Jeremiah 29:7
And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
Original Language Analysis
וְדִרְשׁ֞וּ
And seek
H1875
וְדִרְשׁ֞וּ
And seek
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
for it for in the peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
for it for in the peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 17
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
הָעִ֗יר
of the city
H5892
הָעִ֗יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 17
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִגְלֵ֤יתִי
whither I have caused you to be carried away captives
H1540
הִגְלֵ֤יתִי
whither I have caused you to be carried away captives
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
6 of 17
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אֶתְכֶם֙
H853
אֶתְכֶם֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שָׁ֔מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֔מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
8 of 17
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֥וּ
and pray
H6419
וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֥וּ
and pray
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
9 of 17
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
בַעֲדָ֖הּ
H1157
בַעֲדָ֖הּ
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
10 of 17
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
for it for in the peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
for it for in the peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
14 of 17
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
Cross References
Ezra 6:10That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.Ezra 7:23Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?Daniel 4:19Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies.Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Historical Context
This command was fulfilled by faithful Jews like Daniel, who served Babylon's kings with wisdom and integrity (Daniel 6:3), and later by figures like Nehemiah, who served the Persian king faithfully (Nehemiah 2:1-5). Early Christians followed this pattern—contributing to society, caring for the sick (even pagans) during plagues, showing hospitality, working honestly—so that even their critics acknowledged their good works (1 Peter 2:12).
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christians today 'seek the peace of the city' where God has placed us, even when the culture is hostile to biblical values?
- What is the difference between seeking our city's welfare and compromising our Christian convictions?
- In what practical ways can we pray for and work toward the flourishing of our community while maintaining our distinct identity as God's people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse contains one of Scripture's most counter-intuitive commands: seek the shalom (שָׁלוֹם, peace/welfare/prosperity) of Babylon, the very empire that destroyed Jerusalem and enslaved God's people. Not merely tolerate it, not just survive in it—actively seek its welfare. Pray for it. Work for its flourishing. Why? 'For in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.' The welfare of God's people was bound up with the welfare of the city where God had placed them.
This establishes a theology of cultural engagement that Jesus would later radicalize in commanding His disciples to love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44). Joseph in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon, Esther in Persia—all exemplify this principle of seeking their host nation's welfare while maintaining covenant faithfulness. They did not withdraw into isolated communities or foment rebellion; they contributed their gifts and wisdom to the surrounding culture while remaining distinctly God's people.
For the church, this means Christians should be the best citizens—working for justice, contributing to the common good, serving our neighbors, praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We do not merely critique culture from a distance; we engage it redemptively, seeking the flourishing of our cities even when they are hostile to Christian values. Our ultimate citizenship is heaven, but our present responsibility is faithful presence where God has placed us.