That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

JEREMIAH 11:5KJV
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Jeremiah 11:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 11:5 mean?

Jeremiah 11:5 describes God reminding the people of Judah that He is keeping the promise He made to their ancestors: to give them a land rich and abundant, described as “flowing with milk and honey.” Jeremiah responds by affirming this promise, saying, “So be it, O LORD.”

In this verse, God is speaking to Jeremiah, who is then to speak to the people. The context is God recalling the covenant He made with the ancestors of Israel, specifically the oath to give them the land if they obeyed Him. Jeremiah’s reply shows agreement and acceptance of God’s faithfulness to His word.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 11:5

  • “Oath” (שְּׁבוּעָה, shevuah): This word means a solemn promise or sworn agreement. Here, it refers to God’s binding commitment to the ancestors of Israel, highlighting the seriousness of His promise.
  • “Land” (אֶרֶץ, erets): This word means land or territory. In this context, it points specifically to the promised land of Canaan, emphasizing the physical and tangible nature of God’s promise.
  • “Flowing” (זָבַת, zavat): This word means to flow or gush. The phrase “flowing with milk and honey” paints a vivid picture of abundance and fertility, showing the richness of the land God promised.
  • “So be it” (אָמֵן, amen): This word is often translated as “truly” or “let it be so.” Jeremiah’s use of “amen” is a strong affirmation of trust and agreement with God’s promise.

Why Jeremiah 11:5 matters

  • Jeremiah 11:5 clarifies that God’s promise to give Israel the land was not just a vague hope but a sworn oath, showing the depth of God’s commitment.
  • The verse connects the present generation of Judah to their ancestors, reminding them that they are part of an ongoing relationship with God based on His faithfulness.
  • The phrase “flowing with milk and honey” is not just poetic; it underscores the real, material blessings God intended for His people, making the covenant concrete and relatable.

Where else these words appear

“it” Hebrew H543 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 5:22 And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.
  • Deuteronomy 27:21 Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
  • Nehemiah 5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.

“oath” Hebrew H7621 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Joshua 2:17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
  • Nehemiah 6:18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

“flowing” Hebrew H2100 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 3:8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
  • Leviticus 15:19 And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even.
  • Deuteronomy 26:9 And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land, even a land that floweth with milk and honey.

“milk” Hebrew H2461 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 18:8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
  • Deuteronomy 11:9 And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
  • Proverbs 27:27 And thou shalt have goats' milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance for thy maidens.