Jeremiah 12:15

Authorized King James Version

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And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.

Original Language Analysis

וְהָיָ֗ה H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אַֽחֲרֵי֙ And it shall come to pass after H310
אַֽחֲרֵי֙ And it shall come to pass after
Strong's: H310
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
נָתְשִׁ֣י that I have plucked them out H5428
נָתְשִׁ֣י that I have plucked them out
Strong's: H5428
Word #: 3 of 11
to tear away
אוֹתָ֔ם H853
אוֹתָ֔ם
Strong's: H853
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֛ים I will return H7725
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֛ים I will return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 5 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְרִֽחַמְתִּ֑ים and have compassion H7355
וְרִֽחַמְתִּ֑ים and have compassion
Strong's: H7355
Word #: 6 of 11
to fondle; by implication, to love, especially to compassionate
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֛ים I will return H7725
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֛ים I will return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 7 of 11
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְאִ֥ישׁ and every man H376
וְאִ֥ישׁ and every man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 8 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְנַחֲלָת֖וֹ to his heritage H5159
לְנַחֲלָת֖וֹ to his heritage
Strong's: H5159
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
וְאִ֥ישׁ and every man H376
וְאִ֥ישׁ and every man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 10 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְאַרְצֽוֹ׃ to his land H776
לְאַרְצֽוֹ׃ to his land
Strong's: H776
Word #: 11 of 11
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis & Commentary

This verse promises post-judgment mercy: 'And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them.' The Hebrew shuv (שׁוּב, return) and racham (רָחַם, have compassion) promise divine restoration after judgment. 'And will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.' Return to nachalah (heritage) and erets (land) reverses exile's dispossession. The promise applies even to the 'evil neighbours'—if they repent, they too may be restored. Divine judgment aims at restoration, not annihilation.

Historical Context

Post-exilic restoration fulfilled this promise for Judah. Surrounding nations also experienced various degrees of restoration, though none returned to pre-conquest power. The verse demonstrates that exile wasn't permanent—seventy years, then return (29:10). Even for pagan nations, judgment wasn't final if they turned to YHWH (v. 16). This anticipates gentile inclusion in God's people.

Questions for Reflection

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