Jeremiah 42:20

Authorized King James Version

For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִתְעֵתיֶם֮

H8582

For ye dissembled

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

בְּנַפְשֽׁוֹתֵיכֶם֒

H5315

in your hearts

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתֶּ֞ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

שְׁלַחְתֶּ֣ם

H7971

when ye sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֹתִ֗י

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

and according unto all that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ

H430

our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#11

יֹאמַ֜ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

הִתְפַּלֵּ֣ל

H6419

Pray

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

#13

בַּעֲדֵ֔נוּ

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

and according unto all that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#16

אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ

H430

our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#17

וּכְכֹל֩

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#19

יֹאמַ֜ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#20

יְהוָ֧ה

H3068

and according unto all that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#21

אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ

H430

our God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#22

כֵּ֥ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#23

הַגֶּד

H5046

so declare

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

#24

לָ֖נוּ

#25

וְעָשִֽׂינוּ׃

H6213

unto us and we will do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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