Jeremiah 33:21

KJV

[Then] may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then may also my covenant {H1285} be broken {H6565} with David {H1732} my servant {H5650}, that he should not have a son {H1121} to reign {H4427} upon his throne {H3678}; and with the Levites {H3881} the priests {H3548}, my ministers {H8334}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then my covenant with my servant David also can be broken, so that he will not have a descendant to reign from his throne or L'vi'im who are cohanim to minister to me.

Berean Standard Bible

then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant and with My ministers the Levites who are priests, so that David will not have a son to reign on his throne.

American Standard Version

then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he shall not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:21 serves as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, asserting the absolute certainty and perpetual nature of His divine covenants with King David and with the Levitical priesthood. Delivered during a period of intense national distress and impending exile, this verse offers a powerful reassurance that just as the cosmic order of day and night cannot be broken, neither can God's solemn promises concerning a perpetual Davidic heir on the throne and an enduring Levitical ministry be annulled. It powerfully underscores the immutability of God's word and His steadfast commitment to His redemptive plans for His people, even amidst their deepest despair.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:21 is situated within a larger prophetic section (Jeremiah 33:14-26) that dramatically pivots from pronouncements of judgment and impending exile to glorious promises of restoration and hope for both Israel and Judah. This verse immediately follows a rhetorical question in [Jeremiah 33:20](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20 - The Covenant of Day and Night"), which establishes the unchangeable nature of the natural order (the covenant of day and night). By linking the stability of the cosmic order to the stability of His covenants with David and the Levites, God employs a powerful rhetorical device to underscore their absolute, unshakeable certainty. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 33:14-18) speak of the coming "Righteous Branch" from David, further emphasizing the Messianic hope inherent in the Davidic covenant, setting the stage for the reaffirmation of its eternal nature.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah 33 were delivered during a time of extreme national crisis for Judah, specifically when Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians (circa 588-586 BC). The city was on the brink of destruction, the monarchy was failing, and the temple was soon to be desecrated. In such a bleak and desperate cultural milieu, the people of Judah might have felt that God had abandoned them or that His promises had failed. The very idea of a perpetual Davidic king or an enduring priesthood seemed utterly impossible given the political and spiritual collapse. Jeremiah's message, therefore, served as a counter-narrative to the prevailing despair, reminding a disbelieving generation of God's sovereign control and His unbreakable word, even when all human institutions appeared to be crumbling.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Jeremiah 33:21 is the **unbreakable nature of God's covenants**. The rhetorical structure, "Then may also my covenant be broken," highlights the utter impossibility of these divine arrangements being annulled, paralleling the steadfastness of the natural order established in [Jeremiah 33:20](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20 - God's Steadfast Cosmic Order"). This speaks profoundly to God's **steadfastness** and **perfect faithfulness** (Hebrew *hesed*). Secondly, the verse explicitly reaffirms the **Davidic Covenant**, first established in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"), promising an eternal dynasty and throne for David's descendants. This covenant points forward to the Messiah. Thirdly, it underscores the **Levitical Covenant**, ensuring the continuity of a consecrated priesthood to minister before God. While the Old Testament sacrificial system would eventually be fulfilled and superseded, the spiritual reality of a perpetual priesthood serving God remains, finding its ultimate expression in the new covenant. These themes collectively reinforce God's sovereign plan for salvation and worship, even amidst human failure and historical upheaval.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** H1285, defined as "a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)." This term emphasizes a solemn, binding agreement, often initiated by God Himself, highlighting the divine origin and unalterable nature of the promises made to David and the Levites. It is not a mere contract but a divinely sworn oath, underscoring God's sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His word.
* **broken (Hebrew, _pârar'_):** H6565, meaning "to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate." In this context, its use in a rhetorical question emphasizes the absolute impossibility of God's covenants being violated or rendered void. Just as the laws governing day and night cannot be frustrated, neither can God's sacred promises to His chosen lines of leadership.
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** H1121, defined as "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." Here, it specifically refers to a male descendant of David who would reign upon his throne, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic line. This word is crucial for understanding the dynastic promise of the Davidic covenant, which anticipates a perpetual lineage culminating in the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Then] may also my covenant be broken with David my servant,"**: This opening clause establishes the premise of the rhetorical question, directly linking back to the preceding verse. The word "Then" (Hebrew *gam*) implies a direct comparison: "If the covenant of day and night can be broken, *then* my covenant with David can also be broken." The phrase "my covenant" highlights God as the initiator and guarantor of this solemn agreement. David is identified as "my servant," emphasizing his chosen status and obedience, which formed the basis for God's promise to him.
* **"that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne;"**: This clause specifies the content of the Davidic covenant being discussed—the promise of a perpetual heir to David's throne. The negative phrasing ("should not have a son to reign") underscores the impossibility of this outcome. It asserts that God's promise of a continuous royal line from David, ensuring a king to sit on his throne, is as immutable as the natural order. This promise was especially vital during a time when the Davidic monarchy was on the verge of collapse.
* **"and with the Levites the priests, my ministers."**: This final clause extends the same unbreakable certainty to the covenant with the Levites, specifically those designated as "the priests." These were the descendants of Aaron from the tribe of Levi, consecrated to serve God in the temple. They are called "my ministers," signifying their divinely appointed role in mediating between God and His people through sacrificial worship and instruction. The inclusion of the Levitical covenant alongside the Davidic covenant emphasizes God's commitment to both the political/royal and the spiritual/religious leadership of His people, assuring their continued function despite national apostasy and impending exile.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:21 powerfully employs **Rhetorical Question** and **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute certainty of God's covenants. The verse functions as the conclusion to the rhetorical question posed in [Jeremiah 33:20](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20 - The Immutability of God's Covenants"), where God asks if His covenant with day and night can be broken. The implied answer is a resounding "No," which then leads to the hyperbolic statement in verse 21: "Then *may also* my covenant be broken..." This is a form of **_reductio ad absurdum_**, where an absurd or impossible condition (the breaking of the cosmic order) is presented to demonstrate the utter impossibility of the alternative (the breaking of God's covenants). The effect is to magnify God's **Faithfulness** and the **Immutability** of His promises, providing profound assurance to a people facing seemingly insurmountable despair. The parallel structure between the Davidic and Levitical covenants also highlights the comprehensive nature of God's enduring commitment to His people's governance and spiritual life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:21 is a profound testament to the steadfastness of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly in times of national upheaval and perceived divine silence. It underscores that God's promises are not contingent upon human performance or historical circumstances, but upon His own immutable character. The unbreakable nature of the Davidic and Levitical covenants, presented as being as certain as the cosmic order, provides a bedrock of hope that God's redemptive plan for His people will ultimately prevail. This truth is foundational to understanding the continuity of God's work from the Old Testament to the New, where these ancient promises find their ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Enduring Davidic Dynasty")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Oath to David")
* [Nehemiah 13:29](/nehemiah/13-29 "Nehemiah 13:29 - Covenant with the Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 33:21 offers immense comfort and profound assurance to believers in every generation. In a world marked by constant change, broken promises, and uncertain futures, this verse stands as an unwavering beacon of God's absolute reliability. It reminds us that our hope is not placed in fleeting human institutions or fallible leaders, but in the faithful God who keeps His word, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises. This truth should inspire deep trust, enabling us to rest in His sovereign plan even amidst personal trials or global turmoil. Just as God ensured a perpetual line for David and an enduring priesthood, He continues to uphold His promises to us, providing a secure foundation for our faith and a living hope for our future. This passage calls us to look beyond immediate difficulties and fix our gaze on the unchanging character of God, whose covenants are eternally secure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comparison of God's covenants to the cosmic order of day and night deepen your understanding of His faithfulness?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's unchanging promises, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **How does the fulfillment of the Davidic and Levitical covenants in Christ encourage your hope for God's ongoing work in the world and in your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God's covenant with David in this verse?**

