Jeremiah Chapter 31 · Verse 17

Authorized King James Version

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And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

Original Language Analysis

וְיֵשׁ And there is H3426
וְיֵשׁ And there is
Strong's: H3426
Word #: 1 of 8
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
תִּקְוָ֥ה hope H8615
תִּקְוָ֥ה hope
Strong's: H8615
Word #: 2 of 8
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
לְאַחֲרִיתֵ֖ךְ in thine end H319
לְאַחֲרִיתֵ֖ךְ in thine end
Strong's: H319
Word #: 3 of 8
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
נְאֻם saith H5002
נְאֻם saith
Strong's: H5002
Word #: 4 of 8
an oracle
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְשָׁ֥בוּ shall come again H7725
וְשָׁ֥בוּ shall come again
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 6 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
בָנִ֖ים that thy children H1121
בָנִ֖ים that thy children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 7 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לִגְבוּלָֽם׃ to their own border H1366
לִגְבוּלָֽם׃ to their own border
Strong's: H1366
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

Analysis & Commentary

And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border. This verse continues comforting Rachel (and through her, all Israel) with concrete promises of restoration. There is hope (yesh tikvah, יֵשׁ־תִּקְוָה) uses tikvah, which means expectation, hope, or even a cord/thread (same word for Rahab's scarlet cord in Joshua 2:18). The phrase suggests strong, tangible hope, not wishful thinking.

In thine end (acharit, אַחֲרִית) means latter end, future, or outcome—the final chapter of your story, not the present crisis. This echoes Jeremiah 29:11's 'expected end' (tikvah and acharit appear together). God sees the entire narrative arc; present judgment is not the final word. Thy children shall come again reiterates the promise of v. 16, emphasizing return (shuv) as certainty, not possibility.

To their own border (gevul, גְּבוּל, boundary/territory) promises restoration to the promised land—the geographical inheritance God swore to Abraham's descendants (Genesis 15:18-21). This has layered fulfillment: literal return from Babylon, ongoing hope for scattered Jews, and ultimate restoration in the new creation where God's people inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5, Romans 4:13, Revelation 21:1-4). The 'border' expands from Canaan to encompass renewed creation.

Historical Context

For Rachel's descendants in exile, this promise meant the Northern Kingdom's apparent extinction was not final. Though Assyria deported the ten tribes (722 BC) and Babylon later took Judah (586 BC), God would restore them. Historically, some northerners joined Judah's return, and post-exilic texts mention northern tribal presence (1 Chronicles 9:3, Luke 2:36). Yet full tribal restoration awaits eschatological fulfillment. Jesus' promise that the twelve apostles will judge the twelve tribes (Matthew 19:28) and Revelation's sealing of 144,000 from all tribes (Revelation 7:4-8) point to this ultimate restoration.

Questions for Reflection