Jeremiah 29:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah delivered this prophecy around 597 BCE, after Nebuchadnezzar first deportation of Judah leaders to Babylon. The prophet sent a letter to the exiles who had been torn from their homeland, watching Jerusalem from afar while false prophets promised quick return.
The exiles faced profound theological crisis. How could they be God chosen people yet suffer defeat and exile? Had God abandoned His covenant? False prophets promised return within two years, feeding false hope.
Into this despair, Jeremiah delivered shocking counsel: build houses, plant gardens, marry in Babylon, and seek the peace of the city where God had sent them. The exile was not divine abandonment but divine purpose—refining, teaching dependence, and preparing for restoration.
The 70-year timeframe was specific and verifiable. Those hearing this message would likely die in exile. God good plans did not mean immediate comfort but called for faith in promises they would not personally see fulfilled. This tested whether they loved God purposes more than their own comfort.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that Jeremiah 29:11 was spoken to exiles facing 70 years of captivity change how we apply this verse?
- What is the difference between God plans for peace and our human desire for immediate comfort?
- How can we distinguish between false hope and genuine biblical hope rooted in God character?
- In what ways might God good plans require enduring hardship rather than immediate deliverance?
- How does this verse challenge or comfort us when facing circumstances that seem contrary to God goodness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. This beloved verse offers profound assurance of God sovereign purpose and benevolent intention toward His people. The Hebrew word for thoughts encompasses plans, purposes, and intentions—not mere idle contemplation but deliberate divine design.
The phrase I know emphasizes God intimate, certain knowledge of His own purposes. Unlike human plans that may fail or change, God thoughts are established, purposeful, and will come to fruition. Thoughts of peace reveals God intentions—peace means wholeness, wellbeing, prosperity, and restoration, contrasting with evil meaning calamity or harm.
The phrase expected end translates as hope and a future—confident expectation, not wishful thinking, referring to the final outcome. God promises not just temporary relief but ultimate restoration and hope.
Critically, this verse was spoken to exiles facing 70 years of captivity. God plans for peace did not mean immediate deliverance but promised eventual restoration. The fulfillment required patient endurance through hardship—vital context often overlooked when this verse is applied to personal circumstances.