But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 49:39KJV
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Jeremiah 49:39 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 49:39 mean?

Jeremiah 49:39 says that in the future, God will restore the fortunes of Elam, a nation that had faced judgment and exile, according to the LORD’s promise. This verse points to a time after punishment when Elam’s situation will be reversed and its people will be brought back from captivity.

In this passage, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to announce both judgment and eventual hope for Elam, an ancient kingdom east of Babylon. The context is a series of prophecies against foreign nations, where God declares that even after severe consequences, He will ultimately show mercy and allow Elam to recover.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 49:39

  • "latter" (אַחֲרִית, ’acharit): This word means "end" or "last part," often pointing to a future time, sometimes with a sense of hope or restoration after hardship. Here, it signals that the promise is for a distant, future period.
  • "again" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means "to return" or "to restore." In this context, it emphasizes God’s action of bringing Elam back from exile, not just a physical return but a reversal of their misfortune.
  • "captivity" (שְׁבוּת, shevut): This word refers to being taken captive or exiled. The promise is that this state of captivity will not be permanent for Elam.
  • "Elam" (עֵילָם, Elam): Refers to a specific ancient nation, showing that God’s concern and plans extend beyond Israel to other peoples.

Why Jeremiah 49:39 matters

  • Jeremiah 49:39 clarifies that God’s judgment on nations is not always final; there is room for restoration even for those outside Israel.
  • The verse highlights a pattern in Jeremiah where prophecies of destruction are often paired with eventual hope, showing God’s justice and mercy together.
  • Understanding this promise to Elam helps readers see the broader biblical theme that God’s plans for restoration can include all nations, not just His chosen people.

Where else these words appear

“captivity” Hebrew H7622 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
  • Jeremiah 30:3 For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
  • Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

“Elam” Hebrew H5867 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 10:22 The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
  • Ezra 8:7 And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.

“latter” 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.