Jeremiah 33:19

KJV

And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Jeremiah {H3414}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This word of ADONAI came to Yirmeyahu:

Berean Standard Bible

And the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came unto Jeremiah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:19 serves as a foundational prophetic formula, introducing a divine oracle directly from the Lord to His prophet Jeremiah. This concise statement underscores the absolute divine origin and authority of the subsequent message, signaling that what follows is not human conjecture but an authoritative declaration from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It sets the stage for the profound assurances of restoration and unwavering covenant faithfulness that characterize the latter part of Jeremiah chapter 33.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:19 appears within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that dramatically shifts from pronouncements of judgment and exile to promises of future restoration and hope for Judah and Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah 33:14-18 reaffirms God's unconditional covenants with David, promising a righteous Branch (the Messiah), and with the Levitical priests, ensuring their perpetual service. Verse 19 then acts as a crucial transition, introducing the subsequent divine assurances in Jeremiah 33:20-26, which further ground God's covenant faithfulness in the immutable order of creation (the covenant with day and night). This formulaic introduction emphasizes that the extraordinary promises of restoration are rooted in the unchanging character and word of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by national decline, moral corruption, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile. The people were experiencing profound despair, questioning God's faithfulness and the validity of His ancient covenants. In such a context, the prophetic word was vital for conveying God's perspective, judgment, and, crucially, His ultimate plan for redemption. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" was a culturally recognized marker of divine revelation, distinguishing true prophecy from human speculation or false prophecy, thereby lending immense authority and credibility to Jeremiah's message amidst widespread skepticism and suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory phrase highlights several key themes central to Jeremiah and prophetic literature. Firstly, **Divine Communication** is paramount; it underscores that God is not silent but actively intervenes in human history by revealing His will and purposes to His chosen messengers. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Initiative and Authority**, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, as He originates the message and dictates its content. Thirdly, the consistent use of this formula throughout prophetic books, and especially within a chapter focused on God's unwavering promises, reinforces the **Reliability and Truthfulness of God's Word**. It sets the theological foundation for the profound assurances that follow, particularly concerning the enduring nature of God's covenants, which are as sure as the [covenant of day and night](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20 - God's Covenant with Day and Night"). This phrase implicitly calls the audience to listen and trust, for the word is from the [LORD, who makes all things](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God's Creative Power").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697, from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing. In this context, "dâbâr" signifies more than mere utterance; it carries the weight of divine decree, authoritative pronouncement, and the very essence of God's revealed will. It is the active, powerful expression of God's thought and intention, which, as seen throughout Scripture, inherently possesses the power to accomplish what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** H3068, from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God. This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (YHWH), emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here assures the audience that the message comes from the God who is utterly reliable, the one who was, and is, and is to come, and who remains steadfast in His covenant relationship with Israel.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559, a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude). This verb indicates direct speech and communication. In conjunction with "dâbâr" and "Yᵉhôvâh," it highlights the immediate, personal, and intentional nature of God's revelation to Jeremiah, confirming that the subsequent prophecy is a direct verbal message from God, not an interpretation or a vision alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD":** This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's own thoughts, insights, or opinions, but a direct communication from YHWH, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God. This immediately elevates the message above human fallibility and gives it ultimate weight and truthfulness.
* **"came unto Jeremiah":** This clause identifies the specific recipient of the divine word. Jeremiah is God's chosen messenger, the human channel through whom God chooses to speak to His people. This highlights the prophetic office as one of mediation, where a human being is entrusted with conveying God's unadulterated message to humanity.
* **"saying,":** This final word indicates that what follows is the direct content of God's speech. It introduces the specific oracle or pronouncement that God is about to reveal through Jeremiah, emphasizing that the message is a verbal, articulate declaration, not merely an impression or a feeling.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:19 primarily employs the literary device of a **Prophetic Formula**. The phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto X, saying," is a standard, highly recognizable introductory formula used hundreds of times throughout the Old Testament prophetic books (e.g., [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the Lord Came to Ezekiel"), [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the Lord to Hosea")). This formula serves multiple critical functions: it immediately establishes the **Divine Authority** of the subsequent message, distinguishing it from human wisdom or opinion. It underscores the **Divine Initiative**, showing that God actively chooses to speak and reveal His will. Furthermore, its repetitive nature across prophetic texts creates a sense of **Consistency and Reliability** in God's communication, reinforcing the idea that God is a speaking God whose word is trustworthy and true. This formula also functions as a **Framing Device**, signaling to the reader or listener that they are about to receive a direct divine oracle, demanding attention and reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:19, though brief, is profoundly significant as it affirms the very foundation of biblical revelation: God speaks. This verse underscores the active, personal, and authoritative nature of God's communication with humanity. It reminds us that the Bible is not merely a collection of human thoughts about God, but the very "word of the LORD," breathed out by Him and delivered through chosen vessels. This divine origin guarantees the truthfulness, reliability, and power of Scripture. In a broader theological sense, it points to God's covenant faithfulness, as His word is the means by which He establishes, maintains, and ultimately fulfills His promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them. The stability of God's word is presented as the bedrock upon which all hope for restoration rests.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [Psalm 33:6](/psalms/33-6 "Psalm 33:6 - Creation by God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly simple phrase "And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying," carries profound implications for our faith and daily lives. It reminds us that the God of the universe is not silent or distant, but a God who actively communicates His will, character, and purposes. Just as He spoke directly to Jeremiah in a time of national crisis and despair, He continues to speak to us today primarily through His inspired written Word, the Bible. This calls us to approach Scripture with reverence, recognizing that we are encountering the very voice of the Almighty. It instills immense hope, for if God has spoken, His promises are sure, and His plans will ultimately prevail, regardless of our present circumstances. Our task is to listen attentively, to trust implicitly, and to obey diligently, knowing that His word is the unshakable foundation for our lives, providing guidance, comfort, and unwavering hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of Scripture, as highlighted in this verse, impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in the unchanging and powerful word of the LORD?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater attentiveness to God's voice as revealed through His Word?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD came"?**

