Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

JEREMIAH 1:12KJV
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Jeremiah 1:12 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 1:12 mean?

Jeremiah 1:12 describes God affirming to Jeremiah that he has correctly understood the vision God showed him, and God promises that He will be quick and attentive to fulfill His word. The verse emphasizes God's readiness and determination to carry out what He has spoken.

In this verse, the LORD (God) is speaking directly to the prophet Jeremiah, who has just described what he saw in a vision. God responds by saying Jeremiah has "well seen," meaning he has perceived correctly, and then assures him that God will "hasten" or watch over His word to make sure it happens. This sets the tone for Jeremiah's calling as a prophet: God is both watchful and active in bringing about what He says.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 1:12

  • "hasten" — שָׁקַד (shaqad): This word often means to watch over or to be alert, not just to hurry. Here, it highlights God's careful attention and vigilance in making sure His word comes true, rather than simply acting quickly.
  • "perform" — עָשָׂה (asah): This word means to do, make, or accomplish. God is assuring Jeremiah that He will actively bring about what He has promised, not leaving it as an empty statement.

Why Jeremiah 1:12 matters

  • Jeremiah 1:12 clarifies that God is not distant or passive about His promises; He is actively watching to ensure they are fulfilled.
  • The verse reassures Jeremiah (and the reader) that God's words are trustworthy and will certainly come to pass, which is especially important at the beginning of Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.
  • The use of "hasten" as "watching over" connects to the vision Jeremiah saw (an almond branch, which in Hebrew sounds like "watching"), showing a wordplay that deepens the meaning and emphasizes God's attentiveness.

Where else these words appear

“hasten” Hebrew H8245 · used in 11 verses

  • Ezra 8:29 Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
  • Jeremiah 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased.

“well” Hebrew H3190 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Deuteronomy 30:5 And the LORD thy God will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
  • Psalms 36:3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good.