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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 20:12 O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/20-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/24_Jer_20_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 20:12 - Jeremiah's Complaint" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/20-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/20-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm" title="Jeremiah 20:11">◄</a> Jeremiah 20:12 <a href="/jeremiah/20-13.htm" title="Jeremiah 20:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Hebrew </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />LORD Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />O LORD of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, <i>and</i> seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous, <i>And</i> see the mind and heart, Let me see Your vengeance on them; For I have pleaded my cause before You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet, LORD of armies, who tests the righteous, Who sees the mind and the heart; Let me see Your vengeance on them, For to You I have disclosed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Yet, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous, Who see the mind and the heart; Let me see Your vengeance on them; For to You I have set forth my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Yet, O LORD of hosts, Thou who dost test the righteous, Who seest the mind and the heart; Let me see Thy vengeance on them; For to Thee I have set forth my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Yet, O Yahweh of hosts, You who test the righteous, Who see the mind and the heart; Let me see Your vengeance on them, For to You I have revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, You who examine the righteous, Who see the heart and the mind, Let me see Your vengeance on them; For to You I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />LORD of Armies, testing the righteous and seeing the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for I have presented my case to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br /> LORD of Hosts, testing the righteous and seeing the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have presented my case to You. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But, O Jehovah of hosts, that triest the righteous, that seest the heart and the mind, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />LORD All-Powerful, you test those who do right, and you know every heart and mind. I have told you my complaints, so let me watch you take revenge on my enemies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, that seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But the LORD of Armies examines the righteous. He sees their motives and thoughts. I want to see you take revenge on them, because I've brought my case to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But, Almighty LORD, you test people justly; you know what is in their hearts and minds. So let me see you take revenge on my enemies, for I have placed my cause in your hands. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />LORD of the Heavenly Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the inner motives and the heart, let me see you take vengeance on them, for I've committed my case to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />O LORD of Hosts, who examines the righteous, who sees the heart and mind, let me see Your vengeance upon them, for to You I have committed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />O LORD who rules over all, you test and prove the righteous. You see into people's hearts and minds. Pay them back for what they have done because I trust you to vindicate my cause. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But, the LORD of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them; for to you have I revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for to thee have I opened my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But Yahweh of Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my cause to you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And, O YHWH of Hosts, trier of the righteous, "" Beholder of reins and heart, "" I see Your vengeance on them, "" For I have revealed my cause to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And, O Jehovah of Hosts, trier of the righteous, Beholder of reins and heart, I do see Thy vengeance out of them, For unto Thee I have revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah of armies trying the just, seeing the reins and the heart, I shall see thy vengeance of them: for to thee I uncovered my cause.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And thou, O Lord of hosts, prover of the just, who seest the reins and the heart: let me see, I beseech thee, thy vengeance on them: for to thee I have laid open my cause. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And you, O Lord of hosts, the Tester of the just, who sees the temperament and the heart: I beg you to let me see your vengeance upon them. For I have revealed my case to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />LORD of hosts, you test the just, you see mind and heart, Let me see the vengeance you take on them, for to you I have entrusted my cause. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O LORD of hosts, you test the righteous, you see the heart and the mind; let me see your retribution upon them, for to you I have committed my cause.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, who observest the right cause and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them; for to thee have I revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts proves the right. He sees the kidneys and the heart. I shall see your payment to them, because to you I revealed my just cause<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, That seest the reins and the heart, Let me see Thy vengeance on them; For unto Thee have I revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />O Lord, that provest just <i>deeds</i>, understanding the reins and hearts, let me see thy vengeance upon them: for to thee I have revealed my cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=5960" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/20.htm">Jeremiah's Complaint</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail. Since they have not succeeded, they will be utterly put to shame, with an everlasting disgrace that will never be forgotten. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">O LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts,</a> <a href="/hebrew/974.htm" title="974: bō·ḥên (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To examine, try. A primitive root; to test; generally and figuratively, to investigate.">who examines</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">the righteous,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: rō·’eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">who sees</a> <a href="/hebrew/3629.htm" title="3629: ḵə·lā·yō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A kidney. Feminine of kliy; a kidney; figuratively, the mind.">the heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wā·lêḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">and mind,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ’er·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf.h-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">let me see</a> <a href="/hebrew/5360.htm" title="5360: niq·mā·ṯə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Vengeance. Feminine of naqam; avengement, whether the act of the passion.">Your vengeance</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- ">upon them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to You</a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: gil·lî·ṯî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">I have committed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rî·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">my cause.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of evildoers.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Psalm 7:9</a></span><br />Put an end to the evil of the wicked, but establish the righteous, O righteous God who searches hearts and minds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/11-4.htm">Psalm 11:4-5</a></span><br />The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men. / The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked; His soul hates the lover of violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Psalm 17:3</a></span><br />You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Psalm 26:2</a></span><br />Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23-24</a></span><br />Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a></span><br />A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a></span><br />But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-9.htm">1 Chronicles 28:9</a></span><br />As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-6.htm">Job 31:6</a></span><br />let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-3.htm">Isaiah 11:3-4</a></span><br />And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, / but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Romans 8:27</a></span><br />And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12-13</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. / Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-23.htm">Revelation 2:23</a></span><br />Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">1 Corinthians 4:5</a></span><br />Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/1-24.htm">Acts 1:24</a></span><br />And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But, O LORD of hosts, that try the righteous, and see the reins and the heart, let me see your vengeance on them: for to you have I opened my cause.