Jeremiah 42:3
New International Version
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.”

New Living Translation
Pray that the LORD your God will show us what to do and where to go.”

English Standard Version
that the LORD your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do.”

Berean Standard Bible
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

Berean Literal Bible
that YHWH your God may present to us the way in which we should walk in it, and the thing that we should do.

King James Bible
That the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

New King James Version
that the LORD your God may show us the way in which we should walk and the thing we should do.”

New American Standard Bible
that the LORD your God will tell us the way in which we should walk, and the thing that we should do.”

NASB 1995
that the LORD your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.”

NASB 1977
that the LORD your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.”

Legacy Standard Bible
that Yahweh your God may tell us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.”

Amplified Bible
that the LORD your God may show us the way in which we should walk and the thing that we should do.”

Berean Annotated Bible
Pray that the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

Christian Standard Bible
that the LORD your God may tell us the way we should go and the thing we should do.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
that the LORD your God may tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

American Standard Version
that Jehovah thy God may show us the way wherein we should walk, and the thing that we should do.

Contemporary English Version
Ask the LORD to tell us where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do."

English Revised Version
that the LORD thy God may shew us the way wherein we should walk, and the thing that we should do.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Let the LORD your God tell us where we should go and what we should do."

Good News Translation
Pray that the LORD our God will show us the way we should go and what we should do."

International Standard Version
Pray that the LORD your God may inform us as to how we should live and what we should do."

NET Bible
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do."

New Heart English Bible
that the LORD your God may show us the way in which we should walk, and the thing that we should do."

Webster's Bible Translation
That the LORD thy God may show us the way in which we may walk, and the thing that we may do.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.”

World English Bible
that Yahweh your God may show us the way in which we should walk, and the things that we should do.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and your God YHWH declares to us the way in which we walk, and the thing that we do.”

Berean Literal Bible
that YHWH your God may present to us the way in which we should walk in it, and the thing that we should do.

Young's Literal Translation
and Jehovah thy God doth declare to us the way in which we walk, and the thing that we do.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah thy God will announce to us the way which we shall go in it, and the word which we shall do.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And let the Lord thy God shew us the way by which we may walk, and the thing that we must do.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, may the Lord your God announce to us the way that we must travel, and the word that we must accomplish.”

New American Bible
May the LORD, your God, show us the way we should take and what we should do.”

New Revised Standard Version
Let the LORD your God show us where we should go and what we should do.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
That the LORD our God may show us the way by which we may go and the thing that we may do.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH your God shall show us the way in which we will go and the response that we will make”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
that the LORD thy God may tell us the way wherein we should walk, and the thing that we should do.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And let the Lord thy God declare to us the way wherein we should walk, and the thing which we should do.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Warning Against Going to Egypt
2Jeremiah the prophet and said, “May our petition come before you; pray to the LORD your God on behalf of this entire remnant. For few of us remain of the many, as you can see with your own eyes. 3Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” 4“I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you.”…

Cross References
Pray that the LORD your God

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

2 Chronicles 20:4
So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.

1 Samuel 23:2
So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
will tell us

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Exodus 33:13
Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight, please let me know Your ways, that I may know You and find favor in Your sight. Remember that this nation is Your people.”

Psalm 25:8
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.
the way we should walk

Isaiah 30:21
And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”

Deuteronomy 5:33
You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Psalm 25:4
Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.
and the thing we should do.”

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Joshua 1:7-8
Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. / This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

Ecclesiastes 12:13
When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Psalm 143:8
Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.

John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.


Treasury of Scripture

That the LORD your God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do.

Jeremiah 6:16
Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Deuteronomy 5:26,29
For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? …

1 Kings 8:36
Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.

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Clear Declare Shew Show Walk Way Wherein
Jeremiah 42
1. Johanan desires Jeremiah to enquire of God, promising obedience to his will.
7. Jeremiah assures him of safety in Judea;
13. and destruction in Egypt.
19. He reproves their hypocrisy.












Pray that the LORD your God

The survivors of Judah ask Jeremiah to intercede for them after the assassination of Gedaliah and their fearful gathering near Bethlehem. They recognize that the LORD reveals His will through His prophet, yet their wording may also expose a distance from the God of the covenant whom they have repeatedly resisted.

Jer 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you…
2Ch 20:4 So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD…
1Sa 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and…

will tell us

They seek an answer from God concerning their immediate danger and uncertain future. Jeremiah agrees to pray and promises to report everything the LORD answers, withholding nothing. Their request places them under responsibility to obey the revelation they receive.

Psa 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;…
Exo 33:13 Now if indeed I have found favor in Your sight…
Psa 25:8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners…

the way we should walk

God’s guidance concerns the whole course of life, not merely a route of escape. The remnant stands at a decisive crossroads: remain in Judah under Babylonian rule or flee to Egypt for apparent security. The LORD’s way will require trust in His protection rather than reliance on human calculation.

Isa 30:21 And whether you turn to the right or to the left,…
Deu 5:33 You must walk in all the ways that the LORD your God…
Psa 25:4 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.

and the thing we should do.”

