King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:24 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:24 in the King James Version says “And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with f...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks.”

Jeremiah 31:24 · King James Version

Context

22

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.

24

And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks.

25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

26

Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks. This verse concludes the vision of restoration that began in verse 23, painting a picture of agricultural prosperity and peaceful coexistence. The Hebrew yashav (יָשַׁב, dwell) signifies settled permanence, not temporary occupation—a secure dwelling in covenant land. The phrase 'Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together' emphasizes comprehensive restoration: both urban and rural areas will be repopulated.

The mention of ikkarim (אִכָּרִים, husbandmen/farmers) alongside 'they that go forth with flocks' (shepherds) represents the full spectrum of agricultural life. After Babylon's devastation, fields lay fallow and cities were ruined. This prophecy reverses that destruction—farmers will till soil, shepherds will pasture flocks, cities will be inhabited. The word 'together' (yachdav, יַחְדָּו) suggests harmonious coexistence and shared prosperity. No longer will farmers and shepherds, urban dwellers and rural workers, be at odds—all will dwell together in God's restored land.

This vision anticipates the return from exile but points beyond it to messianic restoration. The New Testament reveals Christ as the true shepherd who gathers His flock (John 10:11, 16), and the New Jerusalem as the ultimate 'city' where God's people dwell together in perfect harmony (Revelation 21-22). Paul's language of Jews and Gentiles becoming 'one new man' (Ephesians 2:15) fulfills this 'together' dwelling in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 31 is set during the Babylonian threat (late 7th/early 6th century BC), when Judah faced imminent exile. The prophecy looked forward to the post-exilic return under Cyrus (538 BC), when Jews would rebuild cities and reestablish agriculture. Nehemiah 11 describes the repopulation of Jerusalem and surrounding towns, while Ezra records the restoration of agricultural rhythms and festival observance. However, the post-exilic community experienced only partial fulfillment—they rebuilt but faced ongoing hardship, opposition, and Persian domination. The ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return, when the curse is fully removed and creation is renewed (Romans 8:19-23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this vision of farmers and shepherds dwelling together in harmony illustrate God's design for His people's unity and peace?
  2. In what ways does the New Testament church—composed of diverse people 'dwelling together'—fulfill this prophetic vision?
  3. What does it mean for Christians to anticipate the ultimate restoration when all God's people will dwell together in the New Jerusalem?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְיָ֥שְׁבוּ1 of 9

“And there shall dwell”

H3427

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

בָ֛הּ2 of 9
H0
יְהוּדָ֥ה3 of 9

“in Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְכָל4 of 9
H3605

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

עָרָ֖יו5 of 9

“itself and in all the cities”

H5892

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

יַחְדָּ֑ו6 of 9

“thereof together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

אִכָּרִ֕ים7 of 9

“husbandmen”

H406

a farmer

וְנָסְע֖וּ8 of 9

“and they that go forth”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

בַּעֵֽדֶר׃9 of 9

“with flocks”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

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 31:24 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 31:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 8:4-8Ezekiel 36:10Zechariah 2:4Jeremiah 33:11-13

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