King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 30:24 Mean?

Jeremiah 30:24 in the King James Version says “The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his hea... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.

Jeremiah 30:24 · KJV


Context

22

And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

23

Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. continuing: Heb. cutting fall: or, remain

24

The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return (לֹא יָשׁוּב חֲרוֹן אַף־יְהוָה)—God's charon aph (burning anger) continues until He have done it (עַד עֲשֹׂתוֹ). Divine wrath is teleological—it accomplishes specific redemptive purposes, not arbitrary punishment. The verb shub (return) plays on the chapter's restoration theme: God's anger won't 'return' (cease) until He brings His people's 'return' (restoration) to pass.

The intents of His heart (מְזִמּוֹת לִבּוֹ, mezimot libbo) means God's deliberate purposes, His planned designs. In the latter days (בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים) is an eschatological marker pointing beyond immediate history to Messianic fulfillment. Paul echoes this concept—God's wrath reveals His righteousness (Romans 3:25-26), His 'intents' to justify through faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'latter days' (acharit hayamim) appears throughout prophetic literature (Isaiah 2:2, Daniel 10:14) to mark the Messianic age. Jeremiah's contemporaries in Babylonian exile would 'consider' (understand, Hebrew בִּין) God's plan only with hindsight—Jesus and the apostles declare these 'latter days' have arrived (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's wrath as purposeful rather than reactive change your view of His justice?
  2. What 'intents of His heart' has God revealed through Christ that Jeremiah's audience couldn't yet see?
  3. Why does Scripture repeatedly emphasize that we will 'understand' or 'consider' God's purposes only in retrospect?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
לֹ֣א1 of 15
H3808

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

יָשׁ֗וּב2 of 15

shall not return

H7725

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

חֲרוֹן֙3 of 15

The fierce

H2740

a burning of anger

אַף4 of 15

anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

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

עַד6 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֲשֹׂת֥וֹ7 of 15

until he have done

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְעַד8 of 15
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הֲקִימ֖וֹ9 of 15

it and until he have performed

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

מְזִמּ֣וֹת10 of 15

the intents

H4209

a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)

לִבּ֑וֹ11 of 15

of his heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בְּאַחֲרִ֥ית12 of 15

in the latter

H319

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

הַיָּמִ֖ים13 of 15

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תִּתְבּ֥וֹנְנוּ14 of 15

ye shall consider

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בָֽהּ׃15 of 15
H0

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 30:24 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 30:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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