Jeremiah 33:3

KJV

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Call {H7121} unto me, and I will answer {H6030} thee, and shew {H5046} thee great {H1419} and mighty things {H1219}, which thou knowest {H3045} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Call out to me, and I will answer you I will tell you great things, hidden things of which you are unaware.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

American Standard Version

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:3 stands as a profound divine invitation and promise, delivered amidst the despair of Jerusalem's siege. In this verse, God calls His people to earnest prayer, assuring them of His immediate and active response. He pledges to reveal "great and mighty things" – truths, plans, or interventions that are currently hidden, inaccessible, or beyond human comprehension and expectation, thereby offering a beacon of hope and a testament to His sovereign power and faithfulness even in the darkest of times.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:3 is strategically placed within a section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 30-33) often referred to as "The Book of Consolation." This passage directly follows God's command to Jeremiah to purchase a field in Anathoth (Jeremiah 32), a symbolic act signifying future restoration and the return of land ownership, despite the imminent Babylonian destruction. Chapter 33 expands on these promises, detailing the healing and rebuilding of Jerusalem, the return of prosperity, the establishment of a righteous Branch from David's line (Jeremiah 33:14-16), and the enduring nature of the Davidic and Levitical covenants (Jeremiah 33:17-26). Within this broader context of future hope, Jeremiah 33:3 serves as God's foundational invitation for His people to engage with Him, promising revelation of the very plans of restoration that follow in the chapter. It underscores that these future blessings are rooted in God's initiative and revealed through His communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 33 is dire: Jerusalem is under siege by the Babylonian army (circa 588-586 BCE), and Jeremiah himself is imprisoned in the court of the guard (Jeremiah 32:2, 33:1). The nation of Judah is experiencing the covenant curses for their unfaithfulness, facing imminent destruction, exile, and the collapse of their political and religious institutions. This period was marked by profound national despair, a sense of abandonment, and the shattering of long-held beliefs about God's protection of Jerusalem. Culturally, the people were deeply rooted in the covenant traditions of Yahweh, yet struggling to reconcile God's past promises with their present calamity. In such a context of overwhelming despair and apparent divine silence, the promise of "great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" would have been utterly counter-intuitive, a radical declaration of hope against all human reason and experience, reminding them of God's power to act beyond their current reality.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 33:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's ability to act decisively and supernaturally, even when human circumstances seem hopeless. His plans transcend human understanding and are rooted in His unchanging character and covenant commitments. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Restoration and Hope**, which is central to the "Book of Consolation," providing a stark contrast to the preceding chapters of judgment. It assures Judah that despite the impending exile, God has a future of healing, rebuilding, and renewal for His people and land, a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope"). Thirdly, it highlights **The Efficacy of Prayer and Divine Revelation**, emphasizing that God is accessible and willing to communicate His hidden purposes and actions to those who seek Him earnestly. Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Covenant Renewal**, as the subsequent verses in chapter 33 elaborate on the enduring nature of the Davidic and Levitical covenants, showcasing God's commitment to His people's future through an unbreakable divine promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Call (Hebrew, _qârâ'_):** This primitive root means "to call out to," "address by name," "cry unto," or "invite." In Jeremiah 33:3, it implies an earnest, intentional, and often vocal act of summoning or invoking God. It is not a casual thought but a deliberate, personal address, emphasizing the accessibility of God and the active role of the petitioner in initiating communication. The word suggests a deep yearning or urgent need that prompts the cry.
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** This primitive root properly means "to eye" or "to heed," and by implication, "to respond." It extends to "begin to speak," "sing," "shout," or "testify." Here, "answer" signifies more than just a verbal reply; it conveys God's attentive engagement and active response to the call. It assures the petitioner that their cries will not be ignored but will elicit a meaningful and effective divine action, demonstrating God's faithfulness and willingness to interact.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_ ) and mighty things (Hebrew, _bâtsar'_ ):** `gâdôwl` denotes something "great in any sense," emphasizing magnitude, significance, and often surpassing quality. `bâtsar` (translated "mighty things" here) is a primitive root meaning "to clip off," and by extension, "to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)," or "cut off." When combined with `gâdôwl`, this phrase refers to things that are not only immense in scale and importance but also hidden, inaccessible, fortified, or beyond human reach and understanding. God promises to reveal or perform profound truths or miraculous interventions that are otherwise sealed off from human knowledge or capacity, underscoring His omniscience and omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Call unto me":** This is an imperative command, a direct invitation from God to His people. It emphasizes God's desire for relationship and communication, highlighting His accessibility. It is a call to earnest prayer, an active seeking of the divine presence and will.
* **"and I will answer thee":** This is a definitive promise of divine responsiveness. God pledges His faithfulness to hear and respond to the earnest cries of His people. It assures them that their prayers are not in vain, but will be met with active engagement and a meaningful reply from the Almighty.
* **"and shew thee great and mighty things":** God promises to reveal or demonstrate things of immense significance, power, and magnitude. These are not trivial matters but profound truths, hidden knowledge, or miraculous interventions that will manifest His power and purpose.
* **"which thou knowest not":** This final clause clarifies the nature of these revelations: they are beyond human understanding, expectation, or prior knowledge. They are hidden, perhaps even seemingly impossible from a human perspective, underscoring God's omniscience and omnipotence, and His capacity to work in ways that defy human logic or foresight.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:3 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Imperative** mood in the opening word "Call," which functions as a direct command and invitation from God, immediately establishing His authority and initiative in the interaction. This is followed by a clear **Promise/Assurance** ("and I will answer thee, and shew thee"), which functions as a divine guarantee, building confidence and trust in God's faithfulness. The phrase "great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" utilizes **Hyperbole** and **Emphasis** to underscore the extraordinary, incomprehensible, and supernatural nature of God's revelations. It highlights the vast chasm between finite human perception and infinite divine reality. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described as one who "hears" and "answers" and "shows," attributing human-like actions to describe His relational interaction with humanity, making Him relatable and approachable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:3 is a cornerstone verse that deeply informs our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved, omniscient, omnipotent, faithful, and profoundly relational. This verse establishes prayer not merely as a human act of petition but as a divinely initiated invitation to encounter God's active presence and receive His revelation. It underscores that even in the midst of judgment and despair, God remains sovereign, actively working towards His ultimate redemptive purposes, and He desires to disclose these purposes to His people. The "great and mighty things" are a testament to His capacity to transcend human limitations and bring about the seemingly impossible, always for His glory and the good of His covenant people.

