King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 12:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 12:15 in the King James Version says “And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.”

Jeremiah 12:15 · KJV

Context

13

They have sown wheat, but shall reap thorns: they have put themselves to pain, but shall not profit: and they shall be ashamed of your revenues because of the fierce anger of the LORD. they shall: or, ye shall

14

Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.

15

And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

16

And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.

17

But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse promises post-judgment mercy: 'And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them.' The Hebrew shuv (שׁוּב, return) and racham (רָחַם, have compassion) promise divine restoration after judgment. 'And will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.' Return to nachalah (heritage) and erets (land) reverses exile's dispossession. The promise applies even to the 'evil neighbours'—if they repent, they too may be restored. Divine judgment aims at restoration, not annihilation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic restoration fulfilled this promise for Judah. Surrounding nations also experienced various degrees of restoration, though none returned to pre-conquest power. The verse demonstrates that exile wasn't permanent—seventy years, then return (29:10). Even for pagan nations, judgment wasn't final if they turned to YHWH (v. 16). This anticipates gentile inclusion in God's people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does promise of compassion 'after' judgment maintain hope through the exile experience?
  2. What does extending restoration possibility to 'evil neighbours' suggest about God's universal purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְהָיָ֗ה1 of 11
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַֽחֲרֵי֙2 of 11

“And it shall come to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

נָתְשִׁ֣י3 of 11

“that I have plucked them out”

H5428

to tear away

אוֹתָ֔ם4 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֛ים5 of 11

“I will return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְרִֽחַמְתִּ֑ים6 of 11

“and have compassion”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֛ים7 of 11

“I will return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וְאִ֥ישׁ8 of 11

“and every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְנַחֲלָת֖וֹ9 of 11

“to his heritage”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

וְאִ֥ישׁ10 of 11

“and every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאַרְצֽוֹ׃11 of 11

“to his land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 12:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 49:6Jeremiah 48:47Jeremiah 49:39Amos 9:14Deuteronomy 30:3Deuteronomy 3:20

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