King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 30:18 Mean?

Jeremiah 30:18 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; an...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. heap: or, little hill”

Jeremiah 30:18 · KJV

Context

16

Therefore all they that devour thee shall be devoured; and all thine adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon thee will I give for a prey.

17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

18

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. heap: or, little hill

19

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

20

Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.

Read Jeremiah 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will bring again the captivity (שָׁבְתִּי שְׁבוּת, 'shavti shevut')—this 'restoration of fortunes' wordplay signals covenant renewal. Jacob's tents (אָהֳלֵי יַעֲקֹב, 'oholei ya'akov') evokes patriarchal promises, while have mercy on his dwellingplaces uses רָחַם ('racham', womb-love/compassion) for God's tender restoration.

The city shall be builded upon her own heap (עַל תִּלָּהּ תִּבָּנֶה עִיר, 'al tillah tibaneh ir')—Jerusalem would rise from ruins (תֵּל, 'tel', mound of ancient rubble). Partially fulfilled in 538 BC return, ultimately fulfilled in new Jerusalem (Rev 21:2-3) built on resurrection ground.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy sustained Jewish hope through 70 years of exile. Cyrus's decree (Ezra 1:1-4) began fulfillment, though full restoration awaited the Messiah and new covenant era.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'heaps of rubble' in your spiritual life need God's rebuilding work?
  2. How does God's 'womb-compassion' (racham) comfort you in times of discipline?
  3. In what ways is the new Jerusalem the ultimate fulfillment of all restoration promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
כֹּ֣ה׀1 of 18
H3541

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

אָמַ֣ר2 of 18

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 18

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הִנְנִי4 of 18
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

שָׁב֙5 of 18

“Behold I will bring again”

H7725

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

שְׁבוּת֙6 of 18

“the captivity”

H7622

exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity

אָהֳלֵ֣י7 of 18

“tents”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

יַֽעֲק֔וֹב8 of 18

“of Jacob's”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וּמִשְׁכְּנֹתָ֖יו9 of 18

“on his dwellingplaces”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

אֲרַחֵ֑ם10 of 18

“and have mercy”

H7355

to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate

וְנִבְנְתָ֥ה11 of 18

“shall be builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

עִיר֙12 of 18

“and the city”

H5892

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

עַל13 of 18
H5921

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

תִּלָּ֔הּ14 of 18

“upon her own heap”

H8510

a mound

וְאַרְמ֖וֹן15 of 18

“and the palace”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

עַל16 of 18
H5921

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

מִשְׁפָּט֥וֹ17 of 18

“after the manner”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

יֵשֵֽׁב׃18 of 18

“shall remain”

H3427

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

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 30:18 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 30:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Haggai 2:7-9Psalms 102:13Jeremiah 30:3Jeremiah 33:7Jeremiah 49:39Jeremiah 23:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 30 →

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