Jeremiah 11:5

KJV

That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

That I may perform {H6965} the oath {H7621} which I have sworn {H7650} unto your fathers {H1}, to give {H5414} them a land {H776} flowing {H2100} with milk {H2461} and honey {H1706}, as it is this day {H3117}. Then answered {H6030} I, and said {H559}, So be it {H543}, O LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that I can fulfill the oath that I swore to your ancestors, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is today."'" Then I responded, "Amen, ADONAI."

Berean Standard Bible

This was in order to establish the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is to this day.” “Amen, LORD,” I answered.

American Standard Version

that I may establish the oath which I sware unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as at this day. Then answered I, and said, Amen, O Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:5 encapsulates the Lord's unwavering commitment to the covenant established with Israel's ancestors, specifically His solemn oath to grant them a bountiful land. This divine declaration serves as a poignant reminder of God's steadfast faithfulness, even as He confronts Judah's current disobedience and covenant infidelity. Jeremiah's immediate and profound affirmation, "So be it, O LORD," underscores the prophet's alignment with God's righteous character and the truth of His enduring promises, despite the impending judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 11:5 is situated within a significant section of the book (Jeremiah 11:1-17) often referred to as a "covenant lawsuit" or "covenant curses." Here, the Lord, through Jeremiah, reiterates the terms of the Mosaic Covenant, reminding Judah of the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience (cf. [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 11:1-4) explicitly state God's command to declare the words of this covenant throughout Judah and Jerusalem, emphasizing that the people must "obey my voice" and "do them, according to all which I command you." Verse 5 then presents God's motivation for this reminder: to perform the ancient oath. The immediate context highlights a stark contrast between God's faithfulness to His promises and Israel's failure to uphold their end of the covenant, setting the stage for the pronouncements of judgment that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah occurred during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BCE). This era was marked by pervasive idolatry, social injustice, and a general abandonment of the Mosaic covenant, despite Josiah's earlier reforms. The "oath which I have sworn unto your fathers" refers primarily to the Abrahamic Covenant ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise to Abraham")) and its reaffirmation to Isaac and Jacob, promising their descendants the land of Canaan. This promise was foundational to Israel's identity and their relationship with Yahweh. The description of the land as "flowing with milk and honey" is a classic biblical idiom (first seen in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promised Land")) symbolizing extraordinary fertility, abundance, and divine blessing—a stark contrast to the barrenness often associated with the wilderness. The phrase "as it is this day" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, reminding the people that they are currently enjoying the benefits of God's past faithfulness, even as they rebel against Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jeremiah's message and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** (Hebrew: *'emunah*), demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises regardless of human performance. His oath is eternal and unchanging. Secondly, it highlights the **Covenant Relationship** between Yahweh and Israel, a relationship founded on divine initiative and promise, yet requiring human obedience. The land itself was a tangible sign and fulfillment of this covenant. Thirdly, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **Divine Justice and Judgment**, as God's faithfulness to His oath also implies His faithfulness to the covenant's curses for disobedience. Finally, Jeremiah's response, "So be it, O LORD," introduces the theme of **Prophetic Affirmation and Submission**, showcasing the prophet's complete alignment with God's will and truth, even when the message is one of impending doom for his own people. This divine-human interaction encapsulates the tension between God's enduring grace and humanity's persistent rebellion, a recurring motif throughout the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **oath (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwʻâh'_):** From H7621, meaning "something sworn, i.e., an oath." This word emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of God's promise. An oath in ancient Near Eastern culture was a grave commitment, often invoked with divine witnesses, making its performance non-negotiable. God's oath to the patriarchs was not a conditional promise but a foundational, unconditional commitment that He would unilaterally fulfill, providing the basis for Israel's existence and their possession of the land.
* **flowing (Hebrew, _zûwb'_):** From H2100, a primitive root meaning "to flow freely (as water), i.e. (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow." In this context, it signifies an abundant, ceaseless outpouring. When combined with "milk and honey," it paints a vivid picture of a land so fertile and rich that these precious commodities flow as if from natural springs, symbolizing an inexhaustible supply of sustenance and blessing.
* **So be it (Hebrew, _ʼâmên'_):** From H543, meaning "sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly; Amen, so be it, truth." This is a profound word of affirmation, indicating complete agreement, endorsement, and a desire for the stated truth to be realized. Jeremiah's "Amen" is not a passive acknowledgment but an active declaration of his personal conviction in the truth and justice of God's words, aligning his will with the divine decree. It signifies his full submission and trust in the Lord's character and plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers,"**: This clause reveals God's divine motivation and steadfast character. He acts not arbitrarily, but in fulfillment of His ancient, solemn promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The "oath" signifies an unbreakable divine commitment, highlighting God's faithfulness as a core attribute.
* **"to give them a land flowing with milk and honey,"**: This specifies the content of the oath – the promised land. The evocative imagery of "milk and honey" is a well-established biblical idiom for extraordinary abundance, fertility, and prosperity, signifying a land divinely blessed and capable of sustaining its inhabitants richly.
* **"as [it is] this day."**: This phrase serves as a powerful, immediate reminder to the people of Judah. It emphasizes that despite their current disobedience, they are still living in and benefiting from the direct fulfillment of God's ancient promise. It underscores God's enduring patience and the tangible reality of His faithfulness, making their rebellion all the more egregious.
* **"Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD."**: This is Jeremiah's personal response. His "Amen" (translated "So be it") is a profound declaration of agreement, affirmation, and submission. It signifies his complete alignment with God's truth, justice, and sovereign will, even when that will involves delivering a message of judgment to his own people. It is a prophetic endorsement of divine righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 11:5 employs several potent literary devices. The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" is a classic **Idiom** and **Metaphor**, vividly conveying divine blessing and abundant provision. It is not meant to be taken literally as rivers of milk and honey, but rather as a symbolic representation of extraordinary fertility and sustenance. The entire passage is framed within **Covenant Language**, recalling the foundational agreements between God and Israel, emphasizing the reciprocal obligations, and highlighting God's role as the faithful covenant-keeper. The divine declaration itself represents **Divine Speech**, where the Lord directly addresses His people through the prophet, asserting His authority and purpose. Jeremiah's response, "So be it, O LORD," is an act of **Prophetic Affirmation**, demonstrating his personal conviction and alignment with the divine message. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between God's unwavering faithfulness ("I may perform the oath") and Judah's current unfaithfulness, highlighted by the phrase "as it is this day," which serves as a subtle indictment of their ingratitude and rebellion in the face of ongoing divine blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 11:5 serves as a powerful theological anchor, reminding us of God's immutable character and the enduring nature of His promises. It reveals a God who is faithful to His word, even when His people are not. This faithfulness is not merely a historical fact but a foundational truth for all generations, demonstrating that God's covenant commitments are rooted in His unchanging nature, not in human merit or performance. While Israel's possession of the land was a physical manifestation of this faithfulness, the principle extends to all of God's promises, providing a firm basis for trust and hope. The prophet's "Amen" models a profound response of faith and submission to divine truth, even when that truth is challenging or painful.

* [Deