And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks.

JEREMIAH 31:24KJV
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Jeremiah 31:24 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:24 mean?

Jeremiah 31:24 describes a future time when people will once again live peacefully in Judah and its cities, including farmers and shepherds who will work the land and tend their flocks. The verse points to restoration and normal life returning after hardship or exile.

In this part of Jeremiah, God is speaking through the prophet to the people of Israel and Judah, promising a time of renewal after suffering and displacement. The mention of "husbandmen" (farmers) and those "that go forth with flocks" (shepherds) highlights the return of everyday life and stability, showing that the land will be safe and productive again.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:24

  • "Dwell" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This word often means to settle down or live in a place for the long term, not just passing through. It emphasizes a sense of security and permanence returning to Judah.
  • "Together" (יַחְדָּו, yachdav): This word carries the idea of unity or community, suggesting that all the cities and their people will share in this restored peace and prosperity.
  • "Husbandmen" (אִכָּר, ikkar): This term refers specifically to those who work the land, underlining the return of agriculture and normal economic life.
  • "Forth" (נָסַע, nasa): This word means to set out or journey, used here for shepherds who move with their flocks, showing that even those who travel for work will be able to do so safely.
  • "Flocks" (עֵדֶר, eder): Refers to groups of sheep or goats, a common sign of rural life and prosperity in ancient Israel.

Why Jeremiah 31:24 matters

  • Jeremiah 31:24 clears up any idea that only the city or temple would be restored; it shows that all of Judah, including its rural areas and small towns, will experience renewal.
  • The verse emphasizes that restoration is not just spiritual or symbolic, but practical—ordinary people will return to their daily work and life will be stable again.
  • In the context of Jeremiah 31, this verse is part of a larger promise of hope and a new covenant, showing that God’s restoration includes both the land and the people’s livelihoods.

Where else these words appear

“husbandmen” Hebrew H406 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 26:10 Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
  • Jeremiah 14:4 Because the ground is chapt, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed, they covered their heads.
  • Joel 1:11 Be ye ashamed, O ye husbandmen; howl, O ye vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley; because the harvest of the field is perished.

“flocks” Hebrew H5739 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 29:2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.
  • Proverbs 27:23 Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.
  • Jeremiah 13:20 Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?

“together” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
  • Job 24:4 They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.
  • Isaiah 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“forth” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 11:2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.
  • Numbers 10:22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 33:31 And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Benejaakan.