Jeremiah 42:6 Meaning and Explanation
“Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the LORD our God, to whom we send thee; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people declare their willingness to obey God regardless of whether His answer seems favorable or difficult.
The Context of Jeremiah 42:6
The people promise absolute obedience to God's command.
What Does Jeremiah 42:6 Mean?
The people's oath extends to all possibilities: whether God's command seems 'good' or 'evil' to them, they promise obedience. 'Good' might mean permission to flee to Egypt (which they apparently desire); 'evil' might mean staying in devastated Judah. By swearing to obey regardless, they surrender their preference to God's wisdom. They send Jeremiah to God acknowledging that He is the one they truly obey, not Jeremiah himself.
The final clause—'that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of the LORD our God'—reveals their underlying assumption. They believe obedience brings blessing. This is a correct theological principle, but it will be tested when God's command conflicts with their desires. They are binding themselves to the conviction that obedience is the path to well-being, even when they cannot see it.
Jeremiah 42:6 in the Original Language
qôl (קוֹל), 'voice' — God's spoken word and communication, often representing His will revealed and communicated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 42:6
What does Jeremiah 42:6 mean?
The people declare their willingness to obey God regardless of whether His answer seems favorable or difficult.
What is the context of Jeremiah 42:6?
The people promise absolute obedience to God's command.