King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:16 in the King James Version says “Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in ... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

Jeremiah 29:16 · KJV


Context

14

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity , and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

15

Because ye have said, The LORD hath raised us up prophets in Babylon;

16

Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

17

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

18

And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them: to be a curse: Heb. for a curse


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David—Jeremiah now addresses those not exiled, still in Jerusalem under Zedekiah. The phrase throne of David (כִּסֵּא דָוִד, kisse David) drips with irony: Zedekiah occupied the physical throne, but the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:12-16) was being judged, not honored, by this puppet king's reign.

And of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity—The exiles might have envied those remaining in Jerusalem, but God's word reverses their assumptions. Those 'fortunate' enough to avoid exile faced worse judgment (v. 17). Geography doesn't determine blessing—obedience to God's word does. The exiles who heeded Jeremiah would find life; Jerusalem's remnant who trusted false prophets would find death.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This addresses a critical pastoral issue: the first exiles (597 BC) likely felt cursed while Jerusalem's remnant felt spared. But God's counterintuitive word declared the exiles were the 'good figs' (ch. 24) preserved for restoration, while Jerusalem's inhabitants were 'bad figs' awaiting destruction in 586 BC.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you envied others' 'easier' circumstances, only to discover God's harder path held greater blessing?
  2. How does this challenge the prosperity gospel assumption that external comfort indicates God's favor?
  3. What does it mean that Jesus sits on David's throne now (Luke 1:32-33)? How did judgment prepare for restoration?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
כִּי1 of 22
H3588

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

כֹ֣ה׀2 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

Know that thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 22

the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל5 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙6 of 22

of the king

H4428

a king

הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב7 of 22

that dwelleth

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֶל8 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּסֵּ֣א9 of 22

upon the throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

דָוִ֔ד10 of 22

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְאֶל11 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל12 of 22
H3605

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

הָעָ֔ם13 of 22

and of 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

הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב14 of 22

that dwelleth

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָּעִ֣יר15 of 22

in this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֑את16 of 22
H2063

this (often used adverb)

אֲחֵיכֶ֕ם17 of 22

and of your brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אֲשֶׁ֛ר18 of 22
H834

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

לֹֽא19 of 22
H3808

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

יָצְא֥וּ20 of 22

that are not gone forth

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

אִתְּכֶ֖ם21 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בַּגּוֹלָֽה׃22 of 22

with you into captivity

H1473

exile; concretely and collectively exiles


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 29:16 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 29:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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