Jeremiah 33 4

Jeremiah 33:4 kjv

For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;

Jeremiah 33:4 nkjv

"For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city and the houses of the kings of Judah, which have been pulled down to fortify against the siege mounds and the sword:

Jeremiah 33:4 niv

For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the houses in this city and the royal palaces of Judah that have been torn down to be used against the siege ramps and the sword

Jeremiah 33:4 esv

For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city and the houses of the kings of Judah that were torn down to make a defense against the siege mounds and against the sword:

Jeremiah 33:4 nlt

For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: You have torn down the houses of this city and even the king's palace to get materials to strengthen the walls against the siege ramps and swords of the enemy.

Jeremiah 33 verses

Jeremiah 33 4 Meaning

This verse is a prophetic declaration from God to Jeremiah concerning the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the subsequent restoration of Judah. It reveals a divine promise: "This is what the LORD says: 'Speak, and I will act.'" This implies that God's actions in bringing about salvation and rebuilding will be a direct response to prophetic proclamation and fervent prayer for those who trust in Him. It signifies a covenant faithfulness of God to His people, even amidst judgment.

Jeremiah 33 4 Context

This verse appears within Jeremiah chapter 33, a section of prophecy known as the "Book of Consolation" or "Book of Comfort" by many scholars. This chapter follows God's pronouncements of judgment and impending exile upon Judah due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience. In this specific context, Jerusalem is under siege, and Jeremiah is imprisoned. Despite the dire circumstances and the imminent destruction of the city, God declares through Jeremiah a message of future hope and restoration. The verse is God's direct instruction to Jeremiah on how to prophesy to the people, outlining the divine response to sincere calling and prayer in the midst of hardship. The primary historical context is the Babylonian siege and conquest of Jerusalem, which led to the exile of many Judeans.

Jeremiah 33 4 Word Analysis

• ko (כֹּ֚): This is a particle meaning "thus" or "so." It introduces a direct statement of what the LORD says.
• amar (אָמַר): The verb "to say." It signifies the utterance of a command or a declaration from God.
• YHWH (יְהוָ֗ה): The Tetragrammaton, the personal covenantal name of God, translated as "LORD." It emphasizes God's self-revelation and His ongoing relationship with His people.
• Elohei (אֱלֹהֵ֤י): The construct form of "Elohim," meaning "God." When used with "Israel," it means "the God of Israel." This highlights God's role as the sovereign Lord specifically over the nation of Israel.
• Yisrael (יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל): The name of the patriarch Jacob after his wrestling with God, signifying the people of Israel, the covenant people.
• et (אֶת): A preposition marking the direct object, here signifying what is to be spoken or heard.
• koré (קֹרֵא): This is the Piel participle of the verb "qará," meaning "to call." Here, it's translated as "Call," meaning to call out to, invoke, or summon. It signifies a deliberate act of addressing God.
• li (־לִ֤י): A suffix meaning "to me" or "for me." It indicates the recipient of the calling.
• va’anvécha (וְעָנִיתִ֨י): A Hiphil future tense of the verb "anah," meaning "to answer." The "vav" indicates "and," so "and I will answer you." It signifies a direct and immediate response.
• ote (ֹאת): A pronoun suffix "you," referring to the one who calls.
• vetikhra (וּבִּגְדֹ֥לת): From the root "gadol" (גָּדול) meaning "great." The verb form here in the hiphil conjugation suggests God will reveal or communicate greatness. Some translations suggest "reveal to you great things."
• gam (גַּ֖ם): A particle meaning "also" or "and."
• nistarot (נִסתָּרוֹת): Feminine plural form of "nistar" (נִסתָר), the Pual participle of the verb "astar" (אָסַר), meaning "hidden" or "secret." These are things kept concealed or unknown.
• asher (אֲשֶׁ֣ר): A relative pronoun meaning "that" or "which."
• lo (לֹ֥א): The negative particle "not."
• yadati (יָדַ֔עַתָּ): Piel perfect tense of the verb "yadá" (יָדַע), meaning "to know." So, "you have not known." This refers to things not previously understood or revealed.

Phrase/Group Analysis:

• "Speak, and I will act" (as understood in some contexts and by implied parallelism): The parallel structure often seen in prophetic pronouncements and wisdom literature implies that divine action is linked to human declaration and calling. This forms a basis for understanding the subsequent clause about calling on God.
• "Call to me, and I will answer you": This establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between human initiative in prayer and God's responsive action. It underscores God's eagerness to respond to His people when they earnestly seek Him.
• "tell you great and hidden things": This phrase emphasizes that God's response goes beyond a simple acknowledgment; it includes profound revelations, insights, and truths previously unknown. This is a promise of spiritual understanding and wisdom bestowed by God.

Jeremiah 33 4 Bonus Section

This promise echoes throughout scripture, affirming God's consistent willingness to engage with humanity through prayer. The "great and hidden things" can refer to both immediate solutions to problems and deeper theological truths about God's plan, including the coming of the Messiah, as understood by New Testament writers. The concept of God's intimate knowledge and readiness to answer is a recurring theme, showcasing a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the lives of those who trust Him. This prophetic word serves as a testament to the power of prayer and God's active role in His people's lives.

Jeremiah 33 4 Commentary

Jeremiah 33:4 presents a foundational principle of the covenant relationship between God and His people. In a time of deep crisis, God instructs His prophet to relay a message of hope, linking divine action directly to human calling. The act of "calling" to God is not a mere utterance but a deep, earnest appeal born from faith and recognition of God's sovereignty. God's promise to "answer" signifies a direct and personal response, and His assurance to reveal "great and hidden things" points to the bestowal of wisdom, understanding, and a glimpse into His divine purposes. This verse assures believers that their earnest prayers are heard and that God actively intervenes, revealing profound truths and providing guidance. It highlights God's faithfulness to those who call upon Him, even in their darkest hours, and speaks to a restoration that goes beyond physical deliverance, encompassing spiritual enlightenment and a deeper knowledge of God.