Jeremiah 15 20

Jeremiah 15:20 kjv

And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:20 nkjv

And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you," says the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:20 niv

I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:20 esv

And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 15:20 nlt

They will fight against you like an attacking army,
but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.
They will not conquer you,
for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
I, the LORD, have spoken!

Jeremiah 15 verses

Jeremiah 15 20 Meaning

This verse powerfully declares God's commitment to stand with Jeremiah against his enemies, even as the people of Judah turn against the prophet. God promises to be a strong defense for Jeremiah, delivering him from those who oppose him. This divine protection assures Jeremiah that his ministry, though difficult, is supported by the Lord.

Jeremiah 15 20 Context

Jeremiah 15:10-21 occurs during a period of intense persecution for the prophet. Jeremiah is lamenting the difficulties of his ministry, feeling abandoned and betrayed by his own people, the people of Judah, and even mocked by his neighbors. He expresses his frustration and despair to God, questioning God's faithfulness due to the relentless opposition he faces. This verse (15:20) serves as God's direct response to Jeremiah's cry, offering reassurance and a promise of divine protection and intervention against those who are causing him such grief. Historically, this would have been a critical juncture in Jeremiah's prophetic career as he delivered messages of impending judgment from Babylon.

Jeremiah 15 20 Word analysis

• "But" (Hebrew: וְwə-): A conjunctive particle, introducing a contrast or a continuation, here indicating God's intervention despite Jeremiah's desolation.
• "I" (Hebrew: אָנֹכִי ’ānōḵî): The first-person singular pronoun, emphasizing God's personal involvement and direct action.
• "will be" (Hebrew: הָיִיתִי hāyîṯî - perfect tense often used for future certainty): Signifies a definitive future state or action of God.
• "to you": Refers directly to Jeremiah.
• "a wall":
  • Hebrew: חוֹמַת ḥōmâṯ: "wall." Implies a strong, defensive structure providing security and separation.
  • Significance: Represents a robust barrier against attack, protection, and containment of enemies. God himself becomes Jeremiah's impregnable defense.
• "of bronze":
  • Hebrew: נְחֹשֶׁת nəḥōšeṯ: "bronze." A strong, resilient metal, known for its durability and use in ancient warfare (e.g., shields, armor).
  • Significance: Amplifies the strength and impenetrability of the protective wall. It's not just any wall, but one made of the strongest available material, signifying God's unyielding power.
• "strong":
  • Hebrew: עָז ‘âz: "strength," "power," "fortification." An adjective emphasizing might and resilience.
  • Significance: Further emphasizes the robustness and power of the divine defense.
• "and": Connects the wall imagery to the action of fighting.
• "I" (Hebrew: אָנֹכִי ’ānōḵî): Again, God's personal engagement.
• "will fight":
  • Hebrew: לְהִלָּחֵם ləhillāḥēm (infinitive with preposition, implying purpose or result): "to fight," "to war."
  • Significance: God is not passively watching but actively engaging in combat for Jeremiah. This is a promise of divine warfare on Jeremiah's behalf.
• "against" (Hebrew: בְּbə-): A preposition often translated as "with," "in," "by," but here indicating opposition.
• "the enemy":
  • Hebrew: צָר ṣār: "adversary," "enemy," "opponent." Refers to Jeremiah's persecutors.
  • Significance: The specific individuals or groups actively opposing and troubling Jeremiah.
• "and": Connects the fighting to the act of delivering.
• "will deliver":
  • Hebrew: גָּאַלְתִּי gā’alṯî (perfect tense of גָּאַל gā’al, usually meaning "to redeem," but here extended to "deliver," "rescue"): "I have delivered," "I will deliver." This is often understood as God's declarative promise.
  • Significance: Assurance of rescue and salvation from the hand of his oppressors. It speaks to God's redemptive and protective power.
• "you": Again, directly addressing Jeremiah.

Word group analysis:The phrase "a wall of bronze" uses robust imagery of fortification. Bronze was a primary metal for weapons and armor in ancient times, symbolizing strength and defense. God is depicted not merely as providing a wall, but a virtually impenetrable one made of this strong metal. This metaphor emphasizes the complete security and invincibility God provides for His prophet. The subsequent action, "will fight against the enemy, and will deliver you," moves from passive defense to active intervention. God doesn't just protect from afar; He actively engages in battle for Jeremiah, securing his deliverance. The parallelism between these two statements (defense and active deliverance) shows the totality of God's commitment.

Jeremiah 15 20 Bonus section

The Septuagint (LXX) translation of this verse uses the Greek word "τείχους χαλκοῦν" (teichous chalkoun) for "wall of bronze," preserving the metallic strength imagery. The active nature of God's defense is often highlighted in other prophetic passages where God intervenes on behalf of His people or His prophets. This assurance from God serves to strengthen Jeremiah's resolve, reminding him that his difficult mission is not in vain because God is intimately involved and powerful to save. It sets a precedent for how God responds to the earnest cries of His servants when they feel forsaken.

Jeremiah 15 20 Commentary

This verse is a crucial affirmation of God's unwavering support for His prophet amidst profound opposition. Jeremiah felt overwhelmed by the constant hostility and personal attacks he endured. God's response shifts the focus from Jeremiah's perceived isolation and suffering to God's powerful, active intervention. The "wall of bronze" is a potent metaphor for impenetrable divine protection, assuring Jeremiah that he is secured by God's might. The subsequent promise to "fight against the enemy, and will deliver you" highlights that God is not merely a passive shield but an active warrior fighting for His servant. This assurance meant that while Jeremiah would still face persecution, he would not be defeated. God’s commitment is personal ("to you") and absolute. It echoes His earlier promises to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:8, 19) and His general promises of protection to all who trust Him, assuring them that opposition cannot overcome them when God is on their side. This verse finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who Himself faced immense opposition but ultimately triumphed, and through Him, believers also are assured of God's power to deliver them from all spiritual and physical adversaries.