Jeremiah 42:20

KJV

For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

For ye dissembled {H8582} in your hearts {H5315}, when ye sent {H7971} me unto the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}, saying {H559}, Pray {H6419} for us unto the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}; and according unto all that the LORD {H3068} our God {H430} shall say {H559}, so declare {H5046} unto us, and we will do {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you have been behaving deceitfully, against your own interests. You sent me to ADONAI your God, saying, 'Pray for us to ADONAI our God; tell us everything ADONAI our God says, and we will do it.'

Berean Standard Bible

For you have deceived yourselves by sending me to the LORD your God, saying, ‘Pray to the LORD our God on our behalf, and as for all that the LORD our God says, tell it to us and we will do it.’

American Standard Version

For ye have dealt deceitfully against your own souls; for ye sent me unto Jehovah your God, saying, Pray for us unto Jehovah our God; and according unto all that Jehovah our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:20 delivers a scathing divine indictment against the remnant of Judah, exposing their profound hypocrisy and deceit. Despite outwardly seeking the Lord's counsel through Jeremiah regarding their future after the fall of Jerusalem, their hearts were already set on a predetermined course of action—fleeing to Egypt. This verse reveals that their solemn promise to obey whatever God commanded was a manipulative facade, demonstrating a deep-seated insincerity in their approach to divine guidance and a fundamental unwillingness to submit to His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 42:20 is situated within a crucial post-exilic narrative following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC and the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor. The surviving remnant of Judah, fearing Babylonian retribution and seeking to escape further hardship, contemplated fleeing to Egypt. In the preceding verses, specifically [Jeremiah 42:1-3](/jeremiah/42-1-3 "Jeremiah 42:1-3 - The Remnant Seeks Counsel"), they approached Jeremiah, earnestly requesting him to "pray for us unto the LORD your God" and promising, "whatever thing the LORD your God shall say unto us, we will do it" as recorded in [Jeremiah 42:6](/jeremiah/42-6 "Jeremiah 42:6 - The Remnant's Vow of Obedience"). Jeremiah then spent ten days seeking the Lord's will, as noted in [Jeremiah 42:7](/jeremiah/42-7 "Jeremiah 42:7 - Jeremiah Seeks God's Will"). The Lord's answer, given in [Jeremiah 42:9-12](/jeremiah/42-9-12 "Jeremiah 42:9-12 - God's Command to Stay"), was a clear command to remain in the land, promising protection and blessing. However, Jeremiah 42:20 reveals that their initial plea was not born of genuine submission but was a mere formality, a pretense to gain divine sanction for a decision they had already made in their hearts. This verse serves as a divine commentary on the true motives behind their seemingly pious request, setting the stage for their subsequent disobedience and its dire consequences detailed in [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Disobedience and Flight to Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the fall of Jerusalem was one of immense trauma, fear, and political instability for the Jewish remnant. The Babylonians had devastated the land, and the assassination of Gedaliah (recorded in [Jeremiah 41](/jeremiah/41 "Jeremiah 41 - Gedaliah's Assassination")) left a power vacuum and heightened anxieties about further Babylonian reprisal. In this climate, fleeing to Egypt, a traditional refuge and a powerful ancient kingdom, would have seemed a pragmatic and safe option to many. However, throughout the prophetic tradition, going down to Egypt often symbolized a turning away from reliance on God and seeking human alliances or solutions (e.g., [Isaiah 30:1-3](/isaiah/30-1-3 "Isaiah 30:1-3 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt")). The people's approach to Jeremiah, a recognized prophet of the Lord, was a culturally accepted way to seek divine guidance in critical national decisions. Yet, their underlying intention to ignore God's word, even as they sought it, highlights a profound spiritual malaise and a pattern of rebellion that characterized much of Israel's history, particularly during the time of the divided kingdom and the lead-up to the exile.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 42:20 powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **deceitfulness of the human heart**, a recurring motif in Jeremiah, most famously articulated in [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart"), which declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" The remnant's outward piety contrasted sharply with their inward resolve to follow their own path, demonstrating a profound **false piety and hypocrisy**. They used religious language and the prophet's office as a means to justify their pre-determined actions, rather than genuinely seeking God's will. Secondly, the verse implicitly emphasizes **God's omniscience and penetrating knowledge of human intentions**. While the remnant could deceive Jeremiah, they could not deceive the Lord, who sees beyond outward appearances into the deepest motives of the heart, as affirmed in [1 Chronicles 28:9](/1_chronicles/28-9 "1 Chronicles 28:9 - God Searches All Hearts"). Finally, it warns against the **danger of seeking confirmation rather than genuine guidance**. The people were not truly open to God's answer; they merely desired divine affirmation for a decision they had already made, illustrating a common human tendency to manipulate spiritual processes for personal ends.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **dissembled (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_ H8582):** This verb, derived from a primitive root meaning "to vacillate," signifies "to go astray," "to err," or "to wander." In its causative form, as used here, it means "to cause to go astray," "to deceive," or "to dissemble." The accusation that "ye dissembled" directly implies that the remnant intentionally misled or dealt falsely. It denotes a deliberate act of deception, indicating that their request for divine counsel was not a sincere inquiry but a calculated pretense, a wandering from the path of truth in their inner disposition.
