Jeremiah 15:19 Meaning: Commentary on an Important Scripture

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Lord’s Library editors offer a Jeremiah 15:19 meaning with commentary and supporting Scriptures for your edification.

If you Googled “Jeremiah 15:19 meaning” or “commentary” you’ve come to the right place to understand a Scripture that highlights a challenge and moment of reassurance from God to the Prophet Jeremiah. The verse reads: “Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.” 

The Lord’s communication here acts as both a promise and a directive, emphasizing the critical role of Jeremiah in guiding the people while maintaining his distinction from their corruption.

The Scripture opens with a conditional promise from God, stating “If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me.” This part of the verse highlights the importance of repentance as a prerequisite for Jeremiah’s restoration to his prophetic office. It implies a moment of weakening in Jeremiah’s commitment, to which God responds with both a call to return and a promise of fulfillment.

The Gospel

Jeremiah 15:19 Meaning


The second part of the verse, “and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth,” sets forth an imperative responsibility. Here, God tasks Jeremiah with the discernment to separate the valuable (truth and righteousness) from the worthless (falsehood and wickedness). This metaphorical separation is crucial for Jeremiah to effectively serve as God’s spokesperson.

Adding context to this directive, the preceding verses in Jeremiah 15 highlight the judgments pronounced against Judah due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience. Jeremiah’s role as a prophet was particularly challenging given the widespread corruption and the need for a separation between the holy and the profane among his people.

The subsequent verse, Jeremiah 15:20, reinforces God’s promise of protection and empowerment: “And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.” This assurance complements the responsibilities outlined in verse 19.

For Christians, Jeremiah 15:19 should serve as a compelling call to spiritual vigilance. It enables Christ followers to discern while upholding truth in their lives, separating the “precious” from the “vile” in a world full of what the world tells us are “moral complexities.” This passage encourages a commitment to God’s standards, while the Lord offers His support for one’s pursuit of righteousness in response.

As we reflect on this passage, let us consider how we might apply these principles in our own lives, striving to be effective ambassadors of truth in our own individual contexts.


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Timothy Andrew

Timothy Andrew

Tim is the Founder of Lord's Library. He believes the Bible commands us to minister "as of the ability which God giveth" (1 Peter 4:11). Tim aspires to be as The Lord's mouth by "taking forth the precious from the vile" (Jeremiah 15:19) and witnessing The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) to the whole world.

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