But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.
JEREMIAH 46:27KJVWhat does Jeremiah 46:27 mean?
Jeremiah 46:27 promises that God will rescue the people of Israel (called Jacob here) from distant lands where they have been taken captive, assuring them they will return home, live in peace, and have no reason to fear. The verse is a message of comfort and hope, telling Israel not to be afraid or discouraged because God will bring them back and keep them safe.
In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Israel, who are facing exile and hardship because of foreign powers. The verse stands out in a section mostly about judgment on other nations, offering a personal reassurance to Israel that their story will not end in defeat or captivity. The language of being saved from "afar off" and returning to rest highlights both the physical distance of their exile and the emotional distance from peace and security.
The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:27
- "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to be afraid or terrified. Here, God is directly telling Israel not to be overwhelmed by fear, even in the face of powerful enemies and uncertain times.
- "Servant" (עֶבֶד, eved): Calling Jacob "my servant" reminds Israel of their special relationship with God, emphasizing care and commitment rather than just authority.
- "Save" (יָשַׁע, yasha): This word means to deliver or rescue. The promise is not just about a return home, but about God actively intervening to bring them out of trouble.
- "Captivity" (שְׁבוּת, shevut): This refers to being taken as prisoners or exiles. The verse assures that their time in captivity is not permanent, and God will reverse their situation.
Why Jeremiah 46:27 matters
- Jeremiah 46:27 clarifies that even when God allows hardship or exile, His intention for Israel is restoration and peace, not permanent rejection.
- The verse interrupts a series of prophecies against foreign nations to personally reassure Israel, showing that God’s relationship with His people is different from His dealings with others.
- The promise of returning "at ease" and "none shall make him afraid" highlights that God’s rescue is not just physical but also brings emotional security and lasting peace.