Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD.

JEREMIAH 16:21KJV
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Jeremiah 16:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 16:21 mean?

Jeremiah 16:21 describes God declaring that He will make His power and strength unmistakably known to the people, so that they will recognize and understand that He alone is the LORD. This is a promise that God will act in such a way that no one can ignore who He is.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah, who have turned away from Him to follow other gods. The situation is one of warning and coming judgment, but also of God’s intent to reveal Himself clearly. The verse emphasizes that God’s actions will leave no doubt about His identity and authority.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 16:21

  • "once" (פַּעַם, paʿam): This word often means “one time” or “this time,” highlighting that God’s coming action will be decisive and unique, not just another warning.
  • "know" (יָדַע, yadaʿ): This verb appears three times in the verse, stressing a deep, personal recognition—not just head knowledge, but an experience of who God truly is.
  • "hand" (יָד, yad): In Hebrew, “hand” often represents power or action. Here, it signals that God’s intervention will be direct and forceful.
  • "might" (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah): This word means strength or might, underlining that what God does will be powerful and unmistakable.
  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem): In the Hebrew Bible, “name” stands for character and reputation. God wants the people to grasp who He is at the core.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name, used to stress His unique identity as the God of Israel, not just any deity.

Why Jeremiah 16:21 matters

  • Jeremiah 16:21 clears up the idea that God’s identity is hidden or uncertain; it shows that God intends to reveal Himself in a way that everyone will understand.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of God’s response to idolatry, showing that His actions are meant to correct and teach, not just to punish.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing that even in judgment, God’s ultimate goal is for people to truly know Him, not just fear Him.