King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:5 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things....” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 31:5 · KJV

Context

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

4

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

5

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

6

For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

7

For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria—the verb עוֹד תִּטְּעִי (od tit'i, 'you shall yet plant') promises agricultural restoration specifically in Samaria, the Northern Kingdom's capital, destroyed by Assyria (722 BC). This prophecy transcends political division: God will reunite Israel and Judah (31:27-28, 31). Vineyard imagery evokes Israel's covenantal identity (Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:8-16)—God replants what judgment uprooted.

The planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things—the Hebrew וְחִלֵּלוּ (v'chilelu, literally 'profane them/treat as common') references Leviticus 19:23-25: newly planted fruit was forbidden (orlah) for three years, sacred to the LORD in year four, common in year five. This promise of eating as 'common' (חֻלִּין, chullin) means peace lasting long enough to harvest mature vineyards—no invading armies, no exile, no premature cutting down. Deuteronomy 28:30 threatened planting without eating; this reverses the curse.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Samaria's mountains, once Israel's agricultural heartland, lay desolate for over a century after Assyrian conquest. Jeremiah's prophecy (to Judah, circa 587 BC) promised Northern Israel's restoration alongside Judah's—a reunification fulfilled partially in the post-exilic era and fully awaiting eschatological completion when 'all Israel shall be saved' (Romans 11:26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to restore Samaria (Northern Israel) alongside Judah challenge divisions you maintain between 'acceptable' and 'unacceptable' believers?
  2. What does the detail about eating vineyards 'as common things' teach about God's desire for sustained peace, not merely momentary relief?
  3. Where in your life has God reversed curses (planting without harvesting) into blessings (long-term fruitfulness)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ע֚וֹד1 of 8
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

נֹטְעִ֖ים2 of 8

“Thou shalt yet plant”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

כְרָמִ֔ים3 of 8

“vines”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

בְּהָרֵ֖י4 of 8

“upon the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

שֹֽׁמְר֑וֹן5 of 8

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

נֹטְעִ֖ים6 of 8

“Thou shalt yet plant”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

נֹטְעִ֖ים7 of 8

“Thou shalt yet plant”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

וְחִלֵּֽלוּ׃8 of 8

“and shall eat them as common things”

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

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 31:5 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 31:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Amos 9:14Micah 4:4Deuteronomy 28:30Isaiah 65:21-22Leviticus 19:23-25Obadiah 1:19

Places in This Verse

Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in Jeremiah 31 →

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