King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:11 in the King James Version says “For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.”

Jeremiah 31:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

9

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. supplications: or, favours

10

Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.

12

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

13

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse uses two crucial redemption terms. 'Redeemed' (ga'al, גָּאַל) refers to the kinsman-redeemer who buys back family property or redeems enslaved relatives (as Boaz did for Ruth). 'Ransomed' (padah, פָּדָה) means to pay a price for release from bondage. Both terms emphasize that Israel cannot free themselves—they need a Redeemer who is both willing and able to pay the price for their release.

The phrase 'from the hand of him that was stronger than he' acknowledges the reality: Babylon was too powerful for Israel to defeat. Only one stronger than Babylon could redeem Israel—namely, God Himself. This establishes a crucial theological principle: humanity is enslaved to powers we cannot overcome (sin, death, Satan), and we need a Redeemer stronger than our captors. Christ is this Redeemer, stronger than all opposing powers (Colossians 2:15).

The redemption language here directly connects to Christ's work. We were enslaved to sin, sold under its power (Romans 7:14), unable to free ourselves. Christ paid the ransom price with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19), redeeming us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). He is the kinsman-redeemer who, being truly human, could redeem humanity, and being God, was stronger than all opposing powers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Cyrus of Persia was the instrument God used to redeem Israel from Babylon. Isaiah prophesied that God would call Cyrus 'my shepherd' and 'his anointed' (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1), though Cyrus himself did not know the LORD. God raised up one stronger than Babylon to accomplish Israel's redemption. Yet Cyrus was merely a type pointing to Christ, the ultimate Redeemer who defeated powers far greater than any earthly empire.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the redemption terms 'redeemed' and 'ransomed' illuminate what Christ accomplished on our behalf?
  2. What does it mean that we were enslaved to powers 'stronger than us,' and how does this magnify Christ's redemptive work?
  3. In what ways does God's redemption of Israel from Babylon serve as a type or foreshadowing of Christ's redemption of His people from sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּֽי1 of 9
H3588

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

פָדָ֥ה2 of 9

“hath redeemed”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

יְהוָ֖ה3 of 9

“For the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶֽת4 of 9
H853

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

יַעֲקֹ֑ב5 of 9

“Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וּגְאָל֕וֹ6 of 9

“and ransomed”

H1350

to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido

מִיַּ֖ד7 of 9

“him from the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

חָזָ֥ק8 of 9

“of him that was stronger”

H2389

strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃9 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 48:20Isaiah 44:23Titus 2:14Jeremiah 15:21Isaiah 49:24Psalms 142:6

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 31 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes