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.

JEREMIAH 20:12KJV
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Jeremiah 20:12 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 20:12 mean?

Jeremiah 20:12 shows Jeremiah calling out to God, recognizing Him as the LORD of hosts who tests the righteous and knows people’s deepest thoughts and feelings. Jeremiah asks God to let him see justice done against those who oppose him, because he has honestly brought his troubles before God.

Jeremiah is speaking directly to God during a time of personal suffering and opposition. He describes God as one who examines both the "reins" (the innermost motives) and the "heart" (the center of thought and will), showing that nothing is hidden from God. Jeremiah is not seeking personal revenge but is appealing to God as the fair judge, trusting God to handle his cause.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 20:12

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is God’s personal name, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel and His authority as the one in charge.
  • triest (בָּחַן, bachan): This word means to examine or test, like refining metal. Jeremiah is saying God truly knows who is righteous by looking beyond outward actions.
  • reins (כִּלְיָה, kilyah): Literally means “kidneys,” but often refers to the deepest emotions or motives, showing God sees what is hidden inside a person.
  • heart (לֵב, lev): Refers to the inner self—thoughts, intentions, and will. Together with “reins,” it stresses that God knows people completely, inside and out.

Why Jeremiah 20:12 matters

  • Jeremiah 20:12 clears up the idea that God only judges by outward actions; it stresses that God examines the deepest parts of a person’s mind and motives.
  • This verse highlights Jeremiah’s honesty with God—he is not pretending to be strong or self-sufficient but is openly bringing his pain and desire for justice to God.
  • In the wider passage, Jeremiah is facing harsh opposition for speaking God’s message. This verse shows his trust that God sees the truth of his situation, even when others do not.

Where else these words appear

“vengeance” Hebrew H5360 · used in 22 verses

  • Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
  • Psalms 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
  • Jeremiah 51:6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this is the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

“reins” Hebrew H3629 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 29:13 And thou shalt take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and burn them upon the altar.
  • Leviticus 8:25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:
  • Psalms 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

“triest” Hebrew H974 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 42:15 Hereby ye shall be proved: By the life of Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, except your youngest brother come hither.
  • Psalms 11:4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
  • Jeremiah 6:27 I have set thee for a tower and a fortress among my people, that thou mayest know and try their way.

“cause” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:13 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.