The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

JEREMIAH 15:11KJV
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Jeremiah 15:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:11 mean?

Jeremiah 15:11 records God’s promise to Jeremiah that a faithful remnant will survive, and that even enemies will show favor to Jeremiah in times of trouble and distress. Despite the coming hardship, God assures Jeremiah that things will turn out well for those who remain faithful.

In this verse, the LORD is speaking directly to Jeremiah, who is facing opposition and discouragement as he delivers God’s warnings to Judah. God reassures Jeremiah that, although disaster is coming, there will be survivors (“thy remnant”), and God will even move the hearts of enemies to treat Jeremiah well during times of evil and affliction. This promise is meant to encourage Jeremiah in a very difficult prophetic ministry.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:11

  • “Remnant” (שְׁאֵרִית, she’erit): This word refers to what is left or survives after a disaster. Here, it highlights that not everyone will be destroyed; God will preserve a group of faithful people.
  • “Entreat” (פָּגַע, paga’): This word can mean to meet, encounter, or intercede. In this context, it suggests that the enemy will approach Jeremiah with favor or requests, rather than hostility, which is unexpected in a time of judgment.
  • “Time of evil” (עֵת רָעָה, ‘et ra‘ah) and “time of affliction” (עֵת צָרָה, ‘et tsarah): These phrases emphasize that God’s promise of protection and favor is not for easy times, but specifically during periods of crisis and suffering.

Why Jeremiah 15:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 15:11 clarifies that God’s care for His people includes both spiritual and practical help, even in the midst of judgment.
  • The verse highlights that God’s promises are not always about avoiding trouble, but about His presence and unexpected help during hard times.
  • This reassurance to Jeremiah connects to the larger theme in Jeremiah that God always preserves a faithful remnant, even when the majority turn away.

Where else these words appear

“remnant” Hebrew H8281 · used in 2 verses

  • Job 37:3 He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

“Verily” Hebrew H518 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
  • Numbers 14:35 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
  • 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.

“entreat” Hebrew H6293 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 23:8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar,
  • Joshua 19:27 And turneth toward the sunrising to Bethdagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the valley of Jiphthahel toward the north side of Bethemek, and Neiel, and goeth out to Cabul on the left hand,
  • 1 Kings 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

“affliction” Hebrew H6869 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
  • Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
  • Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.