Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

JEREMIAH 46:28KJV
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Jeremiah 46:28 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 46:28 mean?

Jeremiah 46:28 reassures the people of Israel (called Jacob) that although they have been scattered among other nations and will see those nations come to an end, God will not destroy them completely. Instead, God promises to be with them, to discipline them fairly, but not to wipe them out entirely.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the Israelites who are living in exile. The situation is one of fear and uncertainty, as they have been driven from their land because of their disobedience. The verse balances a message of hope—God’s ongoing presence and protection—with a reminder that discipline ("correct thee in measure") is still necessary, but it will not be total destruction.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 46:28

  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare'): This word means to be afraid or to stand in awe. Here, it is a direct command from God telling Jacob (Israel) not to be afraid, emphasizing reassurance in a time of distress.
  • "End" (כָּלָה, kalah): This word means a complete finish or destruction. God uses it twice—He will bring a "full end" to the nations where Israel has been scattered, but not a "full end" to Israel itself, highlighting a difference in how God deals with Israel versus other nations.
  • "Correct" (יָסַר, yasar): This word means to discipline or instruct. God’s correction is described as being "in measure" (בְּמִשְׁפָּט, b’mishpat), meaning with justice or fairness, not out of anger or to destroy.
  • "Wholly unpunished" (נָקָה, naqah): This word means to be left entirely innocent or unpunished. God makes it clear that while Israel will not be destroyed, they will not escape discipline altogether.

Why Jeremiah 46:28 matters

  • Jeremiah 46:28 clarifies that God’s discipline of Israel is purposeful and measured, not a sign of abandonment or total rejection.
  • The verse draws a sharp contrast between God’s treatment of Israel and the other nations, showing a unique relationship and long-term commitment to His people.
  • This verse helps readers understand the balance in God’s character between justice (discipline) and mercy (preservation), especially in the context of exile and judgment.

Where else these words appear

“end” Hebrew H3617 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
  • Isaiah 28:22 Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
  • Ezekiel 13:13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.

“wholly” Hebrew H5352 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 24:8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.
  • Judges 15:3 And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.
  • Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

“correct” Hebrew H3256 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.
  • Job 4:3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
  • Proverbs 29:19 A servant will not be corrected by words: for though he understand he will not answer.

“driven” Hebrew H5080 · used in 51 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
  • Nehemiah 1:9 But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
  • Jeremiah 27:15 For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.