Jeremiah 42:4

KJV

Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard [you]; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, [that] whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare [it] unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Jeremiah {H3414} the prophet {H5030} said {H559} unto them, I have heard {H8085} you; behold, I will pray {H6419} unto the LORD {H3068} your God {H430} according to your words {H1697}; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing {H1697} the LORD {H3068} shall answer {H6030} you, I will declare {H5046} it unto you; I will keep {H4513} nothing {H1697} back {H4513} from you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yirmeyahu the prophet said to them: "I hear you. All right, I will pray to ADONAI your God, as you have asked. And whatever ADONAI answers you, I will tell you; I will withhold nothing from you."

Berean Standard Bible

“I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you.”

American Standard Version

Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto Jehovah your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass that whatsoever thing Jehovah shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 42:4 records the prophet Jeremiah's solemn pledge to a remnant of Judah, who, after the fall of Jerusalem and the assassination of Gedaliah, sought divine counsel regarding their future. In response to their plea for guidance and their promise of obedience, Jeremiah assures them he will earnestly intercede with the LORD their God on their behalf. He then commits to declaring the entirety of God's answer to them, promising to withhold no part of the divine message, regardless of its content or their potential reaction. This verse highlights Jeremiah's unwavering prophetic integrity and sets the stage for the crucial divine instruction that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after a pivotal moment in Judah's post-exilic history. Following the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor, by Ishmael (as detailed in [Jeremiah 41:1-10](/jeremiah/41-1-10 "Jeremiah 41:1-10 - Assassination of Gedaliah")), the remaining Jewish population, led by Johanan, fears Babylonian retribution. They approach Jeremiah, appealing to him to "pray for us to the LORD your God" and promising to "obey the voice of the LORD our God" ([Jeremiah 42:2-3](/jeremiah/42-2-3 "Jeremiah 42:2-3 - The Remnant's Plea for Guidance")). Jeremiah 42:4 is the prophet's direct, unequivocal response to their request, establishing his commitment to deliver God's unfiltered word. This promise of transparency foreshadows the divine command not to go to Egypt and the people's eventual, tragic disobedience, which unfolds in [Jeremiah 43](/jeremiah/43 "Jeremiah 43 - Disobedience and Flight to Egypt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is dire for the Judean remnant. Jerusalem has fallen, the temple is destroyed, and the majority of the population has been exiled to Babylon (586 BCE). Those left behind are vulnerable, living under the shadow of Babylonian imperial power. The assassination of Gedaliah exacerbates their precarious situation, leading to widespread fear of further Babylonian reprisal. In this context of extreme uncertainty and existential threat, seeking divine counsel through a recognized prophet like Jeremiah was a culturally established practice. Prophets served as intermediaries between God and His people, delivering messages that often dictated national policy or individual conduct. The people's promise to obey, though ultimately broken, reflects the cultural expectation that divine pronouncements, once received, were to be followed implicitly.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 42:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Prophetic Integrity**, showcasing Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to delivering God's word without fear or favor. His pledge to "keep nothing back" is a hallmark of true prophecy, contrasting sharply with the false prophets who spoke "a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets")). Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Seeking Divine Guidance** in times of crisis. While the remnant's sincerity would later prove shallow, their initial appeal to Jeremiah demonstrates the human need for divine direction when faced with overwhelming choices. Lastly, it implicitly reveals **God's Transparency and Faithfulness** in communication. Through His prophet, God promises to reveal His will fully and clearly, emphasizing His desire for His people to know and understand His intentions, even when those intentions run counter to their own desires or perceived safety.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jeremiah (Hebrew, _Yirmᵉyâh'_):** From H3414, meaning "Jah will rise." This name itself is significant, as it speaks to God's active involvement and His ultimate vindication, even amidst the prophet's suffering and the nation's decline. It subtly reinforces Jeremiah's divine commission and the authority behind his words, as he is one whom "Jah will rise" to speak for Him.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." The use of this covenant name emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His sovereignty, and His personal relationship with Israel. Jeremiah is not praying to a generic deity but to the specific, covenant-keeping God of Israel, highlighting the weight and authority of the divine answer that will follow.
* **keep nothing back (Hebrew, _mânaʻ'_):** From H4513, a primitive root meaning "to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury; deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold." This phrase is a powerful declaration of Jeremiah's commitment to complete transparency. It signifies that he will not filter, soften, or omit any part of God's message, regardless of how unpopular, difficult, or contrary to the people's desires it might be. This integrity is fundamental to his prophetic office.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard [you];"**: This opening clause establishes Jeremiah's immediate and direct response to the people's request. His affirmation "I have heard [you]" indicates that he has attentively listened to their plea for divine guidance and acknowledges their desperate situation. It conveys a sense of pastoral care and readiness to act on their behalf.
* **"behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words;"**: Jeremiah explicitly states his intention to fulfill their request. The phrase "according to your words" underscores that he will intercede specifically for the guidance they sought, addressing their expressed concerns and desires. His commitment to pray to "the LORD your God" reminds them of the covenant relationship and the divine authority to whom they are appealing.
* **"and it shall come to pass, [that] whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare [it] unto you;"**: This is the core promise of prophetic mediation. Jeremiah assures them that whatever divine communication is received—"whatsoever thing" (Hebrew: `dâbâr`, encompassing word, matter, or message)—he will faithfully convey it. This highlights the prophet's role as a conduit, not a creator, of the divine message. The emphasis is on the certainty of God's response and Jeremiah's commitment to delivering it.
* **"I will keep nothing back from you."**: This concluding declaration is a powerful affirmation of Jeremiah's prophetic integrity and transparency. It means he will not withhold, alter, or soften any part of God's message, even if it is difficult, unpopular, or goes against their preconceived notions or desires. This pledge is crucial for establishing trust and validating the divine word that is about to be delivered.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Discourse**, presenting Jeremiah's words verbatim, which lends immediate authority and authenticity to his promise. His statement functions as a solemn **Pledge** or **Oath**, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his prophetic duty. The **Repetition** of the concept of "words" or "thing" (Hebrew: `dâbâr`)—first in the people's request ("according to your words") and then in God's expected response ("whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you") and Jeremiah's promise ("I will keep nothing back from you," implicitly referring to the `dâbâr`)—underscores the comprehensive nature of both the inquiry and the divine revelation. This repetition highlights the totality of the message to be received and delivered. Furthermore, the phrase "I will keep nothing back" serves as a powerful **Antithesis** to the practices of false prophets, setting Jeremiah apart as a true and faithful messenger of the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 42:4 stands as a profound testament to the nature of true prophecy and the character of God's communication with humanity. It underscores the divine expectation for prophetic integrity—that God's messengers must deliver His word faithfully, without addition, subtraction, or alteration, regardless of personal cost or popular opinion. This commitment reflects God's own character as one who is truthful, transparent, and desires His people to know His will fully. It also highlights the tension between human desire for a comfortable answer and God's sovereign, often challenging, truth. The people's request, though seemingly pious, would ultimately expose their superficial commitment to obedience, a recurring theme in Israel's history.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "The Promise of a Prophet like Moses")
* [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel's Commission to Speak God's Words")
* [Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Paul's Declaration of God's Whole Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's unwavering commitment in this verse offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world saturated with information and often lacking in genuine truth, Jeremiah's integrity stands as a beacon. We are called to approach God's Word with the same earnestness with which Jeremiah sought it and the same humility with which he delivered it. This means not only seeking God's will sincerely in our own lives, but also being prepared to accept His answers fully, even when they challenge our comfort zones, contradict our desires, or demand a difficult path. For those who teach, lead, or share their faith, Jeremiah's example is a powerful reminder to communicate God's truth without compromise, fear, or favor, ensuring that the full counsel of God is declared, not just the palatable parts. Our spiritual growth is often tied to our willingness to embrace the "whole counsel of God," not just the parts we find agreeable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How genuinely do I seek God's will in my decisions, especially when facing fear or uncertainty?**
* **What aspects of God's truth or commands do I tend to "keep back" or avoid in my own life or in my communication with others?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater integrity and transparency in my walk with God and in my interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**Why did the remnant specifically ask Jeremiah to pray for them, and what was their underlying motivation?**

