Jeremiah 33:20

KJV

Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; If ye can break {H6565} my covenant {H1285} of the day {H3117}, and my covenant {H1285} of the night {H3915}, and that there should not be day {H3119} and night {H3915} in their season {H6256};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is what ADONAI says: 'If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that daytime and nighttime no longer come when they are supposed to,

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the LORD says: If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that day and night cease to occupy their appointed time,

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, so that there shall not be day and night in their season;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:20 serves as a profound divine declaration, asserting the absolute immutability and reliability of God's covenant promises by drawing a powerful analogy to the unalterable, divinely ordained cycles of creation. It posits that just as humanity possesses no power to disrupt the perpetual succession of day and night, so too are God's sacred decrees and covenants—particularly those concerning the Davidic lineage and the Levitical priesthood—utterly unchangeable and eternally secure. This verse stands as an unshakeable cosmic guarantee of God's unwavering faithfulness and the certain fulfillment of His word, offering profound assurance in times of despair and doubt.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:20 is situated within a remarkable section of restoration promises (Jeremiah 33:14-26), where the LORD reiterates His steadfast commitment to His exiled people, Judah and Israel. This passage specifically emphasizes the future re-establishment of the Davidic monarchy through a "righteous Branch" (the Messiah) and the perpetual continuity of the Levitical priesthood. Verses 20-21, and later 25-26, employ the unalterable, divinely ordained cycle of day and night as a cosmic, irrefutable guarantee for the permanence of God's covenants with David and the Levites. The rhetorical "If ye can break..." sets up an impossible condition, designed to underscore the absolute certainty of God's promises, thereby linking the inherent stability of the natural world directly to the unwavering stability of His divine word. This cosmic oath reinforces the preceding promises of a restored king and priests, assuring the people that these future realities are as certain as the daily sunrise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jeremiah chronicles a period of immense national crisis for Judah, culminating in the Babylonian exile, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the apparent collapse of God's promises regarding the Davidic dynasty and the temple worship. In this atmosphere of profound despair, disillusionment, and questioning of God's faithfulness, Jeremiah's message of hope and future restoration was not merely comforting but revolutionary. Ancient Near Eastern cultures often regarded the cosmic order—the predictable movements of celestial bodies, the cycles of seasons—as a direct reflection of divine power, wisdom, and stability. For God to invoke the fixed cycles of day and night as a guarantee would have resonated deeply with a people yearning for any sign of enduring truth amidst chaos. It affirmed that His word was more reliable and foundational than the very fabric of their perceived reality, providing a tangible, undeniable witness to His steadfastness even when all human institutions seemed to fail.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness (Hesed)**, demonstrating that His character is immutable and His word unbreakable, even when human circumstances or perceived failures suggest otherwise. It underscores the **Permanence of God's Covenants**, particularly the Davidic Covenant, which promised an eternal dynasty (see [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), and the Levitical Covenant, ensuring a perpetual priesthood (see [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Phinehas' Everlasting Priesthood")). Both seemed utterly shattered by the exile, yet God declares their certainty. Finally, it highlights the **Reliability of Creation as a Witness to God's Sovereignty**. The predictable and unchangeable order of the natural world, established and sustained by God, serves as a tangible, visible testimony to His power and the steadfastness of His word, a concept also found in [Genesis 8:22](/genesis/8-22 "Genesis 8:22 - God's Promise Regarding Seasons After the Flood") where God promises the continuation of seasons and cycles after the flood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred, personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "the Self-Existent" or "Eternal One." Its use here emphasizes that the speaker of this unbreakable promise is the sovereign, unchanging God who exists independently and eternally, the one who established and sustains the very order of the cosmos. It highlights His unique authority and ability to make and keep such absolute declarations.
* **break (Hebrew, _pârar'_):** From H6565, this primitive root means "to break up," "to violate," "to frustrate," or "to make of none effect." In this context, it refers to the act of annulling, rendering ineffective, or setting aside God's established decrees. The hypothetical "If ye can break" highlights the utter impossibility of human or cosmic forces disrupting God's fixed ordinances, thereby serving as an ultimate guarantee for the certainty and inviolability of His promises.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285, this term denotes a compact, agreement, or treaty, often made by "cutting" (referring to the ancient practice of passing between pieces of a sacrificed animal, symbolizing a solemn, binding agreement). Here, "my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night" refers not to a formal agreement God made with humanity concerning these cycles, but rather to God's unchangeable divine decree or ordinance governing the natural order. It is a "covenant" in the sense of a fixed, binding, and inviolable divine arrangement that undergirds creation, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His own established order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD;":** This opening phrase, a quintessential prophetic formula, unequivocally establishes the divine authority and absolute certainty of the declaration that follows. It signals that the subsequent words are not human conjecture or mere possibility, but a direct, authoritative, and infallible pronouncement from YHWH, the sovereign God of Israel.
* **"If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night,":** This clause presents a rhetorical, impossible condition. The "covenant of the day" and "covenant of the night" refer to God's established, unalterable decree that governs the regular, predictable succession of light and darkness across the earth. The challenge "If ye can break" implies that just as it is utterly beyond human power to disrupt this cosmic order—an order so fundamental to existence—so too is it impossible to nullify or invalidate God's divine word and His more specific redemptive promises.
* **"and that there should not be day and night in their season;":** This concluding clause further elaborates on the consequence of hypothetically breaking the cosmic covenant. It speaks to the cessation of the natural, timely, and consistent progression of day and night. The phrase "in their season" (H6256, `ʻêth`) emphasizes the consistent, appointed timing and regularity of these cycles. The very idea of day and night ceasing to occur in their proper, divinely appointed order is presented as an absurdity, thereby making the preceding condition an absolute impossibility and profoundly reinforcing the inviolability and certainty of God's promises.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine certainty and unyielding faithfulness. The primary device is **Hypothesis** presented as an impossible condition ("If ye can break..."). This rhetorical question functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the impossibility of the scenario (disrupting the cosmic order of day and night) to underscore the absolute, undeniable certainty of God's promises. The verse also utilizes a profound **Analogy** or **Simile**, though implicitly. It draws a direct, compelling parallel between the unchangeable, divinely ordained cycles of day and night and the unchangeable nature of God's covenants, particularly those concerning the Davidic king and the Levitical priests. The stability and predictability of the created order serve as a tangible, undeniable witness to the steadfastness and reliability of God's word. Furthermore, the entire statement functions as a **Divine Oath** or **Assurance**, solidifying God's commitment through an appeal to His own established and sustained order within creation, making His word as sure as the sunrise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:20 profoundly reinforces the biblical doctrine of God's immutability, His sovereign control over creation, and the absolute reliability of His divine word. The very fabric of the cosmos—the dependable rotation of day and night—is presented not merely as a natural phenomenon but as a direct, tangible testament to God's unchanging nature and the absolute certainty of His covenant promises. This verse assures a despairing Judah that just as the sun will rise and set with unfailing regularity, so too will God's promises endure and be fulfilled, regardless of present circumstances or human doubt. It elevates the natural order to the status of a divine guarantee, demonstrating that the God who upholds the universe with such precision is the same God who upholds His sacred covenants, particularly those concerning the Messiah and the eternal priesthood. This cosmic stability serves as a foundational assurance for all of God's redemptive purposes, providing an unshakeable basis for faith in His ultimate plan for His people.

