Jeremiah 31:33

Authorized King James Version

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

זֹ֣את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַבְּרִ֡ית

H1285

But this shall be the covenant

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

אֶכְרֹת֩

H3772

that I will make

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

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

בֵּ֨ית

H1004

with the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַחֲרֵ֨י

H310

After

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#10

הַיָּמִ֤ים

H3117

those days

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

#11

הָהֵם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

נְאֻם

H5002

saith

an oracle

#13

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#14

נָתַ֤תִּי

H5414

I will put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#15

אֶת

H853

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

#16

תּֽוֹרָתִי֙

H8451

my law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

#17

בְּקִרְבָּ֔ם

H7130

in their inward parts

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

#18

וְעַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#19

לִבָּ֖ם

H3820

it in their hearts

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#20

אֶכְתֲּבֶ֑נָּה

H3789

and write

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

#21

וְהָיִ֤יתִי

H1961

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

#22

לָהֶם֙

#23

לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים

H430

and will be their God

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

#24

וְהֵ֖מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#25

יִֽהְיוּ

H1961

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

#26

לִ֥י

#27

לְעָֽם׃

H5971

and they shall be my people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

The covenant theme here intersects with God's relationship with His people from Abraham through the new covenant. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of evolution from creation covenant through Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, to new covenant. The phrase emphasizing covenant contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's relational commitment from Noah to the new covenant.

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 covenant particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show treaty language and adoption practices from the ancient world, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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