Jeremiah 31:34

Authorized King James Version

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלֹ֧א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְלַמְּד֣וּ

H3925

And they shall teach

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

ע֗וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

and every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת

H853

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

רֵעֵ֜הוּ

H7453

his neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

וְאִ֤ישׁ

H376

and every man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת

H853

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

אָחִיו֙

H251

his brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#10

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

יֵדְע֨וּ

H3045

Know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#12

אֶת

H853

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

#13

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#15

כוּלָּם֩

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

יֵדְע֨וּ

H3045

Know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#17

אוֹתִ֜י

H853

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

#18

לְמִקְטַנָּ֤ם

H6996

me from the least

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

#19

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#20

גְּדוֹלָם֙

H1419

of them unto the greatest

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#21

נְאֻם

H5002

of them saith

an oracle

#22

יְהוָ֔ה

H3068

the LORD

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

#23

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

#24

אֶסְלַח֙

H5545

for I will forgive

to forgive

#25

לַֽעֲוֹנָ֔ם

H5771

their iniquity

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

#26

וּלְחַטָּאתָ֖ם

H2403

their sin

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

#27

לֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#28

אֶזְכָּר

H2142

and I will remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

#29

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Hebrews 8:12 Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
— I will remember their sins no more
² Hebrews 10:17 Hebrews 10:17
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
— Iniquities will I remember no more

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 31 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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