Answer: The covenant with David, first established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), promised that David would always have a descendant on his throne, establishing an eternal dynasty. In Jeremiah 33:21, God reaffirms the absolute certainty of this promise, even when the Davidic monarchy was on the verge of collapse and the future seemed hopeless. This promise is crucial because it foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate "Son of David" and whose kingdom is eternal. It assures God's people that His plan for a righteous king will never fail, regardless of human failure or historical upheaval.

**What is the significance of God's covenant with the Levites in this verse?**

Answer: The covenant with the Levites refers to God's ordination of the tribe of Levi, specifically the line of Aaron, to serve as priests and ministers before Him (see [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - Covenant of a Perpetual Priesthood")). This covenant ensured a perpetual priesthood to mediate between God and His people through sacrifices and worship. Jeremiah 33:21 guarantees that this priestly ministry would never cease, emphasizing God's commitment to the spiritual life of His people. While the Old Testament sacrificial system was completed in Christ, the spiritual reality of a priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices continues through all believers (as a "royal priesthood" in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), and ultimately in Christ's eternal high priesthood.

**How does Jeremiah 33:21 relate to the New Testament?**

Answer: Jeremiah 33:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. The promise of a perpetual "son to reign upon his throne" from David's line is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, who is explicitly identified as the "Son of David" (e.g., [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that Jesus "will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel's Announcement to Mary")). Similarly, the promise of a perpetual priesthood is fulfilled in Christ's eternal high priesthood, as described in the book of [Hebrews](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - The Priesthood of Melchizedek and Christ"). He is the perfect High Priest who offered a single, sufficient sacrifice for all time, rendering the Levitical sacrifices obsolete yet fulfilling their purpose. Thus, both ancient covenants find their perfect and eternal reality in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:21, with its declaration of God's unbreakable covenants with David and the Levites, finds its glorious and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The promise of a perpetual "son to reign upon his throne" from David's lineage is perfectly realized in Jesus, who is the "Son of David" par excellence, the Messiah whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign knows no end, as proclaimed by the angel Gabriel in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Reign"). He is the righteous Branch (Jeremiah 33:15) who perfectly embodies the Davidic kingship, establishing a spiritual kingdom that transcends earthly boundaries and endures forever. Furthermore, the covenant with the Levites, ensuring a perpetual priesthood, is fulfilled in Christ's eternal high priesthood. The book of [Hebrews](/hebrews/7 "Hebrews 7 - Christ's Superior Priesthood") extensively details how Jesus, as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, offered a single, perfect, and definitive sacrifice that forever atoned for sin, thereby superseding the temporary and repetitive sacrifices of the Levitical system. Through His finished work on the cross and His resurrection, Jesus became both the perfect King and the perfect Priest, uniting both offices in Himself and establishing a new covenant (as prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")) that is truly unbreakable and eternally effective, inviting all believers into a royal priesthood (as seen in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People, a Royal Priesthood")) to minister before God.

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 89:34

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

2 Chronicles 7:18

Then will I stablish the throne of thy kingdom, according as I have covenanted with David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man [to be] ruler in Israel.

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.

2 Chronicles 21:7

Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luke 1:69

And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;