* **hearts (Hebrew, _nephesh'_ H5315):** While often translated as "soul," _nephesh_ here refers to the inner self, the seat of one's will, desire, and intention. The phrase "dissembled in your hearts" signifies that the deceit originated from their innermost being, their true selves. It was not merely an outward show but a deep-seated, internal decision to pursue their own way, regardless of God's word. This emphasizes the profound spiritual corruption behind their actions, highlighting that their entire being was committed to their own agenda.
* **declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_ H5046):** This verb means "to front," "to stand boldly out opposite," and by implication, "to manifest," "to announce," "to tell," or "to report." The remnant's demand, "so declare unto us," was for a clear, explicit, and public pronouncement from the Lord. Ironically, they insisted on a definitive declaration, even as they harbored the secret intention to disregard it. This highlights their desire for a formal, undeniable word from God, which they planned to use as a mere formality before proceeding with their own will, perhaps to assuage their conscience or to justify their actions to others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For ye dissembled in your hearts,"**: This opening clause lays bare the core accusation, revealing the people's internal state as one of falsehood and pretense. Their intentions were not pure or genuinely submissive to God's will; rather, they had already decided upon a course of action, and their outward inquiry was a sham, a deliberate act of spiritual deceit.
* **"when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God;"**: This describes their outward, seemingly pious action. They initiated the interaction with Jeremiah, requesting him to intercede on their behalf and seek divine guidance. This highlights the stark contrast between their religious performance and their true, hidden motives, exposing the hypocrisy of their prayer request.
* **"and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it]."**: This final clause reveals the extent of their hypocrisy. They made a solemn, binding promise of absolute obedience to whatever God would declare, explicitly stating their commitment to "do it." This vow, however, was made with a deceitful heart, rendering it empty and manipulative from the outset, a mere formality to legitimize their pre-determined rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 42:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Irony** is central to the verse, as the people's earnest request for divine guidance and their solemn vow of obedience stand in stark contrast to their hidden, predetermined intentions. They ask God to "declare" His will, even as they "dissemble" in their hearts, creating a profound sense of dramatic irony for the reader. This also establishes a strong **contrast** between outward appearance and inward reality, highlighting the chasm between their professed piety and their actual rebellion. The phrase "dissembled in your hearts" uses **metonymy**, where "hearts" represents the entirety of their inner being, their will, and their true intentions, emphasizing the deep-seated nature of their deceit. Furthermore, the verse serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, as this initial act of deceit sets the stage for their subsequent disobedience and the tragic consequences that unfold in the following chapters, demonstrating the inevitable outcome of a heart unwilling to truly submit to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:20 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and obedience, contrasting it sharply with superficial piety. It underscores the biblical truth that God sees beyond outward actions and religious rituals, penetrating to the very core of human motivation. The people's attempt to manipulate divine counsel for their own ends reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of God's sovereignty and holiness. True faith requires a heart genuinely open to God's will, even when it contradicts personal desires or perceived self-interest. This verse teaches that God values sincerity and integrity above all, and that any attempt to "dissemble" before Him is futile, as His knowledge is perfect and His judgment righteous.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Intimate Knowledge")
* [Proverbs 21:2](/proverbs/21-2 "Proverbs 21:2 - The Lord Weighs the Heart")
* [Matthew 15:7-9](/matthew/15-7-9 "Matthew 15:7-9 - Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 42:20 stands as a timeless mirror, inviting us to honestly examine the true motives behind our spiritual practices and prayers. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity to cultivate a heart of genuine submission and integrity before God. When we seek divine guidance, whether through prayer, Scripture, or counsel, are we truly open to hearing and obeying God's answer, even if it runs contrary to our preferences or plans? Or do we, like the remnant, approach God with a predetermined agenda, hoping He will simply rubber-stamp our own desires? This verse calls us to a radical sincerity, reminding us that God desires truth in the inward parts and sees through every facade. It urges us to trust in His wisdom and provision, even when His path seems more difficult or counterintuitive than our own, knowing that true blessing and protection come from wholehearted obedience, not from clever manipulation or self-serving piety. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that genuine faith is demonstrated not by what we say, but by the alignment of our hearts with God's revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly dissembling or holding back true submission when seeking God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is truly open and surrendered to God's direction, even when it challenges my comfort or plans?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my prayers and spiritual inquiries are genuine expressions of dependence, not attempts to manipulate God?**
* **How does my understanding of God's omniscience (His knowing my heart) impact my approach to seeking His guidance and living a life of integrity?**

