King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 15:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 15:11 in the King James Version says “The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant ; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant ; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. cause: or, intreat the enemy for thee”

Jeremiah 15:11 · KJV

Context

9

She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day : she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD.

10

Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.

11

The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant ; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. cause: or, intreat the enemy for thee

12

Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel?

13

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

Read Jeremiah 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God responds to Jeremiah's complaint (15:10): 'The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.' The promise is specific: Jeremiah will survive and even be treated well by conquering forces. The word 'remnant' can mean either Jeremiah's remaining days or those he influences. This promise was literally fulfilled when Babylon treated Jeremiah with respect (Jeremiah 39:11-14; 40:1-6). This demonstrates God's particular care for His faithful servants even amid general judgment. The phrase 'time of evil and affliction' acknowledges coming hardship but promises preservation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

When Babylon conquered Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar specifically ordered Jeremiah's protection. The prophet who warned of Babylon's coming was honored by Babylon while those who promised peace suffered destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's particular care for faithful servants manifest during times of general judgment?
  2. What does Jeremiah's preservation teach about God's sovereignty over enemy actions?
  3. How should promises of protection be understood in contexts of widespread suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אָמַ֣ר1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה2 of 16

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אִם3 of 16

“verily”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

ל֣וֹא׀4 of 16

“Verily”

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שֵֽׁרִותִ֖ךָ5 of 16
H8293

freedom

לְט֑וֹב6 of 16

“it shall be well”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אִם7 of 16

“verily”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

ל֣וֹא׀8 of 16

“Verily”

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִפְגַּ֣עְתִּֽי9 of 16

“to entreat”

H6293

to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity

בְךָ֗10 of 16
H0
וּבְעֵ֥ת11 of 16

“and in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

רָעָ֛ה12 of 16

“of evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּבְעֵ֥ת13 of 16

“and in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

צָרָ֖ה14 of 16

“of affliction”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

אֶת15 of 16
H853

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

הָאֹיֵֽב׃16 of 16

“I will cause the enemy”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 15:11 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 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:7Jeremiah 29:11-14Psalms 106:46Psalms 37:3-11Jeremiah 37:3Ecclesiastes 8:12

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 15 →

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