Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

JEREMIAH 31:35KJV
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Jeremiah 31:35 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:35 mean?

Jeremiah 31:35 describes God as the one who created and controls the natural world, giving the sun to light the day and setting the patterns for the moon and stars to light the night, and who has power over the sea and its roaring waves. This verse emphasizes God's authority and reliability by pointing to His control over creation.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Israel, relaying a message from God during a time of national uncertainty and exile. By highlighting God's power over the sun, moon, stars, and sea, Jeremiah reassures the people that God's promises are as dependable as the ongoing order of creation itself.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:35

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "the LORD." Its use here underlines that the message comes from the God who made a covenant with Israel.
  • "Ordinances" (חֻקּוֹת, ḥuqqot): This word means decrees or fixed orders, referring to the set patterns or laws that govern the moon and stars. It highlights the idea that the regularity of the cosmos is established by God's command.
  • "Divideth" (רָגַע, ragaʿ): This verb means to calm or subdue, often used for settling or quieting the sea. Here, it points to God's ability to control even the most chaotic parts of creation, like the roaring sea.
  • "Hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tsevaʾot): This word means "armies" or "multitudes," and when paired with "LORD," it emphasizes God's supreme command over all heavenly and earthly forces.

Why Jeremiah 31:35 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that God's promises are uncertain by tying them to the unchanging patterns of nature, which people saw as reliable and constant.
  • Jeremiah 31:35 is part of a larger passage where God promises restoration and a new covenant with Israel, so the verse supports the idea that God's commitment to His people is as sure as the laws of creation.
  • By naming God as "the LORD of hosts," the verse reminds readers that the same God who commands the universe is the one making these promises, reinforcing trust in His power and faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“divideth” Hebrew H7280 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
  • Isaiah 34:14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.
  • Jeremiah 47:6 O thou sword of the LORD, how long will it be ere thou be quiet? put up thyself into thy scabbard, rest, and be still.

“moon” Hebrew H3394 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 37:9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
  • Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
  • Ecclesiastes 12:2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

“waves” Hebrew H1530 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 31:46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.
  • Job 38:11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
  • Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:

“roar” Hebrew H1993 · used in 32 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:41 And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?
  • Psalms 77:3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
  • Isaiah 51:15 But I am the LORD thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The LORD of hosts is his name.