And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror;

JEREMIAH 32:21KJV
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Jeremiah 32:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 32:21 mean?

Jeremiah 32:21 describes how God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt using miraculous signs, powerful acts, and events that caused great fear. The verse highlights God’s extraordinary intervention and strength in rescuing Israel from slavery.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to God during a prayer, recalling the exodus as proof of God’s power and faithfulness. Jeremiah is reminding God of His past mighty deeds as he pleads for understanding about Jerusalem’s current troubles, connecting the present situation to God’s history of saving His people.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 32:21

  • "Signs" (אוֹת, 'ot) and "wonders" (מוֹפֵת, mopheth) both point to miraculous events, but 'ot often means a sign with meaning or purpose, while mopheth emphasizes something extraordinary or marvelous. Together, they stress that God’s actions in Egypt were both meaningful and awe-inspiring.
  • "Strong" (חָזָק, chazaq) and "hand" (יָד, yad) together form a common Hebrew phrase for power or might. This image underlines that God’s deliverance was not subtle or weak, but forceful and unmistakable.
  • "Stretched out" (נָטָה, natah) and "arm" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa) create a picture of God reaching out with determination and authority, showing initiative and active involvement in Israel’s rescue.
  • "Terror" (מוֹרָא, mora) refers to fear or dread, highlighting that God’s actions were so powerful they caused awe and fear among those who witnessed them, including Israel’s enemies.

Why Jeremiah 32:21 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that the Exodus was just a series of natural events; Jeremiah emphasizes that it was God’s direct, powerful intervention, marked by unmistakable miracles.
  • Jeremiah’s prayer ties Israel’s past rescue to their present crisis, showing that remembering God’s earlier acts is meant to inspire hope and faith, even in desperate times.
  • By using vivid language for God’s power, Jeremiah reminds readers that God’s ability to save is not limited by human circumstances or strength.