Jeremiah 33:18
Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.
Original Language Analysis
וְלַכֹּהֲנִים֙
Neither shall the priests
H3548
וְלַכֹּהֲנִים֙
Neither shall the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
1 of 14
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִכָּרֵ֥ת
want
H3772
יִכָּרֵ֥ת
want
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
4 of 14
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
אִ֖ישׁ
a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 14
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)
מִלְּפָנָ֑י
before
H6440
מִלְּפָנָ֑י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
מַעֲלֶ֨ה
me to offer
H5927
מַעֲלֶ֨ה
me to offer
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
7 of 14
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עוֹלָ֜ה
burnt offerings
H5930
עוֹלָ֜ה
burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
8 of 14
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וּמַקְטִ֥יר
and to kindle
H6999
וּמַקְטִ֥יר
and to kindle
Strong's:
H6999
Word #:
9 of 14
to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)
מִנְחָ֛ה
meat offerings
H4503
מִנְחָ֛ה
meat offerings
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
10 of 14
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְעֹ֥שֶׂה
and to do
H6213
וְעֹ֥שֶׂה
and to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זֶּ֖בַח
sacrifice
H2077
זֶּ֖בַח
sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
Historical Context
The Levitical priesthood traced to Aaron (Exodus 28-29) and confirmed in Numbers 25:10-13 (Phinehas covenant). By Jeremiah's time, the priesthood was corrupt (Jeremiah 23:11), yet God promises its perpetuity—fulfilled not in the physical line but in Christ's superior priesthood.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ fulfill both the kingly (v. 17) and priestly (v. 18) promises simultaneously?
- What 'sacrifices' should believers as a royal priesthood offer continually in the New Covenant age?
- How does the eternal efficacy of Christ's sacrifice give assurance superior to the daily Levitical offerings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man—Parallel to v. 17, this guarantees perpetual Levitical priesthood. The dual promise (Davidic king + Levitical priest) anticipates Christ who is both prophet, priest, and king.
To offer burnt offerings (עֹלָה, olah—that which ascends) and meat offerings (מִנְחָה, minchah—grain offering) point to Christ's singular sacrifice. Hebrews 7-10 explains the paradox: the Old Covenant priesthood has ended, yet Christ as our eternal High Priest after the order of Melchizedek fulfills this promise forever. Believers are now a 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9) offering spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The continually (תָּמִיד, tamid) of Levitical worship finds fulfillment in Christ's once-for-all yet eternally efficacious sacrifice.