Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

JEREMIAH 33:1KJV
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Jeremiah 33:1 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 33:1 mean?

Jeremiah 33:1 describes how God’s message came to the prophet Jeremiah a second time while Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the prison. The verse sets the scene for further words from God, emphasizing that Jeremiah was still under guard when he received this new revelation.

The verse highlights Jeremiah’s situation: he is imprisoned, yet God continues to speak to him. The “second time” shows that God is persistent in communicating with Jeremiah despite his difficult circumstances. This introduction prepares the reader for the important message that follows in the rest of the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 33:1

  • The word “word” (דָּבָר, davar; H1697) often means a message or command, not just a single word. Here, it signals a significant communication from God, not merely a casual remark.
  • “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH; H3068) is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring that this is a direct, authoritative message from Israel’s God.
  • “Shut up” (סָגַר, sagar; H6113) means to be confined or imprisoned. This word clarifies that Jeremiah’s freedom is restricted, yet God’s word is not limited by physical barriers.
  • “Court” (חָצֵר, chatser; H2691) refers to an open area within a building complex, often used for official or public matters. Jeremiah is not in a dark dungeon but in a more public, though still restricted, space.

Why Jeremiah 33:1 matters

  • Jeremiah 33:1 shows that God’s communication is not stopped by human imprisonment or hardship; even in confinement, Jeremiah remains God’s chosen messenger.
  • The verse’s mention of a “second time” signals continuity and persistence in God’s relationship with Jeremiah, reinforcing that God’s plans and words are ongoing.
  • This introduction sets the stage for the hopeful promises that follow in the chapter, making it clear that the context of suffering does not prevent God from bringing messages of restoration.

Where else these words appear

“prison” Hebrew H4307 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Samuel 20:20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark.
  • Jeremiah 32:2 For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house.
  • Jeremiah 38:13 So they drew up Jeremiah with cords, and took him up out of the dungeon: and Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

“up” Hebrew H6113 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 16:2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
  • 1 Kings 8:35 When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them:
  • 2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

“Jeremiah” Hebrew H3414 · used in 133 verses

  • 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign; and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah.
  • Jeremiah 28:15 Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.
  • Jeremiah 38:9 My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.