Jeremiah 20:12
Jeremiah 20:12 in Multiple Translations
O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
But, O Jehovah of hosts, that triest the righteous, that seest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
But, O Lord of armies, testing the upright and seeing the thoughts and the heart, let me see your punishment come on them; for I have put my cause before you.
Lord Almighty, you know without question who is living right. You examine people's thoughts and feelings. So let me see your punishment fall on them, because I've trusted you to judge my case.
But, O Lord of hostes, that tryest the righteous, and seest the reines and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for vnto thee haue I opened my cause.
And, O Jehovah of Hosts, trier of the righteous, Beholder of reins and heart, I do see Thy vengeance out of them, For unto Thee I have revealed my cause.
But the LORD of Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my cause to you.
But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for to thee have I opened my cause.
And thou, O Lord of hosts, prover of the just, who seest the reins and the heart: let me see, I beseech thee, thy vengeance on them: for to thee I have laid open my cause.
Commander of the armies of angels, you examine all those who are righteous; you know all that is in their inner beings and what they think. Allow me to see you getting revenge on those who want to harm me, because I trust that you will do for me what is right.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 20:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יהוָ֤ה
צְבָאוֹת֙
בֹּחֵ֣ן
צַדִּ֔יק
רֹאֶ֥ה
כְלָי֖וֹת
וָ/לֵ֑ב
אֶרְאֶ֤ה
נִקְמָֽתְ/ךָ֙
מֵ/הֶ֔ם
כִּ֥י
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
גִּלִּ֥יתִי
אֶת
רִיבִֽ/י
וַ/יהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Conj | N-proper
צְבָאוֹת֙
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
בֹּחֵ֣ן
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal
צַדִּ֔יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
רֹאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
כְלָי֖וֹת
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
N-fp
וָ/לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Conj | N-ms
אֶרְאֶ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-1cs
נִקְמָֽתְ/ךָ֙
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
vengeance
N-fs | Suff
מֵ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
גִּלִּ֥יתִי
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רִיבִֽ/י
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 20:12
וַ/יהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Conj | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְבָאוֹת֙
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
בֹּחֵ֣ן
bâchan
H974
"to test"
V-Qal
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
צַדִּ֔יק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
רֹאֶ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כְלָי֖וֹת
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
וָ/לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Conj | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אֶרְאֶ֤ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
נִקְמָֽתְ/ךָ֙
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
"vengeance"
N-fs | Suff
This noun means avengement or vengeance, often used to describe God's punishment of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 99:8 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Israel, by enemies of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. See also: Numbers 31:2; Jeremiah 20:12; Psalms 18:48.
מֵ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵלֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
גִּלִּ֥יתִי
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רִיבִֽ/י
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 20:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
- Sermons on Jeremiah 20:12
Context — Jeremiah’s Complaint
10For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
11But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten.
12O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.
13Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers. 14Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 62:8 | Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah |
| 2 | Jeremiah 11:20 | O LORD of Hosts, who judges righteously, who examines the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause. |
| 3 | Psalms 54:7 | For He has delivered me from every trouble, and my eyes have stared down my foes. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 17:10 | I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 5 | Psalms 59:10 | My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. |
| 6 | Psalms 26:2–3 | Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. |
| 7 | Psalms 7:9 | Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds. |
| 8 | Psalms 139:23 | Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. |
| 9 | Psalms 11:5 | The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence. |
| 10 | Psalms 17:3 | You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth. |
Jeremiah 20:12 Summary
This verse, Jeremiah 20:12, is a cry for justice and vengeance from Jeremiah, who is trusting God to handle the situations in his life. He recognizes that God is all-knowing and sees the heart and mind, and he is asking God to bring about justice and punish the wicked, similar to what is written in Psalm 7:9. In simple terms, Jeremiah is saying, 'God, I trust You to take care of this, because You know what's going on and You are the ultimate Judge, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:35.' This is a great reminder for us to trust God with our lives and situations, and to have faith that He will work everything out for our good and His glory, as seen in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'examine the righteous'?
This phrase suggests that God carefully evaluates the hearts and actions of those who follow Him, as seen in Jeremiah 20:12, to ensure justice and righteousness, similar to what is written in Psalm 7:9 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
Is it wrong to ask God for vengeance like Jeremiah does in this verse?
