Jeremiah 29:7

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְדִרְשׁ֞וּ

H1875

And seek

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

for it for in the peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

הָעִ֗יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִגְלֵ֤יתִי

H1540

whither I have caused you to be carried away captives

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

אֶתְכֶם֙

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שָׁ֔מָּה

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וְהִתְפַּֽלְל֥וּ

H6419

and pray

to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray

#10

בַעֲדָ֖הּ

H1157

in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc

#11

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

unto the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#13

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

שָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

for it for in the peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#15

יִהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#16

לָכֶ֖ם

#17

שָׁלֽוֹם׃

H7965

for it for in the peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on peace address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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