King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:1 in the King James Version says “At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.”

Jeremiah 31:1 · KJV

Context

1

At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

2

Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. of: Heb. from afar with lovingkindness: have I extended lovingkindness unto thee

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse introduces the restoration oracles of chapters 30-33, often called the 'Book of Consolation.' After chapters of judgment, God now promises comprehensive restoration: 'I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.' This is covenant language echoing God's promise throughout Scripture—'I will be your God, and you will be my people' (Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12; Ezekiel 37:27; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Revelation 21:3).

The phrase 'all the families of Israel' is significant. Not just Judah (the southern kingdom) but all Israel—including the northern tribes scattered by Assyria in 722 BC. God's restoration will reunify His divided people. This points beyond the historical return from Babylon (which involved mainly Judah and Benjamin) to the eschatological gathering of all God's people. Paul develops this in Romans 11, explaining that 'all Israel will be saved' as the fullness of both Jews and Gentiles come into God's kingdom.

The timing phrase 'at the same time' connects this promise to the end of the seventy years (29:10). When judgment is complete, restoration will commence. This establishes the biblical pattern: God's judgment has limits; His mercy endures forever. Even in pronouncing judgment, God promises ultimate restoration. This gives hope to suffering saints—discipline is temporal, but God's covenant faithfulness is eternal.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The return from Babylon began in 538 BC with Cyrus's decree, but it was partial and disappointing. Most Jews remained in dispersion, the returned community struggled with opposition, and political autonomy was not restored. This set up expectation for a greater fulfillment—the Messiah who would truly reunify God's people. Jesus began this work, calling disciples from all Israel, and after Pentecost the gospel went to Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire before extending to Gentiles.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the covenant promise 'I will be your God, and you will be my people' define what it means to be God's people?
  2. What is the relationship between the historical return from exile and the ultimate gathering of God's people in Christ?
  3. How should the promise that judgment is temporal but covenant faithfulness is eternal encourage us in difficult seasons?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בָּעֵ֤ת1 of 13

“At the same time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִיא֙2 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

נְאֻם3 of 13

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 13

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶֽהְיֶה֙5 of 13
H1961

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

לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים6 of 13

“will I be the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְכֹ֖ל7 of 13
H3605

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

מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת8 of 13

“of all the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל9 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְהֵ֖מָּה10 of 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִֽהְיוּ11 of 13
H1961

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

לִ֥י12 of 13
H0
לְעָֽם׃13 of 13

“and they shall be my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 31:1 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 31:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 30:22Isaiah 41:10Zechariah 13:9Jeremiah 30:24Genesis 17:7-8Romans 11:26-29

Test Your Knowledge

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