The people ask for clear direction about their next action, but the chapter reveals that their willingness to obey is tested when God’s command conflicts with their preferred plan. They promise obedience before hearing the answer, yet later reject God’s instruction to remain in the land. Their failure warns that seeking God’s will must be joined to submission to it.

Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good.…
Jos 1:7-8 Above all, be strong and very courageous.…
Ecc 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his prophecies concerning the destruction of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Israelites. He is often called the "weeping prophet" due to his deep sorrow over the sins of his people.

2. Johanan and the Remnant of Judah
Johanan was a military leader who, along with the remnant of Judah, sought guidance from Jeremiah after the Babylonian conquest. They were uncertain about their future and sought divine direction.

3. Babylonian Conquest
The context of this passage is the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, which led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of many Israelites.

4. Egypt
The remnant of Judah was considering fleeing to Egypt for safety, fearing further Babylonian aggression.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is sought for guidance and direction in this passage.
Teaching Points
Seeking Divine Guidance
Just as the remnant of Judah sought God's direction, believers today should prioritize seeking God's will in their decisions through prayer and Scripture.

Trusting God's Plan
Even in uncertain times, trust that God's plan is perfect. The remnant's situation teaches us to rely on God's wisdom rather than our own understanding.

The Importance of Obedience
It's not enough to seek God's guidance; we must also be willing to follow it, even if it leads us in unexpected directions.

Community in Decision-Making
The remnant approached Jeremiah as a community, highlighting the importance of seeking counsel and prayer support from fellow believers.

Avoiding Rash Decisions
The remnant's consideration of fleeing to Egypt without God's direction serves as a warning against making hasty decisions without seeking divine guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 42:3?

2. How can we seek God's guidance as in Jeremiah 42:3 in daily decisions?

3. What does Jeremiah 42:3 teach about God's will for our lives?

4. How does Jeremiah 42:3 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?

5. In what ways can we discern God's "way we should walk"?

6. How can Jeremiah 42:3 inspire prayer for clarity in uncertain situations?

7. What does Jeremiah 42:3 reveal about seeking God's guidance in decision-making?

8. How does Jeremiah 42:3 emphasize the importance of prayer in understanding God's will?

9. Why is it significant that Jeremiah 42:3 requests God to show "the way we should walk"?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 42?


What Does Jeremiah 42:3 Mean
Pray

Jeremiah’s audience urges the prophet: “Pray that the LORD your God will tell us…” Genuine guidance begins with prayerful dependence.

• Prayer acknowledges God’s sovereign rule, just as Jeremiah 33:3 invites, “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things you do not know.”

• It shifts anxiety into trust, echoing Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

• Persistent prayer is a lifestyle—1 Thessalonians 5:17 simply instructs, “Pray without ceasing.”


the LORD your God

They recognize Jeremiah’s relationship with “the LORD your God,” the covenant name Yahweh, signalling the One true God who alone can direct them.

Deuteronomy 6:4–5 reminds, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One… love the LORD your God with all your heart.”

Psalm 100:3 grounds identity: “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His.”

• Addressing Him as “your God” also exposes their own wavering loyalty; Elijah once challenged Israel, “If the LORD is God, follow Him” (1 Kings 18:21).


will tell us

They anticipate a clear answer. God speaks, and His word is trustworthy.

Psalm 119:105 affirms, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• Jesus promised the Spirit would “guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Amos 3:7 assures, “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”


the way we should walk

“Way” pictures the daily path of life. God’s guidance is moral and directional.

Psalm 23:3: “He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Isaiah 30:21 portrays intimate instruction: “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Micah 6:8 distills God’s expectation: “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”


and the thing we should do

Beyond general direction, they seek concrete steps of obedience.

James 1:22 warns, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

• Paul prays believers “may be filled with the knowledge of His will… so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord… bearing fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:9-10).

Proverbs 3:5-6 ties trust to action: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.”


summary

Jeremiah 42:3 captures a model response for every believer: turn first to prayer, recognize God as covenant Lord, expect Him to speak through His unerring word, receive guidance for life’s path, and translate that guidance into obedient action.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Pray] that the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

may tell
וְיַגֶּד־ (wə·yag·geḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

us the way
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ (had·de·reḵ)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

we should walk
נֵֽלֶךְ־ (nê·leḵ-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

and the thing
הַדָּבָ֖ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

we should do.”
נַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (na·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make


Additonal Resources
Jeremiah 42:3 Blue Letter Bible
Jeremiah 42:3 Bible Gateway
Jeremiah 42:3 Bible.com

Jeremiah 42:3 NIV
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Jeremiah 42:3 NASB
Jeremiah 42:3 KJV

Jeremiah 42:3 Study Bible
Jeremiah 42:3 Biblia Paralela
Jeremiah 42:3 Chinese Bible
Jeremiah 42:3 French Bible
Jeremiah 42:3 Catholic Bible

OT Prophets: Jeremiah 42:3 That Yahweh your God may show us (Jer.)

Jeremiah 42:2
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