King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:11 in the King James Version says “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expe...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 29:11 · KJV

Peace

Context

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.

13

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Read Jeremiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This beloved verse offers profound assurance of God sovereign purpose and benevolent intention toward His people. The Hebrew word for thoughts encompasses plans, purposes, and intentions—not mere idle contemplation but deliberate divine design.

The phrase I know emphasizes God intimate, certain knowledge of His own purposes. Unlike human plans that may fail or change, God thoughts are established, purposeful, and will come to fruition. Thoughts of peace reveals God intentions—peace means wholeness, wellbeing, prosperity, and restoration, contrasting with evil meaning calamity or harm.

The phrase expected end translates as hope and a future—confident expectation, not wishful thinking, referring to the final outcome. God promises not just temporary relief but ultimate restoration and hope.

Critically, this verse was spoken to exiles facing 70 years of captivity. God plans for peace did not mean immediate deliverance but promised eventual restoration. The fulfillment required patient endurance through hardship—vital context often overlooked when this verse is applied to personal circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah delivered this prophecy around 597 BCE, after Nebuchadnezzar first deportation of Judah leaders to Babylon. The prophet sent a letter to the exiles who had been torn from their homeland, watching Jerusalem from afar while false prophets promised quick return.

The exiles faced profound theological crisis. How could they be God chosen people yet suffer defeat and exile? Had God abandoned His covenant? False prophets promised return within two years, feeding false hope.

Into this despair, Jeremiah delivered shocking counsel: build houses, plant gardens, marry in Babylon, and seek the peace of the city where God had sent them. The exile was not divine abandonment but divine purpose—refining, teaching dependence, and preparing for restoration.

The 70-year timeframe was specific and verifiable. Those hearing this message would likely die in exile. God good plans did not mean immediate comfort but called for faith in promises they would not personally see fulfilled. This tested whether they loved God purposes more than their own comfort.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that Jeremiah 29:11 was spoken to exiles facing 70 years of captivity change how we apply this verse?
  2. What is the difference between God plans for peace and our human desire for immediate comfort?
  3. How can we distinguish between false hope and genuine biblical hope rooted in God character?
  4. In what ways might God good plans require enduring hardship rather than immediate deliverance?
  5. How does this verse challenge or comfort us when facing circumstances that seem contrary to God goodness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּי֩1 of 19
H3588

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

אָנֹכִ֨י2 of 19
H595

i

יָדַ֜עְתִּי3 of 19

“For I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

מַחְשְׁב֤וֹת5 of 19

“the thoughts”

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר6 of 19
H834

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

אָנֹכִ֛י7 of 19
H595

i

חֹשֵׁ֥ב8 of 19

“that I think”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם9 of 19
H5921

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

נְאֻם10 of 19

“toward you saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה11 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

מַחְשְׁב֤וֹת12 of 19

“the thoughts”

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

שָׁלוֹם֙13 of 19

“of peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

וְלֹ֣א14 of 19
H3808

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

לְרָעָ֔ה15 of 19

“and not of evil”

H7451

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

לָתֵ֥ת16 of 19

“to give”

H5414

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

לָכֶ֖ם17 of 19
H0
אַחֲרִ֥ית18 of 19

“end”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

וְתִקְוָֽה׃19 of 19

“you an expected”

H8615

literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy

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 29:11 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 29:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 55:8-12Psalms 33:11Micah 4:12Psalms 40:5Job 23:13Lamentations 3:26

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