Jeremiah 17 15

Jeremiah 17:15 kjv

Behold, they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD? let it come now.

Jeremiah 17:15 nkjv

Indeed they say to me, "Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come now!"

Jeremiah 17:15 niv

They keep saying to me, "Where is the word of the LORD? Let it now be fulfilled!"

Jeremiah 17:15 esv

Behold, they say to me, "Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come!"

Jeremiah 17:15 nlt

People scoff at me and say,
"What is this 'message from the LORD' you talk about?
Why don't your predictions come true?"

Jeremiah 17 verses

Jeremiah 17 15 Meaning

This verse expresses a cry of deep distress and bewilderment over the suffering of God's people, questioning why their faithfulness to God has resulted in such harsh judgment and desolation.

Jeremiah 17 15 Context

Jeremiah 17:15 falls within a broader section of Jeremiah's prophecy that addresses the persistent sinfulness of Judah and the impending divine judgment. The preceding verses (17:11-14) describe the deceitfulness of wealth gained unjustly and contrast it with the blessedness of trusting in the Lord. This verse (17:15) marks a turning point where Jeremiah expresses his own suffering and disillusionment in light of his ministry and the people's hardened hearts. He is accused of prophesying doom, and in this verse, he laments the rejection he faces and questions God's judgment, seeing no sign of relief for himself or the people despite his adherence to God's word.

Jeremiah 17 15 Word Analysis

• "Indeed" (Kee - כִּי): A conjunction that can mean "for," "because," "that," or "indeed." Here it signifies emphasis, introducing a statement of affirmation or concession to the people's accusation.
• "they say" (omerim - אֹמְרִים): Plural present tense verb, indicating active speech by the people.
• "unto me" (ely - אֵלַי): Preposition "el" (to, toward) with the first person singular pronoun suffix.
• "where?" (ayyeh - אַיֵּה): An interrogative adverb asking about place, but here it expresses disbelief and despair about God's promised action or presence.
• "is it?" (hoo - הוּא): Masculine singular pronoun, often used in interrogative sentences in this construction.
• "the word" (dabar - דָּבָר): Hebrew for "word," "thing," "matter," "promise," or "speech." Refers to God's pronouncements.
• "of the LORD?" (Yhwh - יְהוָה): The Tetragrammaton, God's covenantal name, emphasizing his divine authority and relationship.
• "let" (yiy·qash): A verbal form often used to introduce a wish, imprecation, or desire, sometimes translated as "come," "let it come."
• "come" (yabōʾ - יָבֹא): Masculine singular imperfect verb, meaning "to come" or "to enter."
• "let" (yaḥes - יַחֵשׁ): A verb that can mean "to hasten," "to make silent," "to destroy," or "to bring to nothing." It expresses a desire for a swift end to the promised judgment.
• "thy work" (mal·kaṯ·ḵā - מַלְאֶכֶתֶךָ): Feminine singular noun with a second person masculine possessive suffix, meaning "your work," "your business," or "your creation." Can refer to God's active deeds or plans.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Indeed they say unto me, Where is the word of the LORD?": This phrase captures the people's taunting challenge to Jeremiah. They are directly questioning the authenticity and effectiveness of God's pronouncements through the prophet, especially in the face of ongoing suffering.
• "let it come": This is Jeremiah's fervent plea for God's judgment to manifest and resolve the situation. He is weary of the delay.
• "let it be brought to pass" (lit. "let your work come quickly" or "let your purpose be fulfilled"): Jeremiah imploringly urges God to enact His plans and bring the prophesied consequences to fruition. It's a desire for resolution, even if it involves judgment.

Jeremiah 17 15 Bonus Section

This verse reflects the prophet's inner turmoil, a common theme in prophetic literature where the messenger of God often experiences significant personal suffering and doubt as a consequence of their calling. Jeremiah's complaint is not a rejection of God but a profound struggle in understanding God's timing and justice in the midst of affliction. It highlights the human experience of questioning God even in the midst of unwavering faith. His plea for God's "work" to come quickly is a yearning for God’s sovereignty to be displayed and His justice to be enacted, bringing an end to the prolonged period of apostasy and its consequences.

Jeremiah 17 15 Commentary

Jeremiah, the "weeping prophet," grapples with a profound sense of disillusionment. He faithfully delivers God's messages of impending judgment to a stubborn and idolatrous people. Yet, despite his obedience and suffering for the word of God (Jeremiah 20:7-10), he sees no signs of divine intervention or vindication. The people mock him, questioning the very reality and immediacy of God's pronouncements. Jeremiah's cry reflects a deep weariness with the ongoing suffering and the apparent delay of God's promised justice. He wants God to act decisively. This can be understood as both a lament over the present hardship and an earnest petition for God's justice and purpose to be fulfilled, demonstrating a deep commitment to God's ultimate word, even amidst personal distress. His cry echoes the lamentations of other faithful individuals throughout Scripture who questioned God during times of trial, while ultimately submitting to His will.