King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 50:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 50:5 in the King James Version says “They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a pe...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.”

Jeremiah 50:5 · KJV

Context

3

For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they shall remove, they shall depart, both man and beast.

4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.

5

They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.

6

My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. restingplace: Heb. place to lie down in

7

All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers.

Read Jeremiah 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They will ask the way to Zion 'with their faces thitherward' and join themselves to the LORD in 'a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten.' This covenant language points to the new covenant in Christ's blood (Jer 31:31-34, Heb 13:20). The phrase 'perpetual covenant' emphasizes its eternal, unchangeable nature - unlike the old covenant which was broken.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The returning remnant would seek Zion with determination ('faces thitherward'). This restored relationship would be based on God's new covenant provision.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to set your face toward Zion?
  2. How does the perpetual covenant in Christ differ from breakable human covenants?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
צִיּ֣וֹן1 of 13

“to Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

יִשְׁאָ֔לוּ2 of 13

“They shall ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

דֶּ֖רֶךְ3 of 13

“the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הֵ֣נָּה4 of 13

“thitherward”

H2008

hither or thither (but used both of place and time)

פְנֵיהֶ֑ם5 of 13

“with their faces”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בֹּ֚אוּ6 of 13

“saying Come”

H935

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

וְנִלְו֣וּ7 of 13

“and let us join”

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 13

“ourselves to the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּרִ֥ית10 of 13

“covenant”

H1285

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

עוֹלָ֖ם11 of 13

“in a perpetual”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

לֹ֥א12 of 13
H3808

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

תִשָּׁכֵֽחַ׃13 of 13

“that shall not be forgotten”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

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 50:5 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 50:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:40Isaiah 35:8Hebrews 8:6-10Jeremiah 6:16Isaiah 55:3Isaiah 56:6-7

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Jeremiah 50 →

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