What does Jeremiah 42:6 mean?
"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." - Jeremiah 42:6

In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, Jeremiah 42:6 reads, "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." This verse comes from the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, which is a collection of prophecies and teachings from the prophet Jeremiah during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.
In this particular verse, the people of Israel are seeking guidance from Jeremiah after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. They are in a state of distress and uncertainty, and they turn to the prophet for direction. The verse reflects their willingness to obey God, no matter what the outcome may be, in order to ensure their well-being.
One of the central themes of this verse is obedience to God's will. The people of Israel are expressing their commitment to following the commands of the Lord, regardless of whether the outcome is favorable or unfavorable. This unwavering obedience demonstrates their faith and trust in God, even in the face of difficult circumstances. The verse serves as a reminder that obedience to God is essential for spiritual well-being and ultimately leads to blessings.
The context of this verse is critical to understanding its significance. At the time of Jeremiah, Israel was in a period of great turmoil and uncertainty. The Babylonian conquest had resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites. The people were grappling with the consequences of their disobedience to God and seeking guidance on how to proceed. In this context, the verse reinforces the importance of heeding God's voice and following His commands, even in the midst of adversity.
The symbolism in this verse revolves around the concept of obedience and its relationship to well-being. The people's declaration to obey the voice of the Lord symbolizes their recognition of God's authority and their willingness to submit to His will. The verse underscores the idea that true prosperity and security come from aligning oneself with God's purposes and commands. It also symbolizes the importance of faith and trust in God, even when the path forward may seem uncertain or difficult.
Overall, Jeremiah 42:6 is a powerful statement of faith and obedience in the face of adversity. It captures the essence of the Israelites' commitment to following God's will, regardless of the outcome. The verse serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the blessings that flow from faithfully following His commands. It also offers hope and encouragement to believers facing challenges, affirming that God's guidance ultimately leads to well-being and prosperity.
Have questions about Jeremiah 42:6?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Jeremiah 42:6 Artwork
Jeremiah 42:6 - "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."
"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." - Jeremiah 42:6
Jeremiah 42:7 - "¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah."
Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 42:7 And it happened after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 51:42 - "The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof."
Jeremiah 42:13 - "¶ But if ye say, We will not dwell in this land, neither obey the voice of the LORD your God,"
Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."
Jeremiah 42:5 - "Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us."
"¶ And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah." - Jeremiah 42:7
Jeremiah 48:42 - "And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD."
1 Chronicles 6:42 - "The son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei,"
Job 42:6 - "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Jeremiah 42:3 - "That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do."
Jeremiah 42:22 - "Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn."
Jeremiah 42:12 - "And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land."
Jeremiah 42:8 - "Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,"
Jeremiah 42:9 - "And said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before him;"
Jeremiah 42:1 - "Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even unto the greatest, came near,"
"And they did all eat, and were filled." - Mark 6:42
Jeremiah 42:19 - "¶ The LORD hath said concerning you, O ye remnant of Judah; Go ye not into Egypt: know certainly that I have admonished you this day."
Jeremiah 42:13 "But if you say, 'We will not dwell in this land,' disobeying the voice of the Lord your God,
Jeremiah 42:2 - "And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, even for all this remnant; (for we are left but a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)"
.Jeremiah 51:42 The sea has come up over Babylon; She is covered with the multitude of its waves.
Jeremiah 42:11 - "Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand."
Jeremiah 42:14 - "Saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:"
2 Chronicles 6:42 - "O LORD God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant."
Jeremiah 38:6 (KJVA) 6 Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.
Jeremiah 37:6 - "¶ Then came the word of the LORD unto the prophet Jeremiah, saying,"
"The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof." - Jeremiah 51:42