And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.

JEREMIAH 50:19KJV
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Jeremiah 50:19 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 50:19 mean?

Jeremiah 50:19 promises that God will bring Israel back to its homeland, where the people will once again enjoy abundance and security, feeding on the rich lands of Carmel and Bashan and being satisfied in the regions of Ephraim and Gilead. The verse looks forward to a time of restoration after hardship and exile.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Israel, who have been scattered and oppressed. The mention of specific places—Carmel, Bashan, Ephraim, and Gilead—highlights well-known fertile regions, symbolizing a return to prosperity and peace. The verse is part of a larger prophecy against Babylon, promising hope and renewal for Israel after judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 50:19

  • "bring" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means "to return" or "to restore." It emphasizes not just a physical return, but a restoration to a former, better state.
  • "habitation" (נָוֶה, naveh): This word refers to a dwelling place or pasture, suggesting a safe and nourishing home, not just any location.
  • "feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This verb means "to graze" or "to shepherd." It paints a picture of Israel not just living in the land but thriving and being cared for, like sheep in good pasture.
  • "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): Often translated as "soul" or "life," here it points to deep satisfaction and well-being, not just physical needs being met.
  • "satisfied" (שָׂבַע, sava‘): This word means "to be filled" or "to have enough," stressing complete fulfillment, not mere survival.

Why Jeremiah 50:19 matters

  • Jeremiah 50:19 clarifies that the restoration God promises is not just about returning to a place, but about experiencing real abundance and security in familiar, fruitful lands.
  • The verse uses the names of specific regions to evoke memories of Israel’s past blessings, making the promise of restoration more vivid and personal for the original audience.
  • In the wider context, this verse stands as a message of hope in the midst of warnings and judgments, assuring the people that exile and loss are not the end of their story.

Where else these words appear

“Carmel” Hebrew H3760 · used in 25 verses

  • Joshua 12:22 The king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one;
  • 1 Kings 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table.
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.

“habitation” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

“Bashan” Hebrew H1316 · used in 53 verses

  • Numbers 21:33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he, and all his people, to the battle at Edrei.
  • Joshua 12:5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:23 And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.

“satisfied” Hebrew H7646 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 16:8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
  • Psalms 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
  • Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.