Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ then the nations will invoke blessings by him and in him they will boast.” New Living Translation Then when you swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ you could do so with truth, justice, and righteousness. Then you would be a blessing to the nations of the world, and all people would come and praise my name.” English Standard Version and if you swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.” Berean Standard Bible and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” Berean Literal Bible and you swear, ‘As YHWH’ lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory.” King James Bible And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. New King James Version And you shall swear, ‘The LORD lives,’ In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; The nations shall bless themselves in Him, And in Him they shall glory.” New American Standard Bible And if you will swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’ In truth, in justice, and in righteousness; Then the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will boast.” NASB 1995 And you will swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’ In truth, in justice and in righteousness; Then the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” NASB 1977 And you will swear, ‘As the LORD lives,’ In truth, in justice, and in righteousness; Then the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” Legacy Standard Bible And you will swear, ‘As Yahweh lives,’ In truth, in justice, and in righteousness; Then the nations will be blessed in Him, And in Him they will boast.” Amplified Bible And if you swear [your oaths], ‘As the LORD lives,’ In truth, in justice, and in righteousness, Then the nations will bless themselves in Him, And in Him they will glory.” Berean Annotated Bible and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD {YHWH} lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory. Christian Standard Bible then you can swear, “As the LORD lives,” in truth, justice, and righteousness, and then the nations will be blessed by him and will boast in him. Holman Christian Standard Bible then you can swear, “As the LORD lives,” in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him and will pride themselves in Him. American Standard Version and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. Contemporary English Version Make promises only in my name, and do what you promise! Then all nations will praise me, and I will bless them. English Revised Version and thou shalt swear, As the LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. GOD'S WORD® Translation if you take the oath, "As the LORD lives..." in an honest, fair, and right way, then the nations will be blessed, and they will be honored by me." Good News Translation it will be right for you to swear by my name. Then all the nations will ask me to bless them, and they will praise me." International Standard Version If you swear, 'as surely as the LORD lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations will be blessed by him, and in him they will boast." NET Bible You must be truthful, honest and upright when you take an oath saying, 'As surely as the LORD lives!' If you do, the nations will pray to be as blessed by him as you are and will make him the object of their boasting." New Heart English Bible and you shall swear, 'As the LORD lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness. The nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory." Webster's Bible Translation And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” World English Bible and you will swear, ‘As Yahweh lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness. The nations will bless themselves in him, and they will glory in him.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd you have sworn—YHWH lives, "" In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness, "" And nations have blessed themselves in Him, "" And they boast themselves in Him.” Berean Literal Bible and you swear, ‘As YHWH’ lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory.” Young's Literal Translation And thou hast sworn -- Jehovah liveth, In truth, in judgment, and in righteousness, And blessed themselves in Him have nations, And in Him they boast themselves. Smith's Literal Translation And thou swearest, Jehovah lives in truth, in judgment, and in justice; and the nations were blessed in him, and in him shall they praise. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd thou shalt swear: As the Lord liveth, in truth, and in judgement, and in justice: and the Gentiles shall bless him, and shall praise him. Catholic Public Domain Version And you will swear, ‘As the Lord lives,’ in truth and in judgment and in justice.” And the Gentiles will bless him, and they will praise him. New American Bible And swear, “As the LORD lives,” in truth, in judgment, and in justice, Then the nations shall bless themselves in him and in him glory. New Revised Standard Version and if you swear, “As the LORD lives!” in truth, in justice, and in uprightness, then nations shall be blessed by him, and by him they shall boast. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd you shall swear, The LORD liveth in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the Gentiles shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you shall swear: "LORD JEHOVAH is living in the truth, and in judgment and in righteousness, and the nations shall be blessed in him, and in him they shall be glorified!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And wilt swear: 'As the LORD liveth' In truth, in justice, and in righteousness; Then shall the nations bless themselves by Him, And in Him shall they glory. Brenton Septuagint Translation The Lord lives, with truth, in judgment and righteousness, then shall nations bless by him, and by him they shall praise God in Jerusalem. