Devine Scripture

Jeremiah 29:11

What does Jeremiah 29:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Jeremiah 29:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Jeremiah 29:11 means

This beloved verse offers profound comfort and assurance. God declares, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end." Even in the midst of punishment and exile, God’s ultimate intentions for His people were good. His plans were not for their destruction, but for their welfare—"peace" or wholeness—culminating in a future marked by hope. This promise reveals God's loving and sovereign care, looking beyond their present suffering to their ultimate restoration and well-being.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I am conscious of my thoughts about you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you hope at the end.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For I have known the thoughts that I am thinking towards you--an affirmation of Jehovah; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you posterity and hope.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of affliction, to give you an end and patience.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you in your latter end a hope.

Context

Following the revelation of the 70-year exile, this verse provides the theological heart of God's promise. It explains *why* God would bring them back—His unchanging good intentions. This profound declaration of God’s character and plans offers essential spiritual reassurance, giving the exiles a grounding hope amidst the challenging reality of a prolonged captivity.

v.10For thus saith Jehovah, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

v.11This passage

v.12And ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 3:12

    Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep anger for ever.

  • Isaiah 40:1

    Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

  • Lamentations 3:26

    It is good that a man should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Jehovah.

  • Zechariah 14:20

    In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLY UNTO JEHOVAH; and the pots in Jehovah’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

  • Jeremiah 30:18

    Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have compassion on his dwelling-places; and the city shall be builded upon its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner.

  • Isaiah 55:8

    For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah.

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