Jeremiah 11:5
That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
Original Language Analysis
לְמַעַן֩
H4616
לְמַעַן֩
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
הָקִ֨ים
That I may perform
H6965
הָקִ֨ים
That I may perform
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 19
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
which I have sworn
H7650
נִשְׁבַּ֣עְתִּי
which I have sworn
Strong's:
H7650
Word #:
6 of 19
to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)
לַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם
unto your fathers
H1
לַאֲבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֗ם
unto your fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
7 of 19
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לָתֵ֤ת
to give
H5414
לָתֵ֤ת
to give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
זָבַ֥ת
flowing
H2100
זָבַ֥ת
flowing
Strong's:
H2100
Word #:
11 of 19
to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
כַּיּ֣וֹם
as it is this day
H3117
כַּיּ֣וֹם
as it is this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
14 of 19
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
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וָאַ֥עַן
Then answered
H6030
וָאַ֥עַן
Then answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
Cross References
Jeremiah 28:6Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.Exodus 13:5And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.1 Corinthians 14:16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Deuteronomy 6:3Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.Leviticus 20:24But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people.
Historical Context
The promise of land to Abraham (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21) was foundational to Israelite identity. By Jeremiah's day, Israel had possessed Canaan for approximately 800 years—clear evidence of divine faithfulness. The phrase 'milk and honey' describes agricultural abundance: milk from livestock, honey from bees or date syrup. Archaeological evidence confirms Canaan's productivity compared to surrounding regions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness to oath-promises create obligation for the covenant partner's faithfulness?
- What does Jeremiah's 'Amen' signify about prophetic identification with the message proclaimed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains covenant purpose: 'That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day.' The Hebrew qum (קוּם, perform, establish) indicates God's commitment to His sworn promises. 'Fathers' (avoth) refers to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. The 'land flowing with milk and honey' (erets zavath chalav udevash) is the standard description of Canaan's fertility (Exodus 3:8, 13:5). 'As it is this day' affirms fulfillment—they possess the land, proving God kept His oath. Jeremiah's response 'Amen, O LORD' (so be it) accepts the covenant terms as prophet and as Israelite.