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God Calls Israel by His Promise1“If you will return, O Israel, return to Me,” declares the LORD. “If you will remove your detestable idols from My sight and no longer waver, 2and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” 3For this is what the LORD says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground, and do not sow among the thorns.… Cross References if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ Jeremiah 12:16 And if they will diligently learn the ways of My people and swear by My name, saying, ‘As surely as the LORD lives’—just as they once taught My people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among My people. Deuteronomy 10:20 You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. Deuteronomy 6:13 Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name. in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, Zechariah 8:8 I will bring them back to dwell in Jerusalem, where they will be My people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.” Proverbs 21:3 To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. Jeremiah 9:24 But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. then the nations will be blessed by Him, Genesis 18:18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 22:18 And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Genesis 26:4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, and in Him they will glory.” Isaiah 45:25 In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult. Psalm 63:11 But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut. 1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” Isaiah 45:23 By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. Matthew 5:33-37 Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. … Romans 14:11 It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” Philippians 2:10-11 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Treasury of Scripture And you shall swear, The LORD lives, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. shalt swear Jeremiah 5:2 And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. Deuteronomy 10:20 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. in truth Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. 1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Psalm 99:4 The king's strength also loveth judgment; thou dost establish equity, thou executest judgment and righteousness in Jacob. and the nations Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Psalm 72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. Isaiah 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. and in him Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Isaiah 45:25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory. 1 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Jump to Previous As Bless Blessed Blessing Boast Faith Glory Good Him Judgment Justice Nations Oath Pride Righteous Righteousness Surely Swear Themselves Truth Truthful Uprightness Use Way Wilt WisdomJump to Next As Bless Blessed Blessing Boast Faith Glory Good Him Judgment Justice Nations Oath Pride Righteous Righteousness Surely Swear Themselves Truth Truthful Uprightness Use Way Wilt WisdomJeremiah 4 1. God calls Israel by his promise3. He exhorts Judah to repentance by fearful judgments 19. A grievous lamentation for Judah and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ This phrase emphasizes the importance of making oaths in the name of the LORD, reflecting a deep commitment to truth and sincerity. In ancient Israel, swearing by the LORD's name was a solemn act, indicating that the speaker was invoking God's character as a witness to their truthfulness. This practice is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God's name represents His eternal and unchanging nature. The phrase "As surely as the LORD lives" is a declaration of God's existence and sovereignty, often used in the Old Testament to affirm the certainty of a statement (e.g., 1 Samuel 14:39, 2 Kings 2:2). It underscores the expectation that God's people should reflect His character in their dealings. in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JeremiahA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the people of Judah, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. 2. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often warned by prophets like Jeremiah to return to God and abandon idolatry and injustice. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who desires truth, justice, and righteousness from His people. 4. The Nations Refers to the Gentile nations surrounding Israel, which would witness the blessings of God upon His people if they lived according to His standards. 5. Covenant The agreement between God and Israel, which required Israel to live in obedience to God's laws and commands. Teaching Points The Importance of TruthfulnessSwearing by God's name requires a commitment to truth. Our words and promises should reflect God's truthfulness and integrity. Living Justly Justice is a key aspect of God's character. As His people, we are called to act justly in our dealings with others, ensuring fairness and equity. Righteousness as a Lifestyle Righteousness involves living in a way that is pleasing to God, aligning our actions with His will and commands. Impact on the Nations When God's people live according to His standards, it serves as a testimony to the world, drawing others to glorify God. Blessings through Obedience Obedience to God brings blessings not only to us but also to those around us, as they witness the goodness of God in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 4:2?2. How does Jeremiah 4:2 emphasize the importance of truth in our lives? 