Jeremiah 15:19
Therfore thus saith the Lord; If thou returne, then will I bring thee againe, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them returne vnto thee, but returne not thou vnto them. Jeremiah 15:19 (KJV)
The wording quoted above does not appear in the Book of Jeremiah in any standard translation. The King James Version records Jeremiah 15:19 as a promise of restoration for Judah, speaking of bringing back the captivity, showing mercy, and giving a new heart and spirit. Nonetheless, the quoted passage has been treated by some as a distinct divine utterance, and its language invites careful examination.
The opening phrase, “Therefore thus saith the LORD,” signals that the following words are presented as divine authority. God addresses Jeremiah’s distress, urging a return to faithful trust. The conditional “If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me” promises restoration and a restored standing before God for one who renews devotion. This imagery conveys a renewed relationship and honor in God’s presence.
The next clause, “if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth,” emphasizes discernment. Jeremiah is called to separate what is valuable from what is worthless, extending beyond material concerns to spiritual truth. By faithfully performing this task, he would become God’s mouthpiece, speaking on His behalf.
Finally, “let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them” warns against being swayed by the surrounding people. Jeremiah is to draw others back to God while maintaining his own fidelity, avoiding compromise with prevailing ungodly influences.
Although the quoted wording is not found in the standard text, the themes it presents—repentance, restoration, discernment, and steadfast faithfulness—are consistent with broader biblical teachings. Readers are reminded to seek genuine repentance, to discern truth from falsehood, and to remain unwavering in commitment to God’s truth, even when the surrounding culture opposes it.
