King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 16:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 16:15 in the King James Version says “But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

Jeremiah 16:15 · KJV


Context

13

Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.

14

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

15

But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

16

Behold, I will send for many fishers , saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

17

For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Despite judgment, hope appears: 'Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.' This introduces comparison between past and future redemption. The Exodus was Israel's defining redemptive event, constantly remembered in liturgy and covenant recitals. However, a future deliverance will surpass even Exodus, becoming the new primary testimony. This prophesies restoration from exile so significant it will eclipse even Egypt's exodus in Israel's memory and worship. This demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness: judgment is not final; restoration follows for the remnant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

After 70 years of exile, God brought a remnant back to Judah under Persian decree (Ezra, Nehemiah). This return became a 'second exodus,' though the ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's final redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does promise of future restoration demonstrate God's covenant faithfulness even in judgment?
  2. What does comparison to the Exodus teach about the magnitude of promised restoration?
  3. How do Old Testament restoration prophecies find ultimate fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּ֣י1 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 22
H518

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

חַי3 of 22

liveth

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 22

But The LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֶעֱלָ֜ה6 of 22

that brought up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת7 of 22
H853

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

בְּנֵ֤י8 of 22

the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙9 of 22

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הָֽאֲרָצ֔וֹת10 of 22

and from all the lands

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

צָפ֔וֹן11 of 22

of the north

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

וּמִכֹּל֙12 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽאֲרָצ֔וֹת13 of 22

and from all the lands

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִדִּיחָ֖ם15 of 22

whither he had driven

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

שָׁ֑מָּה16 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַהֲשִֽׁבֹתִים֙17 of 22

them and I will bring them again

H7725

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

עַל18 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אַדְמָתָ֔ם19 of 22

into their land

H127

soil (from its general redness)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָתַ֖תִּי21 of 22

that I gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַאֲבוֹתָֽם׃22 of 22

unto their fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


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 16:15 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 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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