Jeremiah 31:32
Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְּרִיתִ֗י
Not according to the covenant
H1285
בְּרִיתִ֗י
Not according to the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
2 of 22
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כָּרַ֙תִּי֙
that I made
H3772
כָּרַ֙תִּי֙
that I made
Strong's:
H3772
Word #:
4 of 22
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֲבוֹתָ֔ם
with their fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתָ֔ם
with their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 22
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּיוֹם֙
in the day
H3117
בְּיוֹם֙
in the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
7 of 22
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הֶחֱזִיקִ֣י
that I took
H2388
הֶחֱזִיקִ֣י
that I took
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
8 of 22
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בְיָדָ֔ם
them by the hand
H3027
בְיָדָ֔ם
them by the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 22
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
לְהוֹצִיאָ֖ם
to bring them out
H3318
לְהוֹצִיאָ֖ם
to bring them out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
10 of 22
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵפֵ֣רוּ
they brake
H6565
הֵפֵ֣רוּ
they brake
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
15 of 22
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
16 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּרִיתִ֗י
Not according to the covenant
H1285
בְּרִיתִ֗י
Not according to the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
17 of 22
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
Cross References
Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:Deuteronomy 1:31And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.Deuteronomy 5:3The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.Ezekiel 16:8Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.Jeremiah 3:14Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.Leviticus 26:15And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:Hosea 3:1Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.
Historical Context
The Mosaic covenant was given at Mount Sinai after the Exodus (Exodus 19-24). Israel repeatedly broke it through idolatry, injustice, and rebellion. The prophets frequently described Israel's unfaithfulness in marriage terms—whoredom, adultery, forsaking their husband. The exile was the ultimate consequence of covenant breaking. Yet God promised not to abandon His bride but to establish a new covenant that would succeed where the old failed.
Questions for Reflection
- Why was the Mosaic covenant unable to save people—what was its purpose if it couldn't bring salvation?
- How does the marriage metaphor help us understand covenant relationship with God?
- What makes the new covenant 'not according to' the old—what fundamental difference enables it to succeed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse specifies how the new covenant differs from the old: it is 'not according to' the Mosaic covenant made at Sinai. God identifies the problem with the old covenant: 'which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them.' The issue was not God's unfaithfulness (He remained the faithful husband) but Israel's unfaithfulness (they broke the covenant). The Mosaic covenant could command but could not enable obedience; it revealed sin but could not remedy it.
The marriage metaphor is profound. God entered a covenant relationship with Israel like a husband to a wife, yet they committed spiritual adultery through idolatry. Despite God's faithfulness, Israel repeatedly violated their marriage vows. This explains why a new covenant was necessary—not because the old covenant was flawed in itself, but because Israel could not keep it due to their sinful hearts. The law was 'weak through the flesh' (Romans 8:3).
Reformed theology distinguishes between the covenant of works (do this and live) and the covenant of grace (believe and live). The Mosaic covenant contained elements of both—it demanded obedience (works) but also included provisions for sacrifice and grace. Yet it could not ultimately save because human obedience was required but impossible. The new covenant establishes salvation purely on Christ's obedience, credited to believers through faith (Romans 5:19).