Answer: The remnant, led by Johanan, approached Jeremiah because he was a recognized and legitimate prophet of the LORD, known for delivering divine messages. They were in a desperate situation, fearing Babylonian retribution after the assassination of Gedaliah, the governor appointed by Babylon. Their primary motivation was to seek divine guidance on whether they should flee to Egypt for safety. While they outwardly promised to obey whatever the LORD commanded ([Jeremiah 42:2-3](/jeremiah/42-2-3 "Jeremiah 42:2-3 - The Remnant's Plea for Guidance")), their subsequent actions reveal that their sincerity was conditional; they desired God's validation for a decision they had likely already made, rather than truly submitting to His will.

**What does Jeremiah's promise, "I will keep nothing back from you," signify about his role as a prophet?**

Answer: Jeremiah's promise to "keep nothing back" is a powerful declaration of his prophetic integrity and fidelity to God's word. It signifies that he would deliver the divine message in its entirety, without filtering, softening, or omitting any part, regardless of how unpopular, challenging, or contrary to the people's desires it might be. This commitment was crucial for a true prophet, distinguishing him from false prophets who often spoke only what the people wanted to hear or fabricated messages from their own imaginations ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets")). It underscores that a true prophet is merely a messenger, a conduit for God's unadulterated truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to deliver God's "whole counsel" without keeping "nothing back" powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Prophet, Jesus Christ. While Jeremiah faithfully conveyed God's spoken word, Jesus is the very **Word of God incarnate** ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He did not merely declare God's will; He perfectly embodied it, revealing the Father fully and completely ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). Jesus held nothing back from humanity, not only in His teaching—proclaiming the truth of the Kingdom, even when it was challenging or unpopular ([Matthew 5:17-48](/matthew/5-17-48 "Matthew 5:17-48 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"))—but also in His ultimate sacrifice. He "did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God" ([Acts 20:27](/acts/20-27 "Paul's Declaration of God's Whole Counsel"), echoing Jeremiah's sentiment, but ultimately fulfilled in Christ), culminating in His willingness to lay down His life on the cross, withholding nothing of Himself to accomplish redemption ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Thus, Jeremiah's integrity as a messenger points us to Christ, who is the message itself, fully revealed and completely given for the salvation of the world.

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

1 Samuel 12:23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

1 Samuel 3:17

And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

1 Samuel 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

Psalms 40:10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Exodus 8:29

And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, and I will intreat the LORD that the swarms [of flies] may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, to morrow: but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.

Acts 20:20

[And] how I kept back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.