Jeremiah 49:39
But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
H1961
וְהָיָ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּאַחֲרִ֣ית
But it shall come to pass in the latter
H319
בְּאַחֲרִ֣ית
But it shall come to pass in the latter
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
2 of 9
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
הַיָּמִ֗ים
days
H3117
הַיָּמִ֗ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 9
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
אָשִׁ֛וב
that I will bring again
H7725
אָשִׁ֛וב
that I will bring again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁב֥יּת
the captivity
H7622
שְׁב֥יּת
the captivity
Strong's:
H7622
Word #:
6 of 9
exile, concretely, prisoners; figuratively, a former state of prosperity
Historical Context
Elamites did experience some restoration of cultural identity under Persian rule, though not political independence. Christian evangelization of Elam occurred early (tradition holds the apostle Thomas ministered there). But full restoration awaits Christ's return when 'the earth will be filled with knowledge of the LORD' (Habakkuk 2:14).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God promise restoration to pagan nations like Elam alongside Israel?
- How does this verse anticipate the Great Commission and Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan?
- What does 'latter days' restoration reveal about God's ultimate purposes in judgment—is destruction final or remedial?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But it shall come to pass in the latter days (וְהָיָה בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים, v'hayah b'acharit hayyamim)—The eschatological formula 'latter days' points beyond immediate judgment to future restoration. This phrase appears throughout prophetic literature for messianic/end-times contexts. For Elam specifically, it anticipates reversal of exile and return to blessing.
That I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD (אָשִׁיב אֶת־שְׁבוּת עֵילָם, ashiv et-sh'vut Elam)—The idiom shuv sh'vut (restore fortunes/turn captivity) promises comprehensive restoration: political, economic, spiritual. Remarkably, pagan Elam receives the same restoration promise given to Israel (29:14, 30:3) and other nations (48:47, 49:6). This demonstrates God's redemptive purpose extends beyond Israel to encompass all peoples. Acts 2:9's Elamites at Pentecost may represent partial fulfillment—Gentiles included in messianic salvation. Ultimate fulfillment awaits the eschaton when all nations stream to Zion (Isaiah 2:2-4).