Jeremiah 42:6
Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
ט֣וֹב
Whether it be good
H2896
ט֣וֹב
Whether it be good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
2 of 22
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
3 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֥ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 22
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
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שֹׁלְחִ֥ים
send
H7971
שֹׁלְחִ֥ים
send
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
10 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֹתְךָ֛
H853
אֹתְךָ֛
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִשְׁמַ֔ע
we will obey
H8085
נִשְׁמַ֔ע
we will obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
13 of 22
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
לְמַ֙עַן֙
H4616
לְמַ֙עַן֙
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִֽיטַב
thee that it may be well
H3190
יִֽיטַב
thee that it may be well
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
16 of 22
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִשְׁמַ֔ע
we will obey
H8085
נִשְׁמַ֔ע
we will obey
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
19 of 22
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Cross References
Jeremiah 7:23But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.Deuteronomy 5:29O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!Romans 8:7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.Deuteronomy 5:33Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
Historical Context
This pledge is made with apparent sincerity, but verse 20 reveals 'ye dissembled in your hearts.' They wanted God to confirm their Egypt plan, not redirect it.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you ensure your pledges of obedience to God aren't merely circumstantial?
- What's the difference between seeking God's will and seeking His approval of your will?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The remnant pledges unconditional obedience to God's word through Jeremiah, promising to obey whether 'it be good, or whether it be evil' (meaning pleasant or difficult). This is the proper stance before God's revealed will - submission regardless of personal preference. Yet their subsequent actions prove the pledge hollow. Easy promises made in crisis often fail in execution.