King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:32 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:32 in the King James Version says “Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out o...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: although: or, should I have continued an husband unto them?”

Jeremiah 31:32 · KJV

Context

30

But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: although: or, should I have continued an husband unto them?

33

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse specifies how the new covenant differs from the old: it is 'not according to' the Mosaic covenant made at Sinai. God identifies the problem with the old covenant: 'which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them.' The issue was not God's unfaithfulness (He remained the faithful husband) but Israel's unfaithfulness (they broke the covenant). The Mosaic covenant could command but could not enable obedience; it revealed sin but could not remedy it.

The marriage metaphor is profound. God entered a covenant relationship with Israel like a husband to a wife, yet they committed spiritual adultery through idolatry. Despite God's faithfulness, Israel repeatedly violated their marriage vows. This explains why a new covenant was necessary—not because the old covenant was flawed in itself, but because Israel could not keep it due to their sinful hearts. The law was 'weak through the flesh' (Romans 8:3).

Reformed theology distinguishes between the covenant of works (do this and live) and the covenant of grace (believe and live). The Mosaic covenant contained elements of both—it demanded obedience (works) but also included provisions for sacrifice and grace. Yet it could not ultimately save because human obedience was required but impossible. The new covenant establishes salvation purely on Christ's obedience, credited to believers through faith (Romans 5:19).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Mosaic covenant was given at Mount Sinai after the Exodus (Exodus 19-24). Israel repeatedly broke it through idolatry, injustice, and rebellion. The prophets frequently described Israel's unfaithfulness in marriage terms—whoredom, adultery, forsaking their husband. The exile was the ultimate consequence of covenant breaking. Yet God promised not to abandon His bride but to establish a new covenant that would succeed where the old failed.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why was the Mosaic covenant unable to save people—what was its purpose if it couldn't bring salvation?
  2. How does the marriage metaphor help us understand covenant relationship with God?
  3. What makes the new covenant 'not according to' the old—what fundamental difference enables it to succeed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
לֹ֣א1 of 22
H3808

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

בְּרִיתִ֗י2 of 22

“Not according to the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר3 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

כָּרַ֙תִּי֙4 of 22

“that I made”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֶת5 of 22
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֲבוֹתָ֔ם6 of 22

“with their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּיוֹם֙7 of 22

“in the day”

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

הֶחֱזִיקִ֣י8 of 22

“that I took”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

בְיָדָ֔ם9 of 22

“them by 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

לְהוֹצִיאָ֖ם10 of 22

“to bring them out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵאֶ֖רֶץ11 of 22

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרָ֑יִם12 of 22

“of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲשֶׁר13 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵ֜מָּה14 of 22
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הֵפֵ֣רוּ15 of 22

“they brake”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

אֶת16 of 22
H853

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

בְּרִיתִ֗י17 of 22

“Not according to the covenant”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְאָנֹכִ֛י18 of 22
H595

i

בָּעַ֥לְתִּי19 of 22

“although I was an husband”

H1166

to be master; hence, to marry

בָ֖ם20 of 22
H0
נְאֻם21 of 22

“unto them saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃22 of 22

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 31:32 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 31:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 24:6-8Deuteronomy 1:31Deuteronomy 5:3Exodus 19:5John 3:29Hosea 3:1

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Jeremiah 31 →

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