Jeremiah 16 21

Jeremiah 16:21 kjv

Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD.

Jeremiah 16:21 nkjv

"Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know My hand and My might; And they shall know that My name is the LORD.

Jeremiah 16:21 niv

"Therefore I will teach them? this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the LORD.

Jeremiah 16:21 esv

"Therefore, behold, I will make them know, this once I will make them know my power and my might, and they shall know that my name is the LORD."

Jeremiah 16:21 nlt

The LORD says,
"Now I will show them my power;
now I will show them my might.
At last they will know and understand
that I am the LORD.

Jeremiah 16 verses

Jeremiah 16 21 Meaning

This verse proclaims the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and peoples. It declares that He, Yahweh, will reveal His justice and deliverance to the nations, transforming them from ignorance or idolatry to acknowledge Him. The knowledge of God is presented as a powerful, life-giving revelation, and the verse assures that this divine knowledge will spread universally.

Jeremiah 16 21 Context

In Jeremiah chapter 16, Jeremiah delivers a somber prophecy of judgment and exile due to the rampant idolatry and sin of Israel. The preceding verses describe the devastation that will befall them, a consequence of their disobedience. However, verse 21 acts as a pivot, shifting from national judgment to future national redemption and the universal acknowledgment of Yahweh's supremacy. This statement about the nations knowing that "the Lord reigns" foreshadows a time when God's sovereign power and justice will be manifest not just to Israel, but to all the peoples of the earth. It speaks to God's ultimate plan for reconciliation and universal recognition of His authority, moving beyond the immediate context of Israel's sin and punishment.

Jeremiah 16 21 Word Analysis

• כִּי (ki): A versatile Hebrew conjunction, often translated as "for," "because," or "that." Here it introduces the reason or the prophetic outcome related to God's action.
• יְהוָה (Yahweh): The personal covenant name of God in Hebrew, rendered as "the Lord." This specific name emphasizes God's faithfulness and relationship with His people.
• נַעֲשׂוּ (na'asu): The niphal perfect third-person plural of the verb עָשָׂה ('asah), meaning "to do," "to make," or "to work." In the niphal stem, it often signifies "to be made," "to be done," or "to become."
• עוֹלָם (olam): Hebrew for "age," "eternity," or "world." The context implies "everlasting" or "permanent."
• שָׁמַיִם (shamayim): Hebrew for "heavens" or "sky." This refers to the celestial realm, God's dwelling.
• וְהָאָרֶץ (veha'aretz): "And the earth." The pairing of "heavens" and "earth" signifies totality and completeness.
• כֹּל (kol): "All," "every."
• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): A common Hebrew word for "God," used for Elohim (singular), gods (plural), or a divine judge.
• יָדְעוּ (yadu'): The qatal perfect third-person plural of the verb יָדַע (yada'), meaning "to know," "to understand," "to recognize," or "to be acquainted with." This knowing is a deep, relational comprehension.
• אֵת (et): A prepositional particle marking the direct object.
• בַּגּוֹיִם (bagoyim): "In/among the nations." From גּוֹי (goy), meaning "nation," "people," or "gentile." This word group points to the international scope of God's revelation.

Word Group Analysis

• "When nations learn...": This signifies a future redemptive period where Gentiles, previously estranged from God, will actively gain spiritual understanding and recognition of His true nature. It's an active learning, not passive reception.
• "...that the Lord reigns": This central declaration asserts God's absolute, rightful, and active authority over all creation. The knowledge of this reign is salvific and transformative for the nations. It implies the dethronement of idols and false powers.
• "that I am Yahweh": The emphasis on the personal name "Yahweh" signifies a deeply personal and relational revelation of God, His covenantal character, and His redemptive power becoming known universally.

Jeremiah 16 21 Bonus Section

The concept of "knowing that the Lord reigns" implies more than mere acknowledgement. It encompasses a deep, transformative understanding of His attributes – His power, His justice, His mercy, and His faithfulness. This knowledge is intimately tied to His redemptive work, which is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. Therefore, this verse points prophetically to the spread of the Gospel, where the nations indeed come to know the Lord as their sovereign ruler and savior. It represents the ultimate victory over all earthly powers and false deities, establishing God’s kingdom definitively.

Jeremiah 16 21 Commentary

This verse speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose. While the immediate context in Jeremiah deals with judgment, this verse offers a glimpse of a future restoration and universal outreach. It suggests that God's justice and power will be so evident that all nations will recognize His supreme authority, abandoning their false gods and idolatrous practices. This universal knowledge is not just intellectual assent but a profound recognition of Yahweh as the one true God, the source of salvation. This future assurance echoes throughout scripture, culminating in the New Testament commission for the Gospel to be preached to all nations, ensuring that all who believe may know and worship the sovereign Lord. The revelation of God’s character through His saving acts will demonstrate His rule convincingly to all.