Then Jeremiah the prophet said unto them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray unto the LORD your God according to your words; and it shall come to pass, that whatsoever thing the LORD shall answer you, I will declare it unto you; I will keep nothing back from you.

JEREMIAH 42:4KJV
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Jeremiah 42:4 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 42:4 mean?

Jeremiah 42:4 shows Jeremiah promising to pray to the LORD on behalf of the people and to honestly report back everything God tells him, holding nothing back. Jeremiah assures them that he will faithfully share God’s answer, no matter what it is.

In this verse, Jeremiah the prophet is speaking to a group of people who have come to him for guidance after a national crisis. They have asked him to seek God’s direction for them. Jeremiah’s response highlights his role as a messenger: he will pray (intercede) for them and then relay God’s answer fully and truthfully, without hiding or softening anything God says.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 42:4

  • "Pray" (פָּלַל, palal) means to intercede or plead on someone’s behalf. Jeremiah is not just asking for himself but is standing between the people and God, showing his role as a mediator.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) are both used, emphasizing that Jeremiah is addressing Israel’s covenant God, not just any deity.
  • "Declare" (נָגַד, nagad) means to make something known clearly and openly. Jeremiah stresses that he will not keep any part of God’s message hidden.
  • "Keep...back" (כָּחַד, kachad) means to withhold or conceal. Jeremiah promises full transparency, reassuring the people that he will not hide anything God reveals.

Why Jeremiah 42:4 matters

  • Jeremiah 42:4 clears up any idea that prophets could pick and choose what to share; Jeremiah commits to full honesty, even if the message is difficult.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness with which Jeremiah treats his prophetic responsibility—he is not just a mouthpiece but a faithful servant bound to God’s words.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where the people’s willingness to accept God’s answer will be tested, regardless of whether it matches their hopes.