Jeremiah 11:20
But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But O LORD
H3068
וַֽיהוָ֤ה
But O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
H6635
צְבָאוֹת֙
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
2 of 15
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
שֹׁפֵ֣ט
that judgest
H8199
שֹׁפֵ֣ט
that judgest
Strong's:
H8199
Word #:
3 of 15
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
צֶ֔דֶק
righteously
H6664
צֶ֔דֶק
righteously
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
4 of 15
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
בֹּחֵ֥ן
that triest
H974
בֹּחֵ֥ן
that triest
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
5 of 15
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
כְּלָי֖וֹת
the reins
H3629
כְּלָי֖וֹת
the reins
Strong's:
H3629
Word #:
6 of 15
a kidney (as an essential organ); figuratively, the mind (as the interior self)
וָלֵ֑ב
and the heart
H3820
וָלֵ֑ב
and the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
7 of 15
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אֶרְאֶ֤ה
let me see
H7200
אֶרְאֶ֤ה
let me see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נִקְמָֽתְךָ֙
thy vengeance
H5360
נִקְמָֽתְךָ֙
thy vengeance
Strong's:
H5360
Word #:
9 of 15
avengement, whether the act of the passion
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גִּלִּ֥יתִי
on them for unto thee have I revealed
H1540
גִּלִּ֥יתִי
on them for unto thee have I revealed
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
13 of 15
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
Cross References
Jeremiah 20:12But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.Jeremiah 17:10I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.Psalms 7:9Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.1 Samuel 16:7But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.Revelation 2:23And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.Jeremiah 17:18Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.Jeremiah 15:15O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?Revelation 18:20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Historical Context
This appeal for divine vengeance appears throughout Jeremiah's confessions (15:15, 17:18, 18:21-23, 20:12). The 'reins and heart' phrase appears also in Jeremiah 17:10, 20:12, and Psalm 7:9—emphasizing God's complete knowledge of human motivation. Similar appeals appear in imprecatory Psalms (Psalm 35, 69, 109). These are not personal vendettas but appeals to divine justice against those who oppose God's word.
Questions for Reflection
- How does appealing for divine vengeance differ from seeking personal revenge?
- What does 'revealing my cause to You' teach about handling injustice through trust in God's justice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse appeals for divine justice: 'But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart.' Jeremiah appeals to God as righteous Judge (shophet tsedeq) who tests (bochen) inner motivations. 'Reins' (kelayoth, kidneys) and 'heart' (lev) represent the seat of emotions and will—God examines motives, not just actions. 'Let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.' The Hebrew neqamah (נְקָמָה, vengeance) is divine vindication, not personal revenge. 'Revealed my cause' (galithi eth-rivi) means entrusted his case to God's court. Jeremiah doesn't seek personal retaliation but commits his situation to divine justice.