Introduction to Jeremiah 42:4: The Prophet’s Assurance
In Jeremiah 42:4, the prophet responds to a plea for divine counsel. His statement is notable for its solemn tone and its careful use of Hebrew verbal forms to express commitment, intention, and future action. Particularly striking is the use of the cohortative construction and first-person imperfect forms that reflect both prophetic submission to YHWH and personal integrity. This verse provides a valuable window into the mechanics of biblical Hebrew as used in prophetic declarations and interpersonal assurances.
וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם יִרְמְיָהוּ הַנָּבִיא שָׁמַעְתִּי הִנְנִי מִתְפַּלֵּל אֶל־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם כְּדִבְרֵיכֶם וְהָיָה כָּל־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲנֶה יְהוָה אֶתְכֶם אַגִּיד לָכֶם לֹא־אֶמְנַע מִכֶּם דָּבָר׃
Analysis of Verbal Forms and Syntax
1. הִנְנִי מִתְפַּלֵּל – “Behold, I am praying”
- הִנְנִי – “Behold I” – a demonstrative particle signaling emphatic self-reference, often used in prophetic speech to express personal readiness or resolve
- מִתְפַּלֵּל – Hitpael participle of פּ־ל־ל (“to pray”) indicating ongoing or imminent action
This construction combines demonstrative force with verbal aspect to convey immediacy and personal involvement. The prophet is not merely stating intent—he is already in the process of engaging YHWH in prayer. The participle here functions almost like a present progressive: “I am in the act of praying.”
2. וְהָיָה כָּל־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר־יַעֲנֶה יְהוָה אֶתְכֶם – “And it will happen, every word that YHWH answers you…”
- וְהָיָה – Qal perfect with vav-consecutive; standard narrative future
- יַעֲנֶה – Imperfect verb (3ms) from ע־נ־ה, indicating future response
This clause sets up a future condition: once YHWH responds, every word He gives will be reported. The imperfect יַעֲנֶה is forward-looking, showing dependency on divine initiative. The use of כָּל־הַדָּבָר (“every word”) shows total inclusion, enhancing the reliability of Yirmeyahu’s report.
3. אַגִּיד לָכֶם – “I will declare it to you”
- אַגִּיד – Hiphil imperfect 1cs of נ־ג־ד (“to tell, declare”)
- Hiphil stem – Causative form, here used to indicate clear and authoritative reporting
The choice of the Hiphil form emphasizes not only the act of communication but also the role of Yirmeyahu as a prophetic mediator. The imperfect indicates future intent, aligned with the condition previously stated (וְהָיָה).
4. לֹא־אֶמְנַע מִכֶּם דָּבָר – “I will not withhold a word from you”
- אֶמְנַע – Qal imperfect 1cs of מ־נ־ע (“to withhold, restrain”)
- לֹא – Negation, stressing complete transparency
This final clause is a solemn vow of openness. The verb אֶמְנַע confirms that nothing from YHWH’s response will be hidden. The combination of לֹא + imperfect verb is a standard negated future, forming a strong assurance: “I will not…” It concludes the verse with a personal promise of prophetic integrity.
Prophetic Integrity and the Language of Commitment
The sequence of verbal forms—participles, imperfects, and narrative futures—mirrors the prophet’s layered response: he is currently praying (מִתְפַּלֵּל), expects a future answer (יַעֲנֶה), and commits to full disclosure (אַגִּיד, לֹא אֶמְנַע). These forms reflect a prophetic ethic grounded in faithfulness, immediacy, and honesty. The passage also displays Hebrew’s rich tense-aspect system, which doesn’t operate purely on linear time but communicates attitude, intent, and covenantal faithfulness.
Grammatical Markers of Trust and Office in Prophetic Hebrew
Jeremiah 42:4 shows how Hebrew grammar captures prophetic vocation. The use of הִנְנִי shows personal responsibility; the participle מִתְפַּלֵּל shows spiritual activity in real time; the imperfects יַעֲנֶה, אַגִּיד, and אֶמְנַע encode prophetic readiness and dependability. These are not merely stylistic choices—they are the linguistic signs of the prophet’s divine mandate. By analyzing these verbs, we uncover how Biblical Hebrew frames trustworthiness and obedience not just in words—but in verb forms themselves.