* [Genesis 8:22](/genesis/8-22 "Genesis 8:22 - God's Promise to Noah Regarding Seasons")
* [Psalm 89:34-37](/psalm/89-34-37 "Psalm 89:34-37 - God's Covenant with David and its Permanence")
* [Isaiah 54:10](/isaiah/54-10 "Isaiah 54:10 - God's Unfailing Love and Covenant of Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless change, pervasive uncertainty, and the frequent experience of broken promises, Jeremiah 33:20 offers a profound and unyielding anchor for the soul. It extends an invitation to believers to fix their gaze not on fleeting circumstances, human fallibility, or the chaos around them, but on the immutable character of God Himself. Just as we instinctively trust that the sun will rise each morning and the stars will appear each night, a trust born of consistent observation, so too can we place our unwavering confidence in every promise God has made, knowing His faithfulness is infinitely greater than the predictability of the cosmos. This verse calls us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, experiential trust in God's steadfastness, especially when His plans seem delayed, humanly impossible, or contrary to our present reality. It reminds us that His love, His justice, and His redemptive purposes are as certain and dependable as the dawn. For those grappling with doubt, fear, or a sense of abandonment, this passage is a powerful, cosmic reminder that the God who governs the vastness of the universe with perfect order also governs our individual lives and the sweep of history with perfect wisdom, unwavering commitment, and unfailing grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchanging order of creation, as vividly highlighted in this verse, deepen and strengthen your personal trust in God's specific promises for your life and future?**
* **What particular promises of God are you currently holding onto or praying for, and how does the cosmic guarantee presented in Jeremiah 33:20 encourage you to persevere in those areas?**
* **In what aspects of your life do you find yourself struggling to surrender control, and how might a deeper reliance on God's steadfastness, knowing His word is as sure as day and night, help you release those burdens?**