While it may seem vengeful, Jeremiah's request is actually a cry for justice, recognizing that God is the ultimate Judge, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19, and that He will bring about righteousness and punish the wicked.
How can I 'commit my cause' to God like Jeremiah does in this verse?
Committing your cause to God means trusting Him to handle the situations and challenges in your life, as seen in Psalm 37:5 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and having faith that He will work everything out for your good and His glory.
What does it mean that God 'sees the heart and mind'?
This phrase emphasizes God's omniscience and ability to know our thoughts, intentions, and motivations, as stated in Jeremiah 20:12 and 1 Samuel 16:7, and to judge us accordingly, which should lead us to live with integrity and honesty before Him.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can you trust God to handle the difficult situations in your life, just like Jeremiah did?
- What does it mean to you that God examines the righteous and sees the heart and mind, and how does this impact your daily decisions and actions?
- How can you balance the desire for justice and vengeance with the command to love and forgive your enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28?
- In what ways can you commit your cause to God, and what does this look like in your daily life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 20:12
But, O Lord, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart,.... That tries the cause of the righteous, and vindicates them, rights their wrongs, and does them justice; being the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 20:12
But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
Seest the reins and the heart: the prophet had, , spoken unto God under this notion; here he appealeth to him as such, who therefore must needs see as well the prophet’ s sincerity as his enemies’ malice. Let me see thy vengeance on them: for his prayer against his enemies, it is of the same nature with what we met with , indeed this whole verse is the same with that. David, , prophesieth that the righteous should rejoice when they see the vengeance which God brings on his enemies. But yet the prophet seems in this petition to have showed himself a man (as the apostle speaks of Elijah) subject to like passions with other men; for although God sometimes by his providence causeth vengeance to come upon his and his people’ s enemies in their sight, yet whether they may absolutely pray for it is a question. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
Jeremiah 20:12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.Ver. 12. But, O Lord of hosts.] See Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10. Let me see thy vengeance on them.] Some pert and pride themselves over the ministry as if it were a dead Alexander’ s nose, which they might wring off, and not fear to be called to account therefor; but the visible vengeance of God will seize such one day, as it did Pharaoh, Ahab, Herod, Julian. For unto thee have I opened my cause.] Prayer is an opening of the soul’ s causes and cases to the Lord. The same word for opened here is in another conjugation used for uncovering, making bare and naked. God’ s people in prayer do or should nakedly present their souls’ causes without all cover shames, or so much as a rag of self or flesh cleaving to them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
(12) But, O Lord of hosts . . .—The verse is almost verbally identical with Jeremiah 11:20, where see Note.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 20:12
12. Virtually identical with Jeremiah 11:20 and therefore here perhaps an insertion from the margin of a Hebrew MS.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 20:12
11-13. The Lord is with me — Very strikingly does the lament rise into a clear and strong expression of faith in God. Deeper than his despondency, and stronger than the terrors about him, is his trust in God’s unfailing strength.
Sermons on Jeremiah 20:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Gaining God's Approval) 4. the Testing of Job by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the lessons we can learn from the biographies of men of God and those who failed God in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of meditating on them with a he |
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A Place to Hide by Jim Cymbala | Jim Cymbala emphasizes the priceless nature of God's unfailing love and the refuge it provides, likening God to a protective bird under whose wings we can find safety. He explains |
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My Expectation Is From the Lord - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of placing our expectation and trust solely in God, highlighting the impact of faith and unwavering belief in God's power to |
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God's Peace Guarding You From Anxious Thoughts by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings | This sermon delves into Philippians chapter 4, emphasizing the importance of not being anxious but instead bringing all requests to God in prayer with thanksgiving. The passage hig |
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Cd Gv506 Om India Policy by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for unity and the importance of helping supply personnel for Bombay. They emphasize the complexity of the situation and the need for |
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Trust in God Against Slander by Thomas a Kempis | Thomas a Kempis preaches about the importance of trusting in God's judgment over the opinions of men, emphasizing the need for humility, endurance, and reliance on God's mercy. He |
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The Right Rule of Our Love to Christ by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine emphasizes the importance of loving Christ as the Father loves Him. Our love for Christ should mirror the Father's love by choosing Him as our Savior and Surety, just |