King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:10 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:10 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.”

Jeremiah 29:10 · KJV

Context

8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

9

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. falsely: Heb. in a lie

10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. expected: Heb. end and expectation

12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Read Jeremiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God now reveals His specific timeline: seventy years. This precise number served multiple purposes. First, it dashed false hopes of immediate return—this would be a long exile, outlasting most of the current generation. Second, it provided genuine hope—the exile would not be permanent; God would keep His covenant promises. Third, it demonstrated God's sovereign control over history—He ordained both the duration of judgment and the timing of restoration.

The seventy years is calculated from either 605 BC (when Daniel and the first captives were taken) to 536 BC (Cyrus's decree allowing return), or from 586 BC (Jerusalem's destruction) to 516 BC (temple completion). Either way, God's word proved reliable. The promise 'I will visit you' uses the same Hebrew verb (paqad, פָּקַד) used earlier for judgment—but now in its gracious sense of attending to with favor, remembering, and acting on behalf of.

The phrase 'perform my good word toward you' emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite judgment, God's ultimate purpose for His people is good. The exile was discipline, not abandonment; temporal judgment, not eternal rejection. This established hope for the remnant and demonstrated that God's redemptive purposes cannot be thwarted by human sin or earthly powers. Romans 8:28 echoes this truth—God works all things together for good for those who love Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The seventy years proved precisely accurate, vindicating Jeremiah's prophecy. Daniel, studying Jeremiah's prophecy in Babylon, recognized when the time was fulfilled and interceded for its accomplishment (Daniel 9:2). Cyrus issued his decree in 538 BC, and exiles began returning. This historical fulfillment established Jeremiah's reliability and demonstrated God's sovereign control over empires—Babylon rose and fell exactly according to His timeline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing God has specific times and purposes for seasons of suffering provide hope during difficult periods?
  2. What does it mean that God will 'perform His good word'—how does this assure us of His faithfulness despite present circumstances?
  3. How should we respond when God's timeline differs dramatically from our desired timeline—when deliverance takes seventy years instead of two?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּֽי1 of 22
H3588

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

כֹה֙2 of 22
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר3 of 22

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֠י5 of 22
H3588

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

לְפִ֞י6 of 22

“That after”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

מְלֹ֧את7 of 22

“be accomplished”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

לְבָבֶ֛ל8 of 22

“at Babylon”

H894

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

שִׁבְעִ֥ים9 of 22

“seventy”

H7657

seventy

שָׁנָ֖ה10 of 22

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

אֶפְקֹ֣ד11 of 22

“I will visit”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֶתְכֶ֑ם12 of 22
H853

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

וַהֲקִמֹתִ֤י13 of 22

“you and perform”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עֲלֵיכֶם֙14 of 22
H5921

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

אֶת15 of 22
H853

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

דְּבָרִ֣י16 of 22

“word”

H1697

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

הַטּ֔וֹב17 of 22

“my good”

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

לְהָשִׁ֣יב18 of 22

“toward you in causing you to return”

H7725

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

אֶתְכֶ֔ם19 of 22
H853

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

אֶל20 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֖וֹם21 of 22

“to this place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּֽה׃22 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 29:10 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 29:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Daniel 9:2Jeremiah 24:6-7Zechariah 7:5Jeremiah 27:22Jeremiah 25:12Jeremiah 32:42-44

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 29 →

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