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 yet profoundly significant statement underscores the absolute divine origin and unimpeachable authority of the subsequent message, signaling that what follows is not human conjecture or mere opinion but an authoritative declaration from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It sets the stage with solemn gravity for the profound assurances of restoration, unwavering covenant faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises that characterize the latter part of Jeremiah chapter 33.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:19 is strategically placed within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy that marks a dramatic shift from pronouncements of impending judgment and exile to glorious promises of future restoration and hope for Judah and Jerusalem. Immediately preceding this verse, [Jeremiah 33:14-18](/jeremiah/33-14-18 "Jeremiah 33:14-18 - God's Covenants with David and Levi") 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 transitional marker, introducing the subsequent divine assurances in [Jeremiah 33:20-26](/jeremiah/33-20-26 "Jeremiah 33:20-26 - God's Covenant with Day and Night, and His Promises to David and Levi"), which further ground God's covenant faithfulness in the immutable, observable order of creation—specifically, the covenant with day and night. This formulaic introduction emphasizes that the extraordinary promises of restoration, though seemingly impossible from a human perspective, are rooted in the unchanging character and infallible word of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, marked by national decline, pervasive moral corruption, and the looming, then realized, threat of Babylonian invasion, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. The Judahites were experiencing profound despair, questioning God's faithfulness and the validity of His ancient covenants in the face of national catastrophe. In such a desperate context, the prophetic word was absolutely vital for conveying God's perspective, His righteous judgment, and, crucially, His ultimate plan for redemption beyond the immediate devastation. The phrase "the word of the LORD came" was a culturally recognized and deeply significant marker of divine revelation, distinguishing true prophecy from human speculation, political maneuvering, or false prophecy, thereby lending immense authority and credibility to Jeremiah's message amidst widespread skepticism, suffering, and spiritual confusion.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory phrase highlights several key themes central to the book of Jeremiah and indeed, to all prophetic literature. Firstly, **Divine Communication** is paramount; it underscores that God is not silent or aloof but actively intervenes in human history by revealing His will, purposes, and character to His chosen messengers. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Initiative and Authority**, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over all creation and human affairs, as He originates the message and dictates its content, not merely responding to human inquiry. 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 presented as being 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 attentively and trust implicitly, for the word is from the [LORD, who made the heavens and the earth by His great power](/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 far more than a mere utterance or sound; it carries the profound 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 precisely 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, His absolute sovereignty, and His unwavering 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, even in their darkest hour.
* **Saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559, a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude). This verb indicates direct speech and intentional communication. In conjunction with "dâbâr" (word/decree) and "Yᵉhôvâh" (the covenant God), "ʼâmar" highlights the immediate, personal, and intentional nature of God's revelation to Jeremiah. It confirms that the subsequent prophecy is a direct, verbal message from God, not an interpretation, a vision alone, or a human deduction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the word of the LORD":** This opening phrase unequivocally establishes the divine origin and supreme authority of the message about to be delivered. It is not Jeremiah's own thoughts, insights, or opinions, nor is it a product of human wisdom or political analysis. Instead, it is a direct, unadulterated communication from YHWH, the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. This immediately elevates the message above human fallibility and gives it ultimate weight, truthfulness, and binding power.
* **"came unto Jeremiah":** This clause precisely identifies the specific human recipient and channel of the divine word. Jeremiah is God's chosen messenger, the human conduit 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 the sacred duty of conveying God's unadulterated message to humanity, often at great personal cost. It underscores the personal nature of God's interaction with His prophets.
* **"saying,":** This final word serves as a direct introduction to the content of God's speech. It signals that what immediately follows is the precise oracle or pronouncement that God is about to reveal through Jeremiah. It emphasizes that the message is a verbal, articulate declaration, not merely an impression, a feeling, or a non-verbal sign, thereby demanding careful attention to the specific words that follow.

#### 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, unequivocally distinguishing it from human wisdom, opinion, or speculation. It underscores the **Divine Initiative**, showing that God actively chooses to speak and reveal His will to humanity, rather than being sought out or compelled. Furthermore, its repetitive nature across prophetic texts creates a powerful sense of **Consistency and Reliability** in God's communication, reinforcing the idea that God is a speaking God whose word is trustworthy, unchanging, and true. This formula also functions as a **Framing Device**, solemnly signaling to the reader or listener that they are about to receive a direct divine oracle, thereby demanding their utmost attention, reverence, and faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:19, though concise, 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 inherent power of Scripture. In a broader theological sense, it points to God's covenant faithfulness, as His word is the primary means by which He establishes, maintains, and ultimately fulfills His promises, even when human circumstances seem to contradict them. The stability and immutability of God's word are presented as the bedrock upon which all hope for restoration and future blessing 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, despair, and exile, He continues to speak to us today primarily through His inspired written Word, the Bible. This calls us to approach Scripture with profound reverence and humility, recognizing that we are encountering the very voice of the Almighty, a living and active word that shapes reality. It instills immense hope, for if God has spoken, His promises are sure, and His plans will ultimately prevail, regardless of our present circumstances or the chaos of the world around us. Our sacred task is to listen attentively, to trust implicitly in the truthfulness and power of His declarations, and to obey diligently, knowing that His word is the unshakable foundation for our lives, providing infallible guidance, profound comfort, and unwavering hope in every season.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin and authority of Scripture, as highlighted in this verse, impact your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or in what current circumstances 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 written Word, and how can you better integrate its truths into your daily living?**

### 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 absolute authority of the message that follows. It emphatically declares that the subsequent words are 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 critically 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 divine backing was crucial, especially in a book like Jeremiah, where the prophet's message often brought unpopular truths, challenging calls to repentance, and difficult pronouncements of judgment, making the divine endorsement essential for its credibility and reception. The phrase sets the stage for the powerful promises of restoration and hope found throughout [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," profoundly 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, nor just a prophet who receives it; He *is* the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the living, breathing, and perfect embodiment of divine revelation. Just as the word came to Jeremiah to declare God's unwavering covenants and promises of restoration for Israel, so too did the eternal Word, Jesus, come into the world to fulfill those very promises, establishing a new and better covenant, mediated by Himself ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Through Christ, God's ultimate message of salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life 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 from afar, but seen, touched, and experienced, bringing the promised "righteous Branch" ([Jeremiah 33:15](/jeremiah/33-15 "Jeremiah 33:15 - The Righteous Branch")) to glorious 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.