Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

JEREMIAH 33:21KJV
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Jeremiah 33:21 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 33:21 mean?

Jeremiah 33:21 says that if God’s covenant could be broken with David and the Levites, then David would no longer have a descendant to rule on his throne, and the Levite priests would no longer serve. The verse uses this as a way to stress that God’s promises to David and the Levites are as unbreakable as His covenant with day and night.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah during a time of crisis and exile. The context is God reassuring His people that, despite their current troubles, His promises to David (the royal line) and the Levites (the priestly line) remain firm. The verse highlights the enduring nature of God’s commitments, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 33:21

  • covenant (בְּרִית, bᵉrit): This word means a binding agreement or promise. Here, it refers to God’s solemn commitment to David and the Levites, emphasizing the seriousness and permanence of His promises.
  • broken (הֵפֵר, hefer): This verb means to break, violate, or nullify. The verse uses it to show that God’s covenant is so secure that it cannot be undone, just as the natural order cannot be overturned.
  • throne (כִּסֵּא, kisseʾ): The word for throne points to the royal authority given to David’s descendants. Mentioning the throne makes it clear that the promise is about ongoing kingship.
  • Levites (לֵוִי, Lewi) and priests (כֹּהֵן, kohen): These terms refer to the tribe and group responsible for Israel’s worship and sacrifices. Their mention alongside David shows that both the royal and priestly roles are part of God’s lasting plan.

Why Jeremiah 33:21 matters

  • Jeremiah 33:21 clears up any fear that God might abandon His promises because of Israel’s failures; it insists that God’s word is as reliable as the cycles of nature.
  • The verse connects the fate of the royal line (David’s descendants) and the priestly line (the Levites), showing that both are central to God’s ongoing relationship with His people.
  • This reassurance comes in a time of national disaster, offering hope that God’s plans continue even when everything seems lost.

Where else these words appear

“broken” Hebrew H6565 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
  • Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
  • Isaiah 24:19 The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly.

“ministers” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

“throne” Hebrew H3678 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
  • 1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
  • Psalms 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.