King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:3 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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.

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

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. tabrets: or, timbrels

Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things. eat: Heb. profane them

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Topics in This Verse

Love Eternal Life

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **The Lord hath appeared of old unto me . . .**—The Hebrew adverb more commonly refers to distance than to time. *From afar the Lord appeared unto me. *The thought is that of a deliverer who hears the cry of his people in the distance, and then draws near to help them. Jehovah enthroned in Zion, or in the heaven of heavens, hears the cry of the exiles by the waters of Babylon or Nineveh. **Therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.**—Some translators render *I have preserved *(or *respited*)* thee, *others *I have continued my loving kindness to thee, *as in Psalm 36:10; Psalm 109:12; but the LXX., Vulg., and Luther agree with the English Version, and it finds sufficient support in the meaning of the Hebrew verb and in the parallel of Hosea 11:4.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 31:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.