King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 32:38 Mean?

Jeremiah 32:38 in the King James Version says “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:”

Jeremiah 32:38 · KJV

Context

36

And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;

37

Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:

38

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

39

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: for ever: Heb. all days

40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. from them: Heb. from after them

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the covenant formula appearing throughout Scripture—'they shall be my people, and I will be their God' (Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12; Ezekiel 37:27; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Revelation 21:3). It expresses mutual belonging and relationship: God possesses them as His special people, and they possess Him as their covenant God. This relationship is the essence of salvation—not merely forgiveness of sins or escape from hell, but restored relationship with the living God.

The covenant formula appears in contexts of both judgment and restoration. Before exile, God threatened to reverse it: 'you are not my people, and I am not your God' (Hosea 1:9). Yet He promised to restore it (Hosea 2:23). The new covenant guarantees this relationship will never again be broken because God Himself writes His law on hearts (31:33) and enables faithfulness. The relationship is secured not by human performance but by divine transformation.

For Christians, this covenant formula is fulfilled in Christ. Through Him, we become God's people—adopted into His family, indwelt by His Spirit, marked as His possession. And He becomes our God—our Father, our Shepherd, our King, our ultimate treasure and joy. This relationship begins at conversion and continues eternally. Nothing can separate us from God in Christ (Romans 8:38-39).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The covenant relationship was established at Sinai when God chose Israel as His people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remained committed to this relationship, disciplining them to restore them rather than abandoning them. The exile seemed to end the relationship, but God promised its restoration. In Christ, this covenant relationship extends to all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, forming one new humanity in Him (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically that we are God's people and He is our God—how should this shape our identity and priorities?
  2. How is this covenant relationship different from mere religion or rule-keeping?
  3. In what ways does the new covenant guarantee this relationship will never be broken as the old covenant was?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְהָ֥יוּ1 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִ֖י2 of 7
H0
לְעָ֑ם3 of 7

“And they shall be my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַאֲנִ֕י4 of 7
H589

i

אֶהְיֶ֥ה5 of 7
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם6 of 7
H0
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃7 of 7

“and I will be their God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 32:38 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 32:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 24:7Ezekiel 11:19-20Revelation 21:7Hebrews 8:10Psalms 144:15Ezekiel 37:27

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