Jeremiah 33:17

Authorized King James Version

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For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel;

Original Language Analysis

כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֖ה H3541
כֹ֖ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 2 of 13
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַ֣ר For thus saith H559
אָמַ֣ר For thus saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 13
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹֽא shall never H3808
לֹֽא shall never
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִכָּרֵ֣ת want H3772
יִכָּרֵ֣ת want
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 6 of 13
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
לְדָוִ֔ד David H1732
לְדָוִ֔ד David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 7 of 13
david, the youngest son of jesse
אִ֕ישׁ a man H376
אִ֕ישׁ a man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 8 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יֹשֵׁ֖ב to sit H3427
יֹשֵׁ֖ב to sit
Strong's: H3427
Word #: 9 of 13
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 10 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּסֵּ֥א upon the throne H3678
כִּסֵּ֥א upon the throne
Strong's: H3678
Word #: 11 of 13
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
בֵֽית of the house H1004
בֵֽית of the house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 12 of 13
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 13 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne (לֹא־יִכָּרֵת לְדָוִד אִישׁ יֹשֵׁב עַל־כִּסֵּא)—This is God's unconditional covenant promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16), reaffirmed in Judah's darkest hour. The Hebrew yikkaret (be cut off) emphasizes permanence: David's line will never fail.

The fulfillment is ultimately Christological—Jesus the Messiah sits on David's throne eternally (Luke 1:32-33, Acts 2:29-36). Though the political Davidic kingdom ended in 586 BC, the messianic kingdom never fails. This verse bridges the already/not yet tension: Christ reigns now spiritually, and will reign physically in the millennial kingdom. God's covenant with David is as certain as the fixed order of creation (v. 20-21).

Historical Context

Spoken during Jerusalem's siege (588-586 BC) when the Davidic monarchy faced imminent extinction. The timing underscores God's sovereignty—He reaffirms His covenant precisely when circumstances seem to contradict it. This echoes the Abrahamic covenant reaffirmed during famine and barrenness.

Questions for Reflection

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