Jeremiah 33 21

Jeremiah 33:21 kjv

Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

Jeremiah 33:21 nkjv

then My covenant may also be broken with David My servant, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levites, the priests, My ministers.

Jeremiah 33:21 niv

then my covenant with David my servant?and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me?can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne.

Jeremiah 33:21 esv

then also my covenant with David my servant may be broken, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with the Levitical priests my ministers.

Jeremiah 33:21 nlt

only then will my covenant with my servant David be broken. Only then will he no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne. The same is true for my covenant with the Levitical priests who minister before me.

Jeremiah 33 verses

Jeremiah 33 21 Meaning

This verse speaks to God's faithfulness in establishing His covenant with the Levitical priesthood, ensuring their perpetual service and legitimacy. It highlights the unwavering nature of God's promises regarding a functioning priestly line, which points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal High Priest.

Jeremiah 33 21 Context

Jeremiah 33 continues a dialogue with Jeremiah, reassuring him and the people of God's unwavering faithfulness amidst judgment and exile. Following the descriptions of national restoration, this verse focuses specifically on the perpetuity of the Levitical priesthood, which was foundational to Israelite worship and national identity. The prophecy speaks to the continuity of God's covenant, assuring that even after the impending destruction and exile, the lineage and function of priests would be re-established and sustained. Historically, this promise offered profound hope during a time when the physical structures of worship were demolished and the people were scattered. Theologically, it points forward to the ultimate High Priesthood of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and supersedes the Old Testament sacrificial system and priesthood.

Jeremiah 33 21 Word Analysis

• kə·’ad·dat (כְּעֵדַת): "as the ordinance" or "according to the covenant". The preposition "kə" (כְּ) means "as" or "like." "ʿē·ḏāṯ" (עֵדָה) means covenant, congregation, or appointed time. This word signifies the established, unchangeable nature of God's covenant with Levi.
• hā·‘eṯ (הָֽעֵת): "the ordinance" or "the covenant". Refers to the specific divine stipulation or agreement made with the tribe of Levi.
• lə·ḵō·la··wo (לְכֹ֥ל־­לְוִי): "for all Levi" or "for the entire tribe of Levi". Indicates the universality of this covenant provision within the Levitical lineage.
• ‘a·šēr (אֲשֶׁר): "which" or "that". A relative pronoun introducing a subordinate clause that describes the nature of the covenant.
• šā·ḵə·na··wo (שָֽׁכְנוּ־): "dwelt" or "resided". This verb implies not just a physical dwelling but also the establishment and continuous presence within God's service and presence. The Hebrew root is שכן (shakhan).
• hā·’a·mê·mi·ma (הָאֱמֵֽמוּנִ֑ים): "the faithful ones" or "those who are firm". The adjective emphasizes the consistent and enduring faithfulness in the service of God's covenant. The root is אמן (aman).
• yā·ḥûq·qō·wo (יָחֳקֹ֣ק): "written" or "decreed". Implies a divine, indelible legal or spiritual statute. The verb can also suggest engraved or prescribed.

Words Group Analysis

• kə·’ad·dat hā·‘ēṯ lə·ḵō·la··wo ’ă·šēr šā·ḵə·na··wo: "as the ordinance of the covenant for all Levi who dwelt". This phrase emphasizes the established, perpetual nature of God's covenant specifically for the Levitical tribe, indicating their appointed dwelling and service among God's people.
• hā·’ĕ·mê·mi·nîm yā·ḥûq·qō·wo: "the faithful ones written/decreed". This powerful statement underlines that faithfulness in service is not accidental but divinely ordained and guaranteed, suggesting an inherent righteousness and stability in their appointed role.

Jeremiah 33 21 Bonus Section

The "covenant of salt" (Num 18:19; Lev 2:13) signifies the unbreakability, permanence, and purity of God's covenant with the Levites. Salt was essential for preservation and sacrifice, representing the incorruptible nature of God's promises. The faithfulness spoken of in this verse for Levi is a precursor to the perfect faithfulness of Christ, who is eternally faithful as our High Priest, ensuring that our access to God through Him is never broken. This assurance extends to believers, who, through Christ, are also made part of a spiritual priesthood (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6).

Jeremiah 33 21 Commentary

This verse assures the continuation of the priestly line, highlighting the enduring nature of God's covenant. The Levitical priesthood was appointed by God as a perpetual ordinance (Lev 2:13). Jeremiah's prophecy assures that even through national upheaval, God would maintain a faithful priestly lineage. This points to a deeper, eternal reality. The Levitical priesthood served as a shadow of the perfect and eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. His priesthood, according to the order of Melchizedek (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:24-27), is one of indestructible life, offering perpetual intercession and reconciliation. The "faithful ones written" signifies that God's decree of priesthood for Levi was based on a promised faithfulness, ultimately embodied and fulfilled in Christ, who guarantees our access to God. This verse, therefore, functions as both a historical reassurance and a prophetic pointer to the ultimate High Priest who secures our eternal standing.