Jeremiah Chapter 20 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

Original Language Analysis

שִׁ֚ירוּ Sing H7891
שִׁ֚ירוּ Sing
Strong's: H7891
Word #: 1 of 12
to sing
יְהוָ֑ה unto the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה unto the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַֽלְל֖וּ praise H1984
הַֽלְל֖וּ praise
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 3 of 12
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֑ה unto the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה unto the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִצִּ֛יל for he hath delivered H5337
הִצִּ֛יל for he hath delivered
Strong's: H5337
Word #: 7 of 12
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 8 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נֶ֥פֶשׁ the soul H5315
נֶ֥פֶשׁ the soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 9 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אֶבְי֖וֹן of the poor H34
אֶבְי֖וֹן of the poor
Strong's: H34
Word #: 10 of 12
destitute
מִיַּ֥ד from the hand H3027
מִיַּ֥ד from the hand
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 11 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מְרֵעִֽים׃ of evildoers H7489
מְרֵעִֽים׃ of evildoers
Strong's: H7489
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

Analysis & Commentary

This sudden shift from lament and imprecation to praise is theologically profound. Jeremiah, still in the midst of suffering, calls himself and others to worship because 'he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.' This is praise based not on changed circumstances but on unchanging theological truth—God is faithful to deliver His people.

The prophet's movement from complaint (vv. 7-10) to confidence (vv. 11-12) to worship (v. 13) models mature faith. Jeremiah does not wait for relief before praising; he praises in the darkness because he knows who God is. This anticipates New Testament teaching about rejoicing in tribulation (Romans 5:3-5) and giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). True worship is not contingent on comfortable circumstances but rooted in God's character and promises.

The term 'the poor' (evyon, אֶבְיוֹן) refers not merely to economic poverty but to those who are oppressed, vulnerable, and dependent on God for deliverance. Jeremiah identifies himself among the poor—those who have no resource but God. This connects to Jesus' teaching that the poor in spirit inherit the kingdom (Matthew 5:3). God specializes in delivering those who cannot deliver themselves.

Historical Context

Praise in the midst of suffering was central to Israel's worship tradition. The Psalms frequently move from lament to praise, modeling faith that clings to God even in darkness. Jeremiah's call to 'sing unto the LORD' echoes the Psalter's conviction that worship is appropriate in all circumstances—'I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth' (Psalm 34:1). This counter-cultural practice of praising God amid suffering distinguished Israel from pagan nations whose worship focused on manipulating gods for blessing.

Questions for Reflection