King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:32 Mean?

“Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD. rebellion: Heb. revolt”

Context

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD. rebellion: Heb. revolt

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 65 Is 65:1-25. God's Reply in Justification of His Dealings with Israel. In Is 64:9, their plea was, "we are all Thy people." In answer, God declares that others (Gentiles) would be taken into covenant with Him, while His ancient people would be rejected. The Jews were slow to believe this; hence Paul says (Ro 10:20) that Isaiah was "very bold" in advancing so unpopular a sentiment; he implies what Paul states (Ro 2:28; 9:6, 7; 11:1-31), that "they are not all (in opposition to the Jews' plea, Is 64:9) Israel which are of Israel." God's reason for so severely dealing with Israel is not changeableness in Him, but sin in them (Is 65:2-7). Yet the whole nation shall not be destroyed, but only the wicked; a remnant shall be saved (Is 65:8-10, 11-16). There shall be, finally, universal blessedness to Israel, such as they had prayed for (Is 65:17-25). **1. I am sought--**Hebrew, "I have granted access unto Me to them," &c. (so Eze 14:3, "Should I be inquired of"; Ep 2:18). **found--**Ro 10:20 renders this, "I was made manifest." As an instance of the sentiment in the clause, "I am sought," &c., see Joh 12:21; of the sentiment in this clause, Ac 9:5. Compare as to the Gentile converts, Ep 2:12, 13. **Behold me--**(Is 45:22). **nation ... not called by my name--**that is, the Gentiles. God retorts in their own words (Is 63:19) that their plea as being exclusively "called by His name" will not avail, for God's gospel invitation is not so exclusive (Ro 9:25; 1:16).

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

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 29:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.