Jeremiah 23:29
Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֨וֹא
H3808
הֲל֨וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֹ֧ה
like
H3541
כֹ֧ה
like
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
דְבָרִ֛י
Is not my word
H1697
דְבָרִ֛י
Is not my word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.Jeremiah 5:14Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.Luke 24:32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Revelation 11:5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.Acts 2:3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.Acts 2:37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?2 Corinthians 2:16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
Historical Context
Ancient metallurgy used fire for refining precious metals (Malachi 3:2-3). Stone-working employed hammers and chisels. These technologies provided tangible metaphors for spiritual reality. Jeremiah experienced God's word as 'fire shut up in my bones' (Jeremiah 20:9)—he couldn't contain it.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God's word functioned like fire or hammer, shattering comfortable illusions?
- What rock of resistance needs God's word-hammer to break through?
- How can you tell whether teaching has fire-and-hammer power or is mere chaff?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Is not my word like as a fire...and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? (כָּאֵשׁ...וּכְפַטִּישׁ יְפֹצֵץ סָלַע, ka'esh...ukh'pattish y'fotsets sala)—fire (אֵשׁ) and hammer (פַּטִּישׁ) describe transformative, destructive power. Fire refines and consumes; hammers shatter resistant stone (סֶלַע). The verb פָּצַץ (patsats) means total fragmentation.
Hebrews 4:12 echoes this: 'The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.' Fire melts metals; hammers break stone for building. God's word either refines or destroys. The hardest hearts cannot withstand its impact. False prophecy lacks this power—it tickles, not transforms. Authentic divine word breaks through resistance with uncontainable force.