And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 31:28KJV
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Jeremiah 31:28 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:28 mean?

Jeremiah 31:28 says that just as God carefully watched over His people to bring judgment and hardship in the past, He will now just as carefully watch over them to rebuild and restore them. The verse promises that God’s attention and involvement will shift from tearing down to building up.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, who have experienced destruction and exile because of their unfaithfulness. In this verse, God assures them that His watchful care will now be for their good, signaling a turning point from punishment to restoration as part of a new covenant.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:28

  • "over" (שָׁקַד, shaqad): This word means to watch or keep vigil. It emphasizes God’s active, attentive involvement—first in judgment, now in restoration.
  • "pluck up" (נָתַשׁ, natash), "break down" (נָתַץ, natas), "throw down" (הָרַס, haras), "destroy" (אָבַד, ’avad), "afflict" (רָעַע, ra‘a): These words describe different aspects of God’s past actions to remove, dismantle, and bring hardship. Each word highlights the thoroughness of the judgment.
  • "build" (בָּנָה, banah), "plant" (נָטַע, nata‘): These words show the positive side of God’s work—He will now construct and establish, not just repair but create new growth and stability.

Why Jeremiah 31:28 matters

  • Jeremiah 31:28 clarifies that God’s involvement with His people is not only about punishment; He is just as committed to their renewal and future.
  • The verse emphasizes a complete reversal: the same intensity God used in judgment will now be used in blessing, making the promise of restoration more powerful.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Jeremiah 31, where God promises a new covenant and a hopeful future for Israel after a time of suffering.

Where else these words appear

“over” Hebrew H8245 · used in 11 verses

  • Ezra 8:29 Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
  • Psalms 127:1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
  • Jeremiah 1:12 Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

“up” Hebrew H5428 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:28 And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.
  • Jeremiah 12:15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
  • Jeremiah 42:10 If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.

“down” Hebrew H5422 · used in 41 verses

  • Exodus 34:13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:
  • 2 Kings 10:27 And they brake down the image of Baal, and brake down the house of Baal, and made it a draught house unto this day.
  • Job 19:10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.

“down” Hebrew H2040 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
  • Psalms 28:5 Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.
  • Jeremiah 50:15 Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.