### FAQ

**What does "dissembled in your hearts" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Dissembled in your hearts" means that the people were being deceitful and hypocritical in their innermost being, their true intentions. While they outwardly appeared to be seeking God's will through Jeremiah, their hearts had already decided on a course of action (fleeing to Egypt), and their request for divine guidance was a pretense, not a sincere desire to obey. It reveals a profound insincerity and a manipulative approach to God, where their outward religious performance masked an inward rebellion against His authority.

**Why did the remnant ask Jeremiah to pray for them if they already knew what they wanted to do?**

Answer: The remnant likely asked Jeremiah to pray for them for a few reasons. Firstly, it was a cultural and religious norm to seek divine counsel through a prophet in times of crisis, providing a veneer of piety. Secondly, they may have hoped that God would confirm their own desired course of action, thus providing divine sanction for their plans and easing their consciences. Thirdly, it could have been an attempt to shift responsibility, claiming they had sought God's will, even if they intended to disregard it. Their actions illustrate a common human tendency to seek God's approval rather than His actual direction, as seen in other instances of false piety in Scripture, such as [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service").

**What were the consequences of their dissembling and disobedience?**

Answer: The consequences were severe and tragic. Despite God's clear command through Jeremiah to remain in the land, promising protection and blessing if they obeyed, as detailed in [Jeremiah 42:9-12](/jeremiah/42-9-12 "Jeremiah 42:9-12 - God's Command to Stay"), the remnant chose to disobey. They went down to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them, as recorded in [Jeremiah 43:5-7](/jeremiah/43-5-7 "Jeremiah 43:5-7 - Flight to Egypt"). In Egypt, they continued their idolatrous practices, and Jeremiah prophesied that they would ultimately perish there by sword, famine, and pestilence, fulfilling the very judgments they sought to escape ([Jeremiah 44:11-14](/jeremiah/44-11-14 "Jeremiah 44:11-14 - Judgment on Those in Egypt")). Their dissembling led not to safety, but to their ultimate demise, underscoring the futility and danger of rebelling against God's explicit word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 42:20, with its stark portrayal of human deceit and the exposed hypocrisy of the heart, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The remnant's dissembling highlights the universal problem of a heart "deceitful above all things" ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")), a condition that no human effort or outward religious observance can truly rectify. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the sincerity and obedience that the remnant lacked. He did not come to do His own will, but the will of the Father who sent Him ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Unlike the remnant who sought to manipulate divine counsel, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's perfect counsel, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the true Prophet who declares God's will with absolute truth and integrity, never dissembling or compromising. Furthermore, the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, addresses the very problem of the deceitful heart. Through faith in Him, God promises to give a "new heart" and put His Spirit within us, enabling genuine obedience and writing His laws on our hearts, as prophesied in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit") and affirmed in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "The New Covenant"). Thus, what the remnant failed to do—to truly submit and obey from the heart—is made possible for believers through the transformative power of Christ, who cleanses the heart and empowers us to walk in sincerity before God, fulfilling the law of love through His Spirit.

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

Matthew 22:35

Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying,

Ezekiel 14:3

Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?

Ezekiel 14:4

Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;

Numbers 16:38

The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates [for] a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

Psalms 65:3

Iniquities prevail against me: [as for] our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.

Psalms 18:44

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.