Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:17
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 7th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jeremiah acknowledges God's immense power and creative ability.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"Lord GOD! You made the heavens and the earth by your great power and your outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
Plain Meaning
Jeremiah opens his prayer by reminding God of who He is: the Creator of everything. 'Stretched out arm' is a picture of raw, unstoppable power — the same phrase used for God bringing Israel out of Egypt. Jeremiah's point is simple: the God who made heaven and earth can do anything. Nothing is beyond His reach or ability. This is not a casual opener; Jeremiah is building the foundation for what he is about to ask.
Read It in Context
Jeremiah has just done something strange. Jerusalem is under siege and about to fall to Babylon, yet God told him to buy a field in the land — a seemingly pointless act. He obeyed, completed the purchase, and then immediately prayed. This verse is the opening of that prayer. He is wrestling with what God just asked him to do, and he starts by anchoring himself in God's power.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Jeremiah 32:17 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah acknowledges God's immense power and creative ability. He recognizes that God is the creator of the universe, having made the heavens and the earth with great strength. The phrase "nothing is too hard for you" emphasizes God's omnipotence, suggesting that there are no limits to what He can accomplish. This declaration serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and capability to intervene in human affairs. Jeremiah's prayer reflects a deep faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises, even in seemingly impossible situations. This verse encourages believers to trust in God's power and to seek His help in times of need, knowing that He can do what seems unachievable. It reassures us that no matter the challenges we face, God is always able to provide solutions and support, reinforcing the idea that faith in Him can lead to miraculous outcomes. Explore related gods.
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How to apply Jeremiah 32:17 to your life
When facing challenges or doubts, remember that God is all-powerful and capable of handling any situation. Trust in His ability to help you through difficulties, and approach Him in prayer, believing that nothing is too hard for Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary · Jeremiah 32:17 Meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 32:17 mean?
Jeremiah 32:17 expresses God's immense power as the creator of the universe, affirming that nothing is beyond His capability. It highlights the belief that God can intervene in any situation, encouraging faith in His ability to fulfill promises.
What is the meaning of 'nothing is too hard for you' in Jeremiah 32:17?
The phrase 'nothing is too hard for you' emphasizes God's omnipotence, indicating that He can accomplish anything, regardless of how impossible it may seem to humans. It reassures believers of His ability to handle their challenges.
How can I apply Jeremiah 32:17 in my life?
You can apply Jeremiah 32:17 by trusting in God's power when facing challenges. Approach Him in prayer, believing that He can help you through difficulties, as nothing is too hard for Him.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 32:17?
Key themes in Jeremiah 32:17 include God's power, creation, faith, omnipotence, and divine intervention. These themes highlight the importance of trusting in God's ability to act in our lives.
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