Devine Scripture

Jeremiah 29:7

What does Jeremiah 29:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Jeremiah 29:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Jeremiah 29:7 means

This command challenges the natural human desire for revenge or separation from oppressors. God instructs the exiles to "seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray unto Jehovah for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace." They were not to resist or undermine Babylon, but to actively work and pray for its prosperity. This surprising directive reveals that their well-being was inextricably linked to that of their captors, demonstrating God’s sovereign ability to work His purposes even through pagan nations and for His people's good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray unto Jehovah for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray unto Jehovah for it; for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And be working for the peace of the land to which I have had you taken away prisoners, and make prayer to the Lord for it: for in its peace you will have peace.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And seek the peace of the city whither I have removed you, and pray for it unto Jehovah, for in its peace ye have peace.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And seek the peace of the city, to which I have caused you to be carried away captives; and pray to the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall be your peace.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray unto Jehovah for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

Context

Following the commands to settle and multiply, this verse introduces a profound and counter-intuitive directive: praying for their captors. This is a pivotal instruction, moving beyond mere survival to active participation in their new society's welfare. It reinforces the idea of an extended stay and provides a unique theological perspective on how God’s people should relate to hostile governments.

v.6Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters: and multiply ye there, and be not diminished.

v.7This passage

v.8For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Let not your prophets that are in the midst of you, and your diviners, deceive you; neither hearken ye to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

Cross references

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

  • Daniel 4:27

    Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

  • Ezra 7:23

    Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

  • Romans 13:5

    Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.

  • 1 Peter 2:13

    Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether to the king, as supreme;

  • Romans 13:1

    Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

  • Ezra 6:10

    that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Jeremiah 29

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Jeremiah 29.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Jeremiah 29:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary