Jeremiah 31:11
For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָדָ֥ה
hath redeemed
H6299
פָדָ֥ה
hath redeemed
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
2 of 9
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
יְהוָ֖ה
For the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וּגְאָל֕וֹ
and ransomed
H1350
וּגְאָל֕וֹ
and ransomed
Strong's:
H1350
Word #:
6 of 9
to redeem (according to the middle eastern law of kinship), i.e., to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his wido
מִיַּ֖ד
him from the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֖ד
him from the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Isaiah 48:20Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.Isaiah 44:23Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Isaiah 49:24Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?Psalms 142:6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.Jeremiah 15:21And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.Matthew 12:29Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Historical Context
Cyrus of Persia was the instrument God used to redeem Israel from Babylon. Isaiah prophesied that God would call Cyrus 'my shepherd' and 'his anointed' (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1), though Cyrus himself did not know the LORD. God raised up one stronger than Babylon to accomplish Israel's redemption. Yet Cyrus was merely a type pointing to Christ, the ultimate Redeemer who defeated powers far greater than any earthly empire.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the redemption terms 'redeemed' and 'ransomed' illuminate what Christ accomplished on our behalf?
- What does it mean that we were enslaved to powers 'stronger than us,' and how does this magnify Christ's redemptive work?
- In what ways does God's redemption of Israel from Babylon serve as a type or foreshadowing of Christ's redemption of His people from sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse uses two crucial redemption terms. 'Redeemed' (ga'al, גָּאַל) refers to the kinsman-redeemer who buys back family property or redeems enslaved relatives (as Boaz did for Ruth). 'Ransomed' (padah, פָּדָה) means to pay a price for release from bondage. Both terms emphasize that Israel cannot free themselves—they need a Redeemer who is both willing and able to pay the price for their release.
The phrase 'from the hand of him that was stronger than he' acknowledges the reality: Babylon was too powerful for Israel to defeat. Only one stronger than Babylon could redeem Israel—namely, God Himself. This establishes a crucial theological principle: humanity is enslaved to powers we cannot overcome (sin, death, Satan), and we need a Redeemer stronger than our captors. Christ is this Redeemer, stronger than all opposing powers (Colossians 2:15).
The redemption language here directly connects to Christ's work. We were enslaved to sin, sold under its power (Romans 7:14), unable to free ourselves. Christ paid the ransom price with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19), redeeming us from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). He is the kinsman-redeemer who, being truly human, could redeem humanity, and being God, was stronger than all opposing powers.