Jeremiah 11:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jeremiah appeals to God's righteous judgment and asks to see vengeance on his enemies.
The Context of Jeremiah 11:20
Jeremiah appeals to God's righteous judgment against his enemies.
What Does Jeremiah 11:20 Mean?
Jeremiah turns to God with a prayer for justice. He addresses God as 'Lord of hosts' (emphasizing divine power) and 'that judgest righteously' (emphasizing divine fairness). The phrase 'triest the reins and the heart' refers to God's intimate knowledge of inner intentions and motivations—God sees not just outward actions but the true state of each person's heart and desires.
Jeremiah asks to witness God's vengeance ('let me see thy vengeance on them'), requesting that God vindicate him and judge his enemies. His appeal rests on the fact that he has 'revealed my cause'—he has laid his situation, his innocence, and his case before God. This is a lament asking for divine vindication of the innocent against their plotters.
Jeremiah 11:20 in the Original Language
'Reins' (kilyot, כִּלְיוֹת) — literally 'kidneys,' metaphorically representing the inner will, emotions, and motivations of a person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 11:20
What does Jeremiah 11:20 mean?
Jeremiah appeals to God's righteous judgment and asks to see vengeance on his enemies.
What is the context of Jeremiah 11:20?
Jeremiah appeals to God's righteous judgment against his enemies.