### FAQ
**What does "covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night" mean?**

Answer: This phrase does not refer to a formal, explicit agreement God made with humanity concerning the cycles of day and night. Instead, it signifies God's established, unchangeable divine decree or ordinance that governs the natural order of creation. It represents God's fixed and perpetual law by which He maintains the regular, predictable succession of light and darkness. It is termed a "covenant" in the sense of an inviolable, divinely instituted arrangement that is as binding and certain as any formal agreement, demonstrating God's absolute faithfulness to His own established cosmic order.

**How does this verse relate to God's other covenants, particularly those with David and the Levites?**

Answer: Jeremiah 33:20 serves as an unshakeable, cosmic guarantee for the permanence and certainty of God's other covenants, specifically the Davidic Covenant (promising an eternal dynasty through David, explicitly mentioned in [Jeremiah 33:17](/jeremiah/33-17 "Jeremiah 33:17 - God's Promise to David's Descendants")) and the Levitical Covenant (ensuring a perpetual priesthood for temple service, mentioned in [Jeremiah 33:18](/jeremiah/33-18 "Jeremiah 33:18 - God's Promise to the Levitical Priests")). By stating that these spiritual covenants are as unbreakable and certain as the physical laws governing the cycles of day and night, God assures His people that His promises to restore their nation and maintain these lines of service are absolutely certain to be fulfilled, despite their current exile and apparent desolation. It elevates the reliability of His redemptive promises to the same level as the fundamental laws of the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:20, with its profound declaration of God's immutable covenants guaranteed by the cosmic order, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "covenant of the day" and "covenant of the night" serve as an unbreakable divine oath, ensuring the permanence of God's promises, especially the Davidic covenant. Jesus is the "righteous Branch" (Jeremiah 33:15) who perfectly fulfills the Davidic promise, not merely as an earthly king, but as the eternal King who has ascended to an eternal throne and reigns forever, as prophesied by the angel Gabriel in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel's Annunciation to Mary about Jesus' Reign"). Furthermore, Jesus establishes a new and eternal covenant, not based on the Law or the Levitical priesthood, but sealed by His own precious blood (see [Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Jesus' Words at the Last Supper")). This "better covenant" (as described in [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")) is as eternally secure and unchangeable as the very cycles of day and night, for it is founded upon the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Just as the sun rises daily, testifying to God's faithfulness in creation, so too does the resurrection of Christ testify to the unyielding power and eternal validity of God's redemptive plan in Him. Jesus Christ is the living embodiment of God's unchanging faithfulness, for He is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")), making His new covenant as certain and perpetual as the cosmic order itself, providing an everlasting hope for all who believe.

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 104:19

¶ He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Psalms 104:23

Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

Isaiah 54:9

For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Psalms 89:37

It shall be established for ever as the moon, and [as] a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.

Jeremiah 33:25

Thus saith the LORD; If my covenant [be] not with day and night, [and if] I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;