Jeremiah 33:21
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.
Jeremiah 33:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, God is expressing the seriousness of His covenant with King David and the Levites. King David, known for his faithfulness and obedience to God, was promised by God that his descendants would rule on the throne forever. The Levites, as priests and ministers in the service of God, were also promised a perpetual covenant. By stating that His covenant could be broken, God is emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to Him. The implication is that if David's descendants were to turn away from God and disobey His commandments, the covenant would be nullified. Similarly, if the Levites were to neglect their duties and turn away from serving God wholeheartedly, the covenant with them would also be broken. This verse serves as a reminder of the conditions attached to God's promises and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience in maintaining a relationship with God.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from 2 Chronicles 33:21 emphasizes the importance of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The mention of the covenant with David his servant highlights God's commitment to establishing a lineage that will rule on the throne forever. This points forward to the promise of a coming Messiah from the line of David. Additionally, the reference to the Levites the priests underscores the significance of their role in serving God and the people. The mention of the covenant being broken with David and the Levites reveals the severity of the consequences for disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience in maintaining a relationship with God. The word "ministers" in this verse signifies the Levites' role in serving God and His people, emphasizing the importance of their priestly duties. Overall, this verse highlights God's commitment to His promises and the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing the significance of faithfulness and obedience in maintaining a relationship with Him.
Jeremiah 33:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he shall not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
World English Bible
then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
Douay-Rheims
Also my covenant with David my servant may be made void, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne, and with the Levites and priests my ministers.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then may my couenant be broken with Dauid my seruant, that he should not haue a sonne to reigne vpon his throne, and with the Leuites, and Priests my ministers.