Jeremiah Chapter 51 · Verse 19

Authorized King James Version

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The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name.

Original Language Analysis

לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כְאֵ֜לֶּה H428
כְאֵ֜לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 2 of 13
these or those
חֵ֣לֶק The portion H2506
חֵ֣לֶק The portion
Strong's: H2506
Word #: 3 of 13
properly, smoothness (of the tongue)
יַעֲק֗וֹב of Jacob H3290
יַעֲק֗וֹב of Jacob
Strong's: H3290
Word #: 4 of 13
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יוֹצֵ֤ר is not like them for he is the former H3335
יוֹצֵ֤ר is not like them for he is the former
Strong's: H3335
Word #: 6 of 13
to mould into a form; especially as a potter; figuratively, to determine (i.e., form a resolution)
הַכֹּל֙ H3605
הַכֹּל֙
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 7 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
ה֔וּא H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 8 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְשֵׁ֖בֶט of all things and Israel is the rod H7626
וְשֵׁ֖בֶט of all things and Israel is the rod
Strong's: H7626
Word #: 9 of 13
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
נַחֲלָת֑וֹ of his inheritance H5159
נַחֲלָת֑וֹ of his inheritance
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 10 of 13
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
יְהוָ֥ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֖וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 12 of 13
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ is his name H8034
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ is his name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 13 of 13
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis & Commentary

The portion of Jacob is not like them—"portion" (חֵלֶק, cheleq, share, portion, inheritance) designates what belongs to someone. While pagans have worthless idols, Jacob's portion is the living God Himself. Psalm 16:5 declares: "The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance." This reverses typical religion: instead of God being what humans possess, God possesses His people, and they possess Him—mutual indwelling.

For he is the former of all things—the verb "formed" (יָצַר, yatsar, form, fashion) describes potter shaping clay (Jeremiah 18:1-6). God forms creation; idols are formed by craftsmen. The phrase "all things" (הַכֹּל, hakol) encompasses universal creation—God made everything. And Israel is the rod of his inheritance—the term "rod" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet, rod, staff, tribe, scepter) can mean tribe or royal scepter. Israel is God's special possession, His treasured people. The LORD of hosts is his name—the covenant name YHWH plus title "of hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tseva'ot) emphasizes both intimate relationship and sovereign power.

Historical Context

This theological affirmation grounds Israel's confidence during Babylonian exile. Surrounded by impressive idolatry and apparent Babylonian gods' superiority (Babylon conquered Judah!), exiles needed reminding that YHWH, not Marduk, is the true God. The verse's placement after mocking idols (vv. 17-18) provides contrast: lifeless idols versus living God; human-crafted images versus divine Creator; temporary vanities versus eternal LORD. This sustained faith through exile until vindication came via Babylon's fall and Jewish return.

Questions for Reflection