Jeremiah 29:28
For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֞ן
H3651
כֵּ֞ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שָׁלַ֥ח
For therefore he sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֥ח
For therefore he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
4 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בָּבֶ֥ל
unto us in Babylon
H894
בָּבֶ֥ל
unto us in Babylon
Strong's:
H894
Word #:
6 of 17
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
הִ֑יא
This
H1931
הִ֑יא
This
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 17
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בָתִּים֙
ye houses
H1004
בָתִּים֙
ye houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְשֵׁ֔בוּ
and dwell
H3427
וְשֵׁ֔בוּ
and dwell
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
וְנִטְע֣וּ
in them and plant
H5193
וְנִטְע֣וּ
in them and plant
Strong's:
H5193
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
The '70 years' prophecy (29:10) meant accepting Babylonian rule for two generations. False prophets promised return within 2 years (28:3), making Jeremiah's realism seem like treason. His advice to settle in Babylon was politically and psychologically difficult, yet spiritually necessary.
Questions for Reflection
- When does accepting current difficulties become wise faith rather than passive resignation to evil?
- How do you maintain hope for future restoration while faithfully engaging present reality, even when that reality involves discipline?
- What does Shemaiah's outrage at Jeremiah's counsel reveal about preferring comfortable lies to difficult truths?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long—Shemaiah quotes Jeremiah's letter accurately (29:5-7, 28), proving the message reached Babylon and was understood. The Hebrew אָרְכָה הִיא (orkhah hi, 'it is long') captures both duration and the emotional weight: this exile won't end quickly. Shemaiah cites build ye houses... plant gardens (בָּנוּ בָתִּים... נִטְעוּ גַנּוֹת) as evidence of defeatism requiring suppression.
But what Shemaiah sees as resignation, God intends as realistic faith—accepting current circumstances while trusting future deliverance. Jeremiah's counsel wasn't despair but wisdom: don't waste decades in bitter resistance to God's disciplinary providence. This balance between accepting present hardship and maintaining future hope defines mature spirituality, resisting both presumption ('God must deliver now!') and despair ('God has abandoned us forever').