Jeremiah 31:1
At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
Original Language Analysis
בָּעֵ֤ת
At the same time
H6256
בָּעֵ֤ת
At the same time
Strong's:
H6256
Word #:
1 of 13
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
הַהִיא֙
H1931
הַהִיא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
2 of 13
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
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶֽהְיֶה֙
H1961
אֶֽהְיֶה֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים
will I be the God
H430
לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים
will I be the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְכֹ֖ל
H3605
לְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
of all the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּח֣וֹת
of all the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
8 of 13
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Jeremiah 30:22And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Jeremiah 30:24The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done it, and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.Jeremiah 3:18In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.Zechariah 13:9And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Historical Context
The return from Babylon began in 538 BC with Cyrus's decree, but it was partial and disappointing. Most Jews remained in dispersion, the returned community struggled with opposition, and political autonomy was not restored. This set up expectation for a greater fulfillment—the Messiah who would truly reunify God's people. Jesus began this work, calling disciples from all Israel, and after Pentecost the gospel went to Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire before extending to Gentiles.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the covenant promise 'I will be your God, and you will be my people' define what it means to be God's people?
- What is the relationship between the historical return from exile and the ultimate gathering of God's people in Christ?
- How should the promise that judgment is temporal but covenant faithfulness is eternal encourage us in difficult seasons?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This opening verse introduces the restoration oracles of chapters 30-33, often called the 'Book of Consolation.' After chapters of judgment, God now promises comprehensive restoration: 'I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.' This is covenant language echoing God's promise throughout Scripture—'I will be your God, and you will be my people' (Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12; Ezekiel 37:27; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Revelation 21:3).
The phrase 'all the families of Israel' is significant. Not just Judah (the southern kingdom) but all Israel—including the northern tribes scattered by Assyria in 722 BC. God's restoration will reunify His divided people. This points beyond the historical return from Babylon (which involved mainly Judah and Benjamin) to the eschatological gathering of all God's people. Paul develops this in Romans 11, explaining that 'all Israel will be saved' as the fullness of both Jews and Gentiles come into God's kingdom.
The timing phrase 'at the same time' connects this promise to the end of the seventy years (29:10). When judgment is complete, restoration will commence. This establishes the biblical pattern: God's judgment has limits; His mercy endures forever. Even in pronouncing judgment, God promises ultimate restoration. This gives hope to suffering saints—discipline is temporal, but God's covenant faithfulness is eternal.