Jeremiah 15:19
Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
Jeremiah 15:19 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord is speaking to the people, urging them to return to Him. The statement "If thou return, then will I bring thee again" emphasizes the importance of turning back to God in order to receive His blessings and guidance. The Lord promises that those who separate themselves from sinful influences and choose to follow His ways will be honored and respected. By choosing to uphold the values and teachings of the Lord, individuals can be seen as His representatives, speaking His words and carrying out His will. The phrase "let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them" is a reminder to prioritize God's commandments above the desires and influences of others. By remaining steadfast in faith and seeking purification from sin, individuals can align themselves with the Lord's plans and purposes. This verse serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the rewards that come from following God's path.
Theological Overview
Jeremiah 15:19 is a powerful verse that speaks to the idea of repentance and redemption in the eyes of the LORD. The phrase "If thou return, then will I bring thee again" underscores the importance of turning back to God in order to receive His grace and forgiveness. The imagery of separating the precious from the vile highlights the idea of purifying oneself and making choices that are pleasing to the Lord. By aligning oneself with God's will and being discerning in one's actions, one can be as a mouthpiece for God, proclaiming His truth and righteousness. The call for others to return unto you while not turning back to them serves as a reminder to stay steadfast in one's faith and to not be swayed by the ways of the world. Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of repentance, purification, and fidelity to God in order to be a vessel for His message and grace.
Jeremiah 15:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore thus saith Jehovah, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, that thou mayest stand before me; and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: they shall return unto thee, but thou shalt not return unto them.
World English Bible
Therefore thus says Yahweh, If you return, then I will bring you again, that you may stand before me; and if you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth: they shall return to you, but you shall not return to them.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore thus saith the Lord: If thou wilt be converted, I will convert thee, and thou shalt stand before my face; and thou wilt separate the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: they shall be turned to thee, and thou shalt not be turned to them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou returne, then wil I bring thee againe, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take away the precious from the vile, thou shalt be according to my worde: let them returne vnto thee, but returne not thou vnto them.