Promise of Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to appear," refers to a signal, a mark, or a token. In biblical usage, it often denotes a miraculous event or a physical manifestation that serves as evidence or a confirmation of divine activity or truth. In the context of Egypt, these "signs" were the plagues and other supernatural occurrences that demonstrated God's power and authority over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods, compelling Pharaoh to release Israel. They were unmistakable indicators of God's presence and purpose.
* **wonders (Hebrew, _môwphêth'_):** This term, often paired with "signs," signifies a miracle or a prodigy that evokes awe and astonishment. While "sign" emphasizes the meaning or message, "wonder" highlights the astounding nature of the event itself, often implying something extraordinary and beyond natural explanation. The "wonders" in Egypt were awe-inspiring demonstrations of divine power, designed to impress and convince both Israelites and Egyptians of Yahweh's unique supremacy.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This versatile primitive root means "to do or make" in a very broad sense, encompassing accomplishment, execution, and formation. Here, it refers to God's active work in establishing His reputation. It's not a passive recognition but an active, deliberate process by which God's deeds in history, particularly the Exodus, concretely forged and revealed His character and authority to the world.
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** More than just an appellation, "name" in Hebrew thought embodies the very character, reputation, authority, and essence of a person. When God "made Himself a name," it means He established His honor, authority, and unique identity through His powerful acts. The Exodus events profoundly revealed who God is—a powerful, faithful, covenant-keeping God—and this revelation became His enduring "name" or reputation throughout history.
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼâdâm'_):** This term broadly refers to human beings, either an individual or mankind in general. In this context, "among other men" emphasizes that God's signs and wonders were not confined to Israel's internal experience but were witnessed and impacted other nations and peoples. This highlights the universal scope of God's revelation and the global reach of His renown established through these mighty acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt":** This clause immediately points to the foundational narrative of Israel's deliverance. God is praised for actively instituting or performing extraordinary, supernatural events—the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea—within the geographical confines of Egypt. These acts were deliberate demonstrations of His power and sovereignty over all creation and all earthly rulers.
* **"even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men":** This phrase extends the scope and duration of God's impact. "Unto this day" emphasizes the enduring legacy and continued remembrance of these initial acts. The phrase "in Israel, and among other men" broadens the audience and beneficiaries of God's powerful work. It signifies that God's interventions were not only for Israel's benefit and within their land but also had an observable impact and left a lasting impression on surrounding nations, confirming His universal dominion.
* **"and hast made thee a name, as at this day;":** This final clause articulates the ultimate consequence and purpose of God's mighty deeds. Through His "signs and wonders," God actively established and solidified His own reputation, character, and authority. The phrase "as at this day" reiterates that this "name" or renown is not a fading memory but remains a present reality, a testament to His unchanging nature and power, providing a basis for trust even in the face of national calamity.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 32:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine power and faithfulness. **Hyperbole** is subtly present in the phrase "unto this day," underscoring the enduring and seemingly timeless impact of God's historical acts, emphasizing their continued relevance and memory across generations. The repeated phrase "as at this day" functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, serving to reinforce the idea of God's unchanging nature and the perpetual validity of His established renown. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche** when referring to God's "name," where the "name" stands in for God's entire character, reputation, and essence. This is a common biblical idiom that encapsulates the fullness of God's being and His revealed attributes. Finally, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Allusion** to the Exodus narrative, drawing on a well-known and foundational event in Israelite history to evoke a sense of God's past power and faithfulness, thereby building a theological argument for future hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 32:20 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth that God's character is revealed through His actions in history. The "signs and wonders" in Egypt established a foundational paradigm for understanding God's nature as a powerful Deliverer and a covenant-keeping God. This historical precedent is what Jeremiah appeals to, even as Judah faces its darkest hour. The verse asserts that God's "name"—His very being and reputation—is not diminished by human failure or national catastrophe, but rather stands as an eternal testament to His unwavering power and faithfulness. This theological grounding provides hope that the God who acted decisively in the past will continue to act in the future, fulfilling His promises of restoration despite present judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand in Egypt")
* [Psalm 77:14](/psalms/77-14 "Psalm 77:14 - God of Wonders")
* [Nehemiah 9:10](/nehemiah/9-10 "Nehemiah 9:10 - God's Signs and Wonders for Pharaoh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's prayer in the face of overwhelming odds offers a profound model for contemporary believers. When we find ourselves in situations that seem impossible, where hope is scarce and circumstances are dire, this verse calls us to deliberately recall God's historical faithfulness. The "signs and wonders" of the past are not mere historical facts but living testimonies to God's unchanging character and limitless power. Just as Jeremiah looked back to the Exodus to anchor his faith in God's promise of future restoration, we too are invited to remember God's past interventions in our lives, in the church, and throughout redemptive history. This act of remembrance strengthens our trust that the God who "made a name" for Himself through mighty deeds long ago is still active "unto this day," capable of working wonders and fulfilling His purposes in our present reality. It encourages us to pray with boldness, believing that God's power is not diminished by our trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs and wonders" from God's past actions (biblical or personal) can you recall that strengthen your faith in your current circumstances?**
* **How does remembering God's "name" (His character and reputation) help you trust Him when your present situation seems hopeless?**
* **In what ways can you actively "make known" God's "name" to others today, through your words and actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "signs and wonders" in Jeremiah 32:20?**