3. What does "in truth, in justice, and in righteousness" mean for daily conduct? 4. How can we ensure our oaths reflect God's truth, as in Jeremiah 4:2? 5. Which other scriptures highlight the significance of truth and righteousness? 6. How can Jeremiah 4:2 guide us in witnessing to others about God? 7. What does Jeremiah 4:2 reveal about God's expectations for truth and justice? 8. How does Jeremiah 4:2 emphasize the importance of swearing by God's name? 9. In what ways does Jeremiah 4:2 connect truth, justice, and righteousness? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 4? 11. How do claims in Isaiah 4 regarding future restoration align or conflict with other Old Testament prophecies about judgment and destruction? 12. What themes are explored in the Book of Lamentations? 13. Why does Deuteronomy 28 emphasize material prosperity or catastrophe as divine favor or curse, while other passages (e.g., Job) depict suffering as potentially unrelated to personal obedience? 14. How can a compassionate God (Lamentations 3:22) allow such overwhelming destruction in Jerusalem? What Does Jeremiah 4:2 Mean and if you can swearThe verse begins with a conditional call. God tells Judah that real repentance shows up in words and deeds that align with Him. Swearing an oath isn’t about casual speech; it is a public declaration of loyalty. Compare Deuteronomy 10:20, where Israel is commanded to “fear the LORD your God and swear by His name.” The Lord expects the same seriousness now. ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ This phrase is the covenant formula. When people say it, they acknowledge that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is alive, active, and watching. First Samuel 20:3 and 2 Kings 2:2 show how godly people used this expression to bind their actions to God’s character. It is an oath that refuses to treat the Lord as distant or powerless. in truth The oath must be rooted in reality, not empty words. Truth here means reliability—never twisting facts to fit convenience. Psalm 15:2-4 describes the person “who speaks truth in his heart” and “does not swear deceitfully.” God wants integrity that reflects His own unchanging nature (Numbers 23:19). in justice Justice moves beyond honest words to fair treatment of others. Micah 6:8 echoes this call: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to do justice.” Swearing “as surely as the LORD lives” requires aligning business, courts, and daily relationships with God’s righteous standards. The Lord will not accept vows from a people who exploit widows or accept bribes (Isaiah 1:17,23). and in righteousness Righteousness is personal holiness expressed in right relationships with God and neighbor. Proverbs 21:3 says, “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.” Judah’s outward religion had to match inward purity. Only a life consistently shaped by God’s moral law satisfies Him. then the nations will be blessed by Him Obedient Israel becomes a conduit of blessing. Genesis 12:3 promised that “all the families of the earth” would be blessed through Abraham’s line. When God’s people live faithfully, He uses them as evidence of His goodness, drawing Gentiles to Himself (Isaiah 49:6; Zechariah 8:23). The condition is clear: genuine covenant loyalty precedes worldwide blessing. and in Him they will glory The end goal is worship. Nations that witness God’s faithful people will “glory” in the Lord, boasting not in idols or human power but in the one true God (Jeremiah 9:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:31). God’s global mission is that every tongue would confess His greatness because His people showcase His life-changing truth. summary Jeremiah 4:2 offers Judah—and us—a clear progression: authentic allegiance expressed by swearing “As surely as the LORD lives” must be marked by truth, justice, and righteousness. When God’s people live this way, He fulfills His promise to extend blessing to the nations, leading them to celebrate and glory in Him alone. (2) And thou shalt swear.--The conditions are continued: If thou wilt swear by the living Jehovah ["the Lord liveth" being the received formula of adjuration], in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness.And the nations shall bless themselves in him.--This forms the completion of the sentence. If the conditions of a true repentance are fulfilled by Israel, then the outlying heathen nations shall bless themselves in Jehovah--i.e., shall own Him and adore Him, be blessed by Him. Hebrew and if you can swear,וְנִשְׁבַּ֙עְתָּ֙ (wə·niš·ba‘·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7650: To seven oneself, swear ‘As surely as the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel lives,’ חַי־ (ḥay-) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life in truth, בֶּאֱמֶ֖ת (be·’ĕ·meṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness in justice, בְּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט (bə·miš·pāṭ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style and in righteousness, וּבִצְדָקָ֑ה (ū·ḇiṣ·ḏā·qāh) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6666: Rightness, subjectively, objectively then the nations גּוֹיִ֖ם (gō·w·yim) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts will be blessed by Him, וְהִתְבָּ֥רְכוּ (wə·hiṯ·bā·rə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse and in Him ב֛וֹ (ḇōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew they will glory.” יִתְהַלָּֽלוּ׃ (yiṯ·hal·lā·lū) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1984: To shine Links Jeremiah 4:2 NIVJeremiah 4:2 NLT Jeremiah 4:2 ESV Jeremiah 4:2 NASB Jeremiah 4:2 KJV Jeremiah 4:2 BibleApps.com Jeremiah 4:2 Biblia Paralela Jeremiah 4:2 Chinese Bible Jeremiah 4:2 French Bible Jeremiah 4:2 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Jeremiah 4:2 And you shall swear As Yahweh lives (Jer.) |
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