</p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a></b></br> I the LORD search the heart, <i>I</i> try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, <i>and</i> according to the fruit of his doings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-9.htm">Psalm 7:9</a></b></br> Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/11-5.htm">Psalm 11:5</a></b></br> The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.</p><p class="hdg">let me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Jeremiah 11:20</a></b></br> But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/12-8.htm">Jeremiah 12:8</a></b></br> Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest; it crieth out against me: therefore have I hated it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/17-18.htm">Jeremiah 17:18</a></b></br> Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.</p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-15.htm">1 Samuel 1:15</a></b></br> And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I <i>am</i> a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/62-8.htm">Psalm 62:8</a></b></br> Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God <i>is</i> a refuge for us. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-4.htm">Psalm 86:4</a></b></br> Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/16-9.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-15.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/job/7-8.htm">Beholder</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/jeremiah/16-10.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Examine</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-15.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-11.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Probe</a> <a href="/jeremiah/14-10.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Reins</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Test</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Tests</a> <a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-27.htm">Trier</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-3.htm">Triest</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-5.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/jeremiah/15-15.htm">Vengeance</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-15.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/genesis/16-14.htm">Beholder</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-23.htm">Committed</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Examine</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-18.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-15.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-20.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-25.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Probe</a> <a href="/jeremiah/21-14.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-13.htm">Reins</a> <a href="/jeremiah/33-6.htm">Revealed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-3.htm">Seest</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-40.htm">Test</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/luke/4-13.htm">Tests</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-20.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-13.htm">Trier</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/29-17.htm">Triest</a> <a href="/lamentations/1-18.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/jeremiah/46-10.htm">Vengeance</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/20-1.htm">Pashur, smiting Jeremiah, receives a new name, and a fearful doom.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/20-7.htm">Jeremiah complains of contempt;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">of treachery;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/20-14.htm">and of his birth.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/jeremiah/20.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>O LORD of Hosts</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and supreme authority of God over all heavenly armies. The Hebrew term "Yahweh Sabaoth" reflects God's omnipotence and His role as a divine warrior. Historically, this title reassures believers of God's power to protect and deliver His people, as seen throughout Israel's history, where God intervened in battles and conflicts.<p><b>who tests the righteous</b><br />The Hebrew word for "tests" is "bachan," which means to examine or scrutinize. This phrase indicates that God evaluates the faithfulness and integrity of His people. The testing of the righteous is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating that trials are a means for spiritual growth and purification, as seen in the lives of figures like Job and Abraham.<p><b>and sees the heart and mind</b><br />The Hebrew words "lev" (heart) and "kilyah" (mind or kidneys) denote the inner being and deepest thoughts of a person. This phrase underscores God's omniscience, His ability to perceive beyond outward appearances and understand the true intentions and emotions of individuals. It serves as a reminder that nothing is hidden from God, aligning with passages like <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God looks at the heart.<p><b>let me see Your vengeance upon them</b><br />Here, Jeremiah appeals for divine justice. The term "vengeance" in Hebrew, "naqam," refers to God's righteous retribution against wrongdoing. This plea is not for personal revenge but for God's justice to prevail, reflecting a deep trust in God's moral order and His promise to uphold justice for the oppressed.<p><b>for to You I have committed my cause</b><br />The act of committing one's cause to God, as expressed by the Hebrew word "galal," meaning to roll or entrust, signifies a profound reliance on God's wisdom and justice. Jeremiah's declaration is an act of faith, entrusting his situation entirely to God, reminiscent of other biblical figures who placed their trust in God's hands, such as King David in the Psalms.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">But, O Lord of hosts . . .</span>--The verse is almost verbally identical with <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm" title="But, O LORD of hosts, that judge righteously, that try the reins and the heart, let me see your vengeance on them: for to you have I revealed my cause.">Jeremiah 11:20</a>, where see Note.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - Repeated, with slight variations, from <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Jeremiah 11:20</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">O LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיהוָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Hosts,</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָאוֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who examines</span><br /><span class="heb">בֹּחֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(bō·ḥên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_974.htm">Strong's 974: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to investigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the righteous,</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּ֔יק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who sees</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹאֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(rō·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the heart</span><br /><span class="heb">וָלֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(wā·lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and mind,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְלָי֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḵə·lā·yō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3629.htm">Strong's 3629: </a> </span><span class="str2">A kidney, the mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let me see</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶרְאֶ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(’er·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Your vengeance</span><br /><span class="heb">נִקְמָֽתְךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(niq·mā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5360.htm">Strong's 5360: </a> </span><span class="str2">Avengement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">upon them,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵהֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(mê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to You</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have committed</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּלִּ֥יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(gil·lî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> </span><span class="str2">To denude, to exile, to reveal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my cause.</span><br /><span class="heb">רִיבִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(rî·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/20-12.htm">Jeremiah 20:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/20-12.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 20:12 But Yahweh of Armies who tests (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/20-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 20:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 20:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/20-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 20:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 20:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>