Answer: This phrase, a hallmark of prophetic literature, is profoundly significant because it unequivocally establishes the divine origin and authority of the message that follows. It's not Jeremiah's personal opinion, political commentary, or psychological insight, but a direct, undeniable revelation from God Himself. This formula (Hebrew: _vayhi devar Yahweh 'el_) ensures that the audience understands that the subsequent words are God's authoritative declaration, carrying divine weight and demanding a response of faith and obedience. It distinguishes true prophecy from human speculation or false claims, emphasizing that God is actively involved in human history and communicates His will to His chosen servants. This is crucial, especially in a book like Jeremiah, where the prophet's message often brought unpopular truths and challenging calls to repentance, making the divine backing essential for its credibility. The phrase sets the stage for the powerful promises of restoration found in [Jeremiah 33](/jeremiah/33 "Jeremiah 33 - Promises of Restoration and Hope").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:19, by emphasizing that "the word of the LORD came," foreshadows the ultimate and most complete revelation of God's Word in the person of Jesus Christ. While God spoke "at many times and in various ways through the prophets" ([Hebrews 1:1](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1 - God's Revelation Through His Son")), He has "in these last days spoken to us by his Son" ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Jesus is not merely a messenger of God's word, but He *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the living embodiment of divine revelation. Just as the word came to Jeremiah to declare God's unwavering covenants and promises of restoration, so too did the eternal Word, Jesus, come into the world to fulfill those very promises, establishing a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Through Christ, God's ultimate message of salvation and reconciliation is delivered, demonstrating the absolute faithfulness of the Lord to His people, a faithfulness as sure as the [covenant with day and night](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20 - God's Covenant with Day and Night") that Jeremiah 33:19 introduces. In Jesus, the "word of the LORD" is not just heard, but seen, touched, and experienced, bringing the promised "righteous Branch" ([Jeremiah 33:15](/jeremiah/33-15 "Jeremiah 33:15 - The Righteous Branch")) to fruition.

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.