Jeremiah 20:12

Authorized King James Version

PDF

But, 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.

Original Language Analysis

וַיהוָ֤ה But O LORD H3068
וַיהוָ֤ה 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
בֹּחֵ֣ן that triest H974
בֹּחֵ֣ן that triest
Strong's: H974
Word #: 3 of 15
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
צַדִּ֔יק the righteous H6662
צַדִּ֔יק the righteous
Strong's: H6662
Word #: 4 of 15
just
אֶרְאֶ֤ה and seest H7200
אֶרְאֶ֤ה and seest
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 5 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כְלָי֖וֹת the reins H3629
כְלָי֖וֹת 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 and seest H7200
אֶרְאֶ֤ה and seest
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
מֵהֶ֔ם H1992
מֵהֶ֔ם
Strong's: H1992
Word #: 10 of 15
they (only used when emphatic)
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
אֵלֶ֖יךָ H413
אֵלֶ֖יךָ
Strong's: H413
Word #: 12 of 15
near, with or among; often in general, to
גִּלִּ֥יתִי on them for unto thee have I opened H1540
גִּלִּ֥יתִי on them for unto thee have I opened
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
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 14 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רִיבִֽי׃ my cause H7379
רִיבִֽי׃ my cause
Strong's: H7379
Word #: 15 of 15
a contest (personal or legal)

Analysis & Commentary

Jeremiah appeals to God as the righteous judge who tests hearts and minds (bochen tsaddiq roeh kelayot valev—'tests the righteous, sees kidneys and heart'). In Hebrew anthropology, the kidneys and heart represent the innermost being—emotions, desires, and will. The prophet asks God to vindicate him by executing vengeance on his persecutors, for he has committed his cause entirely to the LORD.

This imprecatory prayer (calling for judgment on enemies) is not personal vindictiveness but an appeal for divine justice. Jeremiah's persecutors are not merely his enemies but God's enemies, opposing His word and purposes. The prophet's request for vengeance is actually his relinquishing of personal revenge—he commits his cause to God rather than taking matters into his own hands. This models Romans 12:19: 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.'

The phrase 'let me see thy vengeance on them' reveals Jeremiah's desire for vindication in this life, to witness God's justice executed on those who opposed His word. While some vindication came during the prophet's lifetime (Jerusalem's fall confirmed his message), complete justice awaits the final judgment. This tension between present suffering and future vindication characterizes Christian experience—we groan with creation, awaiting redemption's completion (Romans 8:22-23).

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern culture placed high value on honor and shame. Jeremiah's public humiliation in the stocks was not merely physically painful but socially devastating, marking him as someone worthy of contempt. His appeal for vengeance seeks restoration of his honor through divine vindication. Unlike pagan gods whose justice was capricious, Yahweh is the righteous judge who truly sees and perfectly judges the hearts of all people.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People