Jeremiah 32:17
What does Jeremiah 32:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Jeremiah 32:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Jeremiah 32:17 means
Jeremiah's exclamation acknowledges God's omnipotence as the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The phrase "great power and outstretched arm" metaphorically depicts God's immense strength and active involvement in creation and historical events. It emphasizes that no task or situation, regardless of its seeming impossibility, is beyond God's capability. This declaration serves as a foundational truth, affirming God's ultimate authority and ability to act powerfully in all circumstances, providing a bedrock of faith for those who trust in His divine might and limitless dominion over all things. It highlights a core tenet of biblical theology: God's absolute sovereignty.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Ah Lord God! see, you have made the heaven and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm, and there is nothing you are not able to do:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Ah, Lord Jehovah, lo, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power, and by Thy stretched-out arm; there is nothing too wonderful for Thee:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Alas, alas, alas, O Lord God, behold thou hast made heaven and earth by thy great power, and thy stretched out arm: no word shall be hard to thee:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Alas, Lord Jehovah! Behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and stretched-out arm; there is nothing too hard for thee:
Context
This verse comes immediately after Jeremiah has purchased a field in Anathoth, an act of faith commanded by God during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Jeremiah is speaking to the Lord Yahweh, expressing his understanding and perhaps his perplexity regarding this command. His declaration of God's boundless power introduces a prayer where Jeremiah seeks further understanding of God's plans. The verse sets the stage for God's subsequent response, which reaffirms His promises of restoration despite the present bleak circumstances. It functions as a pivot point, moving from an act of obedience to a petition for divine insight.
v.16Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto Jehovah, saying,
v.17This passage
v.18who showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Jehovah of hosts is his name;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 46:9
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;
- Psalms 136:5
To him that by understanding made the heavens; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
- Daniel 2:22
he revealeth the deep and secret things; he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
- Acts 7:49
The heaven is my throne, And the earth the footstool of my feet: What manner of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: Or what is the place of my rest?
- Acts 15:18
Saith the Lord, who maketh these things known from of old.
- Acts 17:24
The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
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