Lord’s Library editors created this introduction to the Thus Saith the Lord Scriptures in the Bible, with commentary.
The phrase “Thus saith the Lord” is a memorable declaration found throughout the Bible, particularly in the King James Version, where it’s found 413 times. It signifies a direct message from God, often delivered through prophets to His people. This phrase is not merely a literary device but a solemn pronouncement that underscores the authority of God’s Word.
The books of the Old Testament are replete with instances of “Thus saith the Lord,” serving as a divine preamble to revelations, warnings, promises, and commands. For example, in Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares through the prophet Jeremiah: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This passage exemplifies how “Thus saith the Lord” introduces statements of God’s Will and purpose for His people.
In Isaiah 55:11, the phrase underscores the power of God’s word: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Here, “Thus saith the Lord” emphasizes the certainty and certain fulfillment of God’s declarations, affirming His will as unstoppable.
In exploring the phrase’s significance, we will study key Scriptures that cover its meaning and the contexts in which it is employed below.
Thus Saith the Lord Meaning
“Thus saith the Lord” appears in contexts of judgment and correction. For instance, in Ezekiel 34:2, God speaks against the shepherds of Israel who have failed in their duties: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” In such instances, “Thus saith the Lord” serves as a divine indictment, highlighting the seriousness of the message and the authority behind it.
“Thus saith the Lord” is also used to announce significant events or God’s action. In the Book of Exodus (and verse 6:6 to be specific), God employs this phrase to communicate His intent to deliver Israel from bondage: “Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” This demonstrates the phrase’s meaningful role in heralding divine intervention and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
“Thus saith the Lord” conveys the unchangeable and eternal nature of God’s covenant with His people, as seen in Jeremiah 31:33: “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Through this declaration, the phrase signifies the establishment, or affirmation of an everlasting relationship between God and humanity.
Thus Saith the Lord Meaning: Additional Scriptures
In Leviticus 20:1, the phrase precedes a command against Molech worship, illustrating how it often introduces a command from God: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.”
In Ezekiel 33:11, God expresses His desire for the wicked to turn from their ways, showing that: “Thus saith the Lord” can also convey God’s heart and His want for His children to repent: “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”
In Zechariah 8:7-8, the phrase introduces a promise of restoration for Jerusalem and the tribe of Judah: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.” This highlights God’s commitment to His covenant and His people’s future.
In Isaiah 44:6, “Thus saith the Lord” proclaims God’s true uniqueness and sovereignty: “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”
In Amos 5:14, the phrase is used to urge Israel towards righteousness, showcasing God’s concern for ethical living: “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.”
In Joshua 1:9, though the exact phrase “Thus saith the Lord” does not appear, the sentiment reflects God’s direct speech promising His unending presence, which is a key aspect of many “Thus saith the Lord” passages: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Final Thoughts
“Thus saith the Lord” is an important piece of the Scriptures because it represents God’s direct command. This makes understanding the “Thus saith the Lord” meaning incredibly important, as to follow God. In Christian circles, “Thus saith the Lord” is even used in conversation to separate ideas that come from God’s Word or those that are extra-Biblical.
It reminds Bible readers of the true weight and sanctity of God’s word, which should encourage a response of reverence, faith, and Christian living. The above collection of verses aim to showcase the multifaceted ways in which “Thus saith the Lord” functions within the Biblical text. Through this phrase, the Bible communicates the depth of God’s engagement with the world and His desires for humanity.
Though “Thus saith the Lord” and its variations appear hundreds of times throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, the instances we shared above represent key themes in which the phrase is used. There are indeed many more verses where this phrase is used, and we encourage you to explore them along with us.
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