King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:14 in the King James Version says “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israe...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.”

Jeremiah 33:14 · KJV

Context

12

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.

13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the LORD.

14

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. The LORD: Heb. Jehovahtsidkenu

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. This prophetic declaration introduces one of Scripture's most explicit Messianic passages. The Hebrew phrase hineh yamim ba'im ("behold, the days come") is a prophetic formula signaling eschatological fulfillment, pointing beyond immediate historical restoration to ultimate redemption in Christ.

The verb haqimoti ("I will perform/establish") emphasizes God's sovereign agency in bringing His promises to fruition. The "good thing" (hadavar hatov) refers back to the New Covenant promise of Jeremiah 31:31-34, now further elaborated through the Davidic Branch prophecy. This demonstrates the covenantal unity between God's promises to Abraham (seed), David (throne), and the New Covenant (forgiveness).

Theologically, this verse establishes several critical doctrines: (1) the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (2) the unity of God's redemptive plan across the testaments; (3) the certainty of Messianic fulfillment; and (4) the inclusion of both Israel and Judah in God's restoration purposes. The Reformed understanding sees this fulfilled in Christ's first advent (incarnation) and awaiting consummation at His return.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spoken during Jeremiah's imprisonment under King Zedekiah (circa 588-587 BCE), this prophecy came when Jerusalem was under siege by Nebuchadnezzar's forces and national destruction was imminent. The reference to "house of Israel and house of Judah" recalls the divided kingdom's tragic history following Solomon's reign (931 BCE), when the nation split into northern Israel (conquered by Assyria in 722 BCE) and southern Judah (now facing Babylonian conquest).

Archaeological evidence from the Lachish Letters confirms the desperate military situation during this period. Yet precisely when human hope seemed extinguished, God reaffirmed His ancient promises. This historical context magnifies the prophecy's power—God speaks of future restoration when present destruction is certain, demonstrating His sovereignty over history and His commitment to His people despite their covenant violations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's faithfulness to His promises in desperate circumstances strengthen your trust in His current work in your life?
  2. In what ways does understanding the unity of God's covenantal promises across Scripture deepen your appreciation for Christ's work?
  3. How should the certainty of God's prophetic fulfillment shape our hope and endurance during trials?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הִנֵּ֛ה1 of 17
H2009

lo!

יָמִ֥ים2 of 17

“Behold the days”

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

בָּאִ֖ים3 of 17

“come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

נְאֻם4 of 17

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה5 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וַהֲקִֽמֹתִי֙6 of 17

“that I will perform”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת7 of 17
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֣ר8 of 17

“thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַטּ֔וֹב9 of 17

“that good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 17
H834

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

דִּבַּ֛רְתִּי11 of 17

“which I have promised”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֥ית13 of 17

“and to the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל14 of 17

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְעַל15 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֵּ֥ית16 of 17

“and to the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָֽה׃17 of 17

“of Judah”

H3063

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

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 33:14 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 33:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:5Haggai 2:6-91 Chronicles 17:13-142 Corinthians 1:20Genesis 49:10Isaiah 32:1-2

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