Jeremiah 33:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Just as nature's covenant is unbreakable, so the covenant with David and the Levites stands.
The Context of Jeremiah 33:21
The covenants with David and the priestly order are as permanent as the laws of nature.
What Does Jeremiah 33:21 Mean?
The parallelism is explicit: 'If ye can break my covenant...Then may also my covenant be broken with David.' The logical structure is reductio ad absurdum. Since no one can break the covenant of day and night, no one can break God's covenant with David's house or with the Levitical priesthood.
The specificity—'that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne' and the priests be His 'ministers'—reiterates the perpetuity of succession. Both promises are locked in place. The covenant is not conditional on human performance but grounded in God's character and power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 33:21
What does Jeremiah 33:21 mean?
Just as nature's covenant is unbreakable, so the covenant with David and the Levites stands.
What is the context of Jeremiah 33:21?
The covenants with David and the priestly order are as permanent as the laws of nature.