Jeremiah 29:16
Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֣ה׀
H3541
כֹ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב
that dwelleth
H3427
הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב
that dwelleth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
7 of 22
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
כִּסֵּ֣א
upon the throne
H3678
כִּסֵּ֣א
upon the throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
and of all the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
and of all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
13 of 22
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב
that dwelleth
H3427
הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב
that dwelleth
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בָּעִ֣יר
in this city
H5892
בָּעִ֣יר
in this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
15 of 22
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲחֵיכֶ֕ם
and of your brethren
H251
אֲחֵיכֶ֕ם
and of your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
17 of 22
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
18 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָצְא֥וּ
that are not gone forth
H3318
יָצְא֥וּ
that are not gone forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
20 of 22
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
This addresses a critical pastoral issue: the first exiles (597 BC) likely felt cursed while Jerusalem's remnant felt spared. But God's counterintuitive word declared the exiles were the 'good figs' (ch. 24) preserved for restoration, while Jerusalem's inhabitants were 'bad figs' awaiting destruction in 586 BC.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you envied others' 'easier' circumstances, only to discover God's harder path held greater blessing?
- How does this challenge the prosperity gospel assumption that external comfort indicates God's favor?
- What does it mean that Jesus sits on David's throne now (Luke 1:32-33)? How did judgment prepare for restoration?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David—Jeremiah now addresses those not exiled, still in Jerusalem under Zedekiah. The phrase throne of David (כִּסֵּא דָוִד, kisse David) drips with irony: Zedekiah occupied the physical throne, but the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:12-16) was being judged, not honored, by this puppet king's reign.
And of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity—The exiles might have envied those remaining in Jerusalem, but God's word reverses their assumptions. Those 'fortunate' enough to avoid exile faced worse judgment (v. 17). Geography doesn't determine blessing—obedience to God's word does. The exiles who heeded Jeremiah would find life; Jerusalem's remnant who trusted false prophets would find death.