Answer: The "signs and wonders" (Hebrew: _ʼôwth_ and _môwphêth_) refer primarily to the miraculous events God performed during the Exodus from Egypt, such as the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. These were not random occurrences but deliberate, supernatural interventions designed to demonstrate God's absolute power and sovereignty over creation, over human rulers like Pharaoh, and over the false gods of Egypt. They served as undeniable evidence of His unique identity and His covenant faithfulness to Israel, establishing His enduring "name" or reputation. This phrase is a common biblical idiom for God's powerful, revelatory acts, seen also in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:22](/deuteronomy/6-22 "Deuteronomy 6:22 - Great and Sore Signs").

**Why does Jeremiah emphasize "unto this day" when speaking of God's past actions?**

Answer: The phrase "unto this day" (Hebrew: _yôwm_) is crucial because it emphasizes the enduring impact and continuous relevance of God's historical deeds. It signifies that the memory, significance, and power of the Exodus events were not confined to the past but remained a living reality and a foundational truth for Israel, even centuries later. In Jeremiah's desperate time, it served as a powerful reminder that the God who acted so mightily in the past was still the same God, actively present and capable of intervention in their current crisis. It links God's historical faithfulness to His present and future promises, providing a basis for hope and trust.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 32:20, with its emphasis on God's ancient "signs and wonders" establishing His "name," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus, with its mighty acts of deliverance, foreshadowed the greater spiritual Exodus accomplished by Jesus. Just as God "set signs and wonders" in Egypt to liberate His people from physical bondage, so too did God, in Christ, perform ultimate "signs and wonders"—His miracles, His sinless life, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection—to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The "name" God made for Himself through the Exodus was one of a powerful deliverer; this name is fully revealed and glorified in the "name above every name" given to Jesus ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above All Names")). Through Christ's work, God's character as the faithful, all-powerful Redeemer is not just remembered "unto this day," but is eternally established and made accessible to "all men" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). The new covenant in Christ, sealed by His blood, is the ultimate demonstration of God's enduring faithfulness, far surpassing the old, and His "name" is now synonymous with the saving grace and redemptive power manifested in the crucified and risen Lord ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")).

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

Nehemiah 9:10

And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as [it is] this day.

Daniel 9:15

And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

Psalms 135:9

[Who] sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants.

Exodus 10:2

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD.

Acts 7:36

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

2 Samuel 7:23

And what one nation in the earth [is] like thy people, [even] like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for thy land, before thy people, which thou redeemedst to thee from Egypt, [from] the nations and their gods?

Exodus 9:16

And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.