Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

JEREMIAH 32:19KJV
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Jeremiah 32:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 32:19 mean?

Jeremiah 32:19 describes God as wise in planning and powerful in action, always watching over every person’s life and giving each one what they deserve based on their actions. The verse highlights that nothing escapes God’s notice and that He responds justly to everyone’s choices and behavior.

In this part of the book, the prophet Jeremiah is praying to God while imprisoned by King Zedekiah during a time of national crisis. Jeremiah is reflecting on God’s character—His wisdom, strength, and fairness—especially as Jerusalem faces destruction. The verse reassures that God’s judgments are never random or blind; He sees all human ways and responds with perfect justice.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 32:19

  • "Counsel" (עֵצָה, etsah): This word points to God’s wisdom and thoughtful planning, not just general advice. Jeremiah is emphasizing that God’s decisions are always made with deep understanding.
  • "Ways" (דֶּרֶךְ, derekh): This word refers to the paths or lifestyles people choose. The verse stresses that God’s attention covers every direction a person’s life takes, not just their isolated actions.
  • "Fruit" (פְּרִי, peri): This term means the outcome or result of someone’s deeds. Jeremiah is saying that God’s judgment is based on the real results of what people do, not just their intentions.
  • "Doings" (מַעֲלָל, ma'alal): This word refers to actions or deeds, especially those that are repeated or characteristic. The focus is on patterns of behavior, not just one-time events.

Why Jeremiah 32:19 matters

  • Jeremiah 32:19 clears up the idea that God’s justice is impersonal or automatic; instead, the verse shows that God’s judgments are thoughtful, personal, and based on real observation.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s wisdom and power are not abstract traits but are actively at work in the world, especially in times of crisis.
  • Jeremiah’s words connect to the larger theme of the chapter: even when disaster is coming, God remains attentive and fair, holding each person accountable while still being deeply involved in their lives.

Where else these words appear

“open” Hebrew H6491 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
  • 2 Kings 6:20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
  • Isaiah 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

“doings” Hebrew H4611 · used in 41 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
  • Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.
  • Jeremiah 26:13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 21:16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;

“fruit” Hebrew H6529 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Nehemiah 10:35 And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
  • Isaiah 37:30 And this shall be a sign unto thee, Ye shall eat this year such as groweth of itself; and the second year that which springeth of the same: and in the third year sow ye, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit thereof.