Jeremiah 42:4

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.

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.

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."

“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.”

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

Jeremiah 42:4 records the prophet Jeremiah's solemn commitment to a remnant of Judah who sought divine guidance after the tumultuous events following the fall of Jerusalem. Having been approached by Johanan and other leaders, who promised to obey whatever the Lord commanded, Jeremiah assures them that he will earnestly seek God's will on their behalf and deliver the full, unedited message.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is situated in a critical period for Judah, shortly after the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor (Jeremiah 41:2). The remaining Jewish population, fearing Babylonian retribution and desiring safety, contemplated fleeing to Egypt. Before making this drastic move, they approached Jeremiah, requesting him to pray to the LORD their God for direction, promising to obey whatever He revealed. Jeremiah's response in this verse sets the stage for God's clear instruction (not to go to Egypt) and the people's subsequent disobedience, as seen in Jeremiah 43:7.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Integrity: Jeremiah exemplifies unwavering honesty and faithfulness in his role as God's messenger. He pledges to deliver the divine word without alteration, fear, or favor, even if it is unpopular or goes against the people's desires. This commitment is central to his prophetic ministry.
  • Seeking Divine Guidance: The verse highlights the human desire, even in times of crisis, to seek God's direction. While the remnant's sincerity would later prove shallow, their initial appeal to Jeremiah to inquire of the Lord underscores the importance of seeking God's will in decision-making.
  • God's Transparency: Through Jeremiah, God promises to reveal His will fully. There is no hidden agenda or partial truth; the divine answer will be declared entirely, emphasizing God's desire for His people to know and understand His intentions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I will keep nothing back from you" (KJV) is a strong declaration of Jeremiah's commitment to unreservedly speak God's word. It implies a complete and transparent communication of the divine message, reinforcing the idea that the prophet's role is not to filter or soften God's commands but to convey them exactly as received. This commitment contrasts sharply with false prophets who spoke "a vision of their own heart" (Jeremiah 23:16) and withheld truth.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 42:4 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, both in seeking and delivering truth. For believers today, it encourages us to:

  • Seek God's Will Sincerely: When facing difficult choices, we should genuinely pray for wisdom and guidance, ready to obey whatever God reveals, rather than just seeking validation for our own plans.
  • Embrace Truth Fully: Just as Jeremiah promised to hold nothing back, we are called to accept God's Word in its entirety, even when it challenges our comfort zones or preconceived notions.
  • Maintain Integrity: For those in positions of leadership or influence, this verse underscores the responsibility to communicate truth honestly and transparently, without withholding difficult or unpopular aspects.

Ultimately, this verse highlights the divine expectation for both the messenger and the recipient to engage with God's word with honesty and a readiness to obey.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 12:23 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    [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 (3 votes)

    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.