For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

JEREMIAH 29:11KJV
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Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 29:11 mean?

Jeremiah 29:11 describes God’s assurance to the people of Israel that He has good plans for their future, promising peace and hope rather than harm. The verse emphasizes that God’s intentions are for their well-being, even though they are currently experiencing hardship.

In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah is relaying a message from God to the Israelites who have been exiled to Babylon. The people are in a difficult situation, far from home, and uncertain about what lies ahead. God’s words through Jeremiah remind them that their current suffering is not the end of their story, and that He is working toward a positive outcome for them.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 29:11

  • "thoughts" (מַחֲשָׁבוֹת, machashavot): This word means plans, intentions, or purposes. It highlights that God’s plans are deliberate and thoughtful, not random or careless.
  • "peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom): Shalom means more than just the absence of conflict; it includes well-being, wholeness, and prosperity. God’s plans are for the complete good of His people.
  • "expected" (תִּקְוָה, tiqvah): This word is often translated as "hope" or "expectation." The phrase "expected end" points to a future filled with hope, not just a conclusion but a hopeful outcome.

Why Jeremiah 29:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 29:11 is often quoted as a personal promise, but in context, it was originally addressed to a whole community facing exile, reminding them that God’s faithfulness continues even in hard times.
  • The verse clarifies that God’s plans are intentional and rooted in well-being, not punishment or harm, which can be reassuring when circumstances seem bleak.
  • Understanding the words for "peace" and "expected end" deepens the meaning, showing that God’s promise is not just about survival but about a future filled with hope and restoration.

Where else these words appear

“expected” Hebrew H8615 · used in 33 verses

  • Joshua 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
  • Job 14:7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
  • Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

“thoughts” Hebrew H4284 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
  • Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

“end” Hebrew H319 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 49:1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
  • Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
  • Jeremiah 23:20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

“think” Hebrew H2803 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
  • Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.