* [Psalm 91:15](/psalms/91-15 "Psalm 91:15 - God Answers When Called Upon")
* [Isaiah 48:6](/isaiah/48-6 "Isaiah 48:6 - New Things Declared")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 33:3 remains a powerful and timeless invitation for believers across all generations. In a world often marked by uncertainty, fear, and overwhelming challenges, this verse serves as a profound reminder of God's accessibility and His desire to communicate with us. It encourages us to embrace prayer not as a last resort, but as a primary, privileged means of intimate connection with our Creator. When faced with situations that seem insurmountable or beyond our comprehension, this promise calls us to trust in God's unseen work and His boundless capacity to act. We are invited to seek Him not only for our needs but also for deeper understanding, divine wisdom, and insight into His purposes, especially when our own knowledge falls short. Cultivating a spirit of expectant faith, believing that God is capable of doing "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," transforms our perspective and empowers us to navigate life's complexities with divine guidance and supernatural hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "call unto" God more earnestly, trusting in His promise to answer, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **What "great and mighty things" might God desire to reveal to me, or accomplish through me, that are currently beyond my understanding or expectation?**
* **How does this verse challenge my perception of prayer as merely a request-making exercise, prompting me to seek deeper revelation and a more intimate relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**What does "great and mighty things" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: While the phrase can have broad application, in Jeremiah 33, it primarily refers to God's comprehensive plan for the future restoration of Judah and Jerusalem. This includes the return from exile, the rebuilding of the city, the re-establishment of the Davidic line, and the renewal of the covenant, as detailed in the surrounding verses of [Jeremiah 33](/jeremiah/33 "Jeremiah 33 - Promises of Restoration and the New Covenant"). These were "things they knew not" because they seemed impossible given their dire circumstances and the impending destruction of their nation.

**Is this promise only for Jeremiah, or for all believers?**

Answer: While initially given to Jeremiah in a specific historical context, the principle of God's responsiveness to earnest prayer and His willingness to reveal His will and act powerfully is a timeless theological truth applicable to all believers. The invitation to "call unto me" is a universal call to relationship with God, echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in Trouble")). The nature of God as one who hears and answers, and who possesses knowledge and power beyond human comprehension, is foundational to Christian faith.

**How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty and human free will?**

Answer: This verse beautifully illustrates the dynamic interplay between God's sovereignty and human agency. God, in His sovereign plan, chooses to invite human participation through prayer ("Call unto me"). His revelation and action ("I will answer... and shew") are sovereign acts, yet they are often contingent upon or revealed through our seeking Him. It demonstrates that God's plans, though unchangeable in their ultimate purpose, unfold in dynamic interaction with His people. This highlights God's desire for a relational partnership rather than a mechanistic decree, inviting us to align our will with His through active communication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "answer" to humanity's deepest cries for salvation, reconciliation, and meaning. The "great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" are supremely revealed in the person and work of Christ, who embodies the mystery of God's redemptive plan, hidden for ages but now made manifest ([Colossians 1:26-27](/colossians/1-26 "The Mystery Revealed")). The "righteous Branch" promised in [Jeremiah 33:15-16](/jeremiah/33-15 "The Righteous Branch") is none other than Jesus, who establishes a new and everlasting covenant, fulfilling the Davidic promises. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ opened the way for direct, unhindered access to God, allowing us to "call unto" the Father with confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace Boldly")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself promised that those who seek will find, and to those who knock, the door will be opened ([Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Ask, Seek, Knock")). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, continues to "shew" us profound truths, searching "the deep things of God" and revealing them to believers ([1 Corinthians 2:10](/1_corinthians/2-10 "The Spirit Reveals Deep Things")). Thus, the call, the answer, and the revelation of the unknown are all perfectly realized and made accessible to us through the person and finished work of Jesus Christ.

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

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Isaiah 65:24

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Isaiah 48:6

Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare [it]? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.

Luke 11:9

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luke 11:10

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Psalms 91:15

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.