Jeremiah 42:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 42:6 mean?

Jeremiah 42:6 shows the people promising to obey whatever message God gives them, whether the answer is favorable ("good") or unfavorable ("evil"), because they believe obedience will lead to their well-being. The verse highlights their commitment to follow God's guidance, no matter the outcome.

In this scene, the people of Judah are speaking to the prophet Jeremiah after a national crisis. They have asked Jeremiah to seek God's direction for them, and here they declare that they will listen to whatever God says through him. Their words stress a willingness to accept God's will, trusting that true safety and blessing come from obedience, even if the instructions are difficult or not what they hope for.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 42:6

• "Good" (טוֹב, tov; H2896) and "evil" (רַע, ra‘; H7451) here mean anything favorable or unfavorable, not just moral categories. The people are saying they will obey whether God's answer is what they want to hear or not.
• "Obey" (שָׁמַע, shama‘; H8085) means more than just hearing; it carries the sense of listening with the intent to act. The people are committing to act on God's instructions, not just passively receive them.
• "Voice" (קוֹל, qol; H6963) refers to God's message or command as delivered through Jeremiah. The emphasis is on responding to God's direct communication.
• "Well" (יָטַב, yatav; H3190) means to be well off or to prosper. The people link their well-being to their obedience, showing they see a direct connection between following God and their future security.

Why Jeremiah 42:6 matters

• This verse clarifies that the people's promise is unconditional—they are not agreeing to obey only if God's answer suits them, but whatever it may be.
• The verse sets up the tension in the following narrative, as the sincerity of their promise will be tested by God's actual response.
• It highlights a key biblical theme: true obedience to God involves trust, even when His guidance is unexpected or challenging.