King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:1 in the King James Version says “Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;”

Jeremiah 29:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;

2

(After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;) eunuchs: or, chamberlains

3

By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This chapter introduces Jeremiah's letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon—a remarkable document that shaped how God's people should live in a pagan culture. The recipients are carefully identified: 'the residue of the elders...the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive.' This was the elite class of Judah—the first wave of exiles in 597 BC included King Jehoiachin, nobles, craftsmen, and soldiers (2 Kings 24:14-16).

The fact that Jeremiah wrote from Jerusalem to Babylon highlights the divided state of God's people. Those in Jerusalem were tempted to believe the exiles would return quickly, while those in Babylon heard false prophets like Hananiah promising immediate deliverance. Into this confusion, Jeremiah speaks God's true word: the exile will last seventy years (v. 10). This required accepting a difficult present reality rather than grasping at false hope.

This letter establishes a theology of exile that remains relevant for Christians living as 'strangers and pilgrims' in this world (1 Peter 2:11). We are exiled from our true home, living in a culture that does not share our values, yet called to faithfully inhabit that space. Jeremiah's instructions—build houses, plant gardens, marry, multiply, seek the city's welfare—provide a model for faithful presence in a hostile culture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The letter was sent around 594 BC, about three years after the first deportation. The exiles were settled in various locations in Babylon, including Tel-abib by the river Chebar where Ezekiel prophesied (Ezekiel 3:15). Archaeological evidence shows that some Jewish exiles prospered in Babylon, engaging in business and even owning property. Yet they struggled with the tension between accommodation and assimilation, between faithful presence and losing their distinct identity as God's covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jeremiah's letter teach us about how to live faithfully in a culture that does not share biblical values?
  2. How do we balance seeking our city's welfare while maintaining our distinct identity as God's people?
  3. In what ways are Christians today 'exiles' living in a foreign land, and how should this shape our engagement with culture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙1 of 24
H428

these or those

דִּבְרֵ֣י2 of 24

“Now these are the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַסֵּ֔פֶר3 of 24

“of the letter”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 24
H834

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

שָׁלַ֛ח5 of 24

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יִרְמְיָ֥ה6 of 24

“that Jeremiah”

H3414

jirmejah, the name of eight or nine israelites

הַנְּבִיאִים֙7 of 24

“and to the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

מִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם8 of 24

“from Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֶל9 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֶ֜תֶר10 of 24

“unto the residue”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

זִקְנֵ֣י11 of 24

“of the elders”

H2205

old

הַגּוֹלָ֗ה12 of 24

“which were carried away captives”

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles

וְאֶל13 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֲנִ֤ים14 of 24

“and to the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶל15 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנְּבִיאִים֙16 of 24

“and to the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

וְאֶל17 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל18 of 24
H3605

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

הָעָ֔ם19 of 24

“and to all the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֲשֶׁ֨ר20 of 24
H834

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

הֶגְלָ֧ה21 of 24

“had carried away captive”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

נְבֽוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֛ר22 of 24

“whom Nebuchadnezzar”

H5019

nebukadnetstsar (or nebukadretsts(-ar, or)), king of babylon

מִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם23 of 24

“from Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בָּבֶֽלָה׃24 of 24

“to Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

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 29:1 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 29:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 9:20Acts 15:23Hebrews 13:22Jeremiah 29:25-29Revelation 2:1-3Jeremiah 28:4

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 29 →

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