King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:7 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:7 in the King James Version says “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”

Jeremiah 29:7 · KJV

PeacePrayer

Context

5

Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

6

Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.

7

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

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

Read Jeremiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse contains one of Scripture's most counter-intuitive commands: seek the shalom (שָׁלוֹם, peace/welfare/prosperity) of Babylon, the very empire that destroyed Jerusalem and enslaved God's people. Not merely tolerate it, not just survive in it—actively seek its welfare. Pray for it. Work for its flourishing. Why? 'For in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.' The welfare of God's people was bound up with the welfare of the city where God had placed them.

This establishes a theology of cultural engagement that Jesus would later radicalize in commanding His disciples to love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44). Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon, Esther in Persia—all exemplify this principle of seeking their host nation's welfare while maintaining covenant faithfulness. They did not withdraw into isolated communities or foment rebellion; they contributed their gifts and wisdom to the surrounding culture while remaining distinctly God's people.

For the church, this means Christians should be the best citizens—working for justice, contributing to the common good, serving our neighbors, praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We do not merely critique culture from a distance; we engage it redemptively, seeking the flourishing of our cities even when they are hostile to Christian values. Our ultimate citizenship is heaven, but our present responsibility is faithful presence where God has placed us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This command was fulfilled by faithful Jews like Daniel, who served Babylon's kings with wisdom and integrity (Daniel 6:3), and later by figures like Nehemiah, who served the Persian king faithfully (Nehemiah 2:1-5). Early Christians followed this pattern—contributing to society, caring for the sick (even pagans) during plagues, showing hospitality, working honestly—so that even their critics acknowledged their good works (1 Peter 2:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians today 'seek the peace of the city' where God has placed us, even when the culture is hostile to biblical values?
  2. What is the difference between seeking our city's welfare and compromising our Christian convictions?
  3. In what practical ways can we pray for and work toward the flourishing of our community while maintaining our distinct identity as God's people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְדִרְשׁ֞וּ1 of 17

“And seek”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת2 of 17
H853

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

שָׁלֽוֹם׃3 of 17

“for it for in the peace”

H7965

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

הָעִ֗יר4 of 17

“of the city”

H5892

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר5 of 17
H834

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

הִגְלֵ֤יתִי6 of 17

“whither I have caused you to be carried away captives”

H1540

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

אֶתְכֶם֙7 of 17
H853

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

שָׁ֔מָּה8 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֥וּ9 of 17

“and pray”

H6419

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

בַעֲדָ֖הּ10 of 17
H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

אֶל11 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֑ה12 of 17

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

כִּ֣י13 of 17
H3588

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

שָׁלֽוֹם׃14 of 17

“for it for in the peace”

H7965

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

יִהְיֶ֥ה15 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֖ם16 of 17
H0
שָׁלֽוֹם׃17 of 17

“for it for in the peace”

H7965

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

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 29:7 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 29:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 2:1-2Ezra 6:101 Peter 2:13-17Ezra 7:23Daniel 4:27Romans 13:1

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