Jeremiah 10:24
O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.
Original Language Analysis
יַסְּרֵ֥נִי
correct
H3256
יַסְּרֵ֥נִי
correct
Strong's:
H3256
Word #:
1 of 8
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
יְהוָ֖ה
O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַךְ
H389
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט
me but with judgment
H4941
בְּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט
me but with judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
בְּאַפְּךָ֖
not in thine anger
H639
בְּאַפְּךָ֖
not in thine anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Cross References
Psalms 38:1O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.Psalms 6:1O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.Jeremiah 30:11For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.Isaiah 40:23That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.Job 6:18The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.
Historical Context
This prayer reflects theological maturity—accepting judgment's necessity while pleading for mercy within it. Similar prayers appear in Psalms (6:1, 38:1) and form part of Israel's developing theology of suffering. The exile was severe but not annihilating; a remnant survived to return, suggesting God did indeed correct 'with judgment' rather than in consuming anger.
Questions for Reflection
- What does asking for discipline 'with judgment' rather than 'in anger' reveal about understanding of divine character?
- How does accepting necessary discipline while pleading for measured application demonstrate mature faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse requests measured discipline: 'O LORD, correct me, but with judgment.' The Hebrew yasar (יָסַר, correct, discipline, chasten) acknowledges the need for divine correction. 'With judgment' (bemishpat) means with justice, proportion, restraint—not in unbridled wrath. 'Not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.' The Hebrew aph (אַף, anger, nostril, wrath) if unleashed without restraint would annihilate. ma'at (מָעַט, diminish, bring to nothing) expresses fear of complete destruction. The prayer asks for disciplinary suffering proportioned to produce correction, not annihilating wrath that destroys entirely. It trusts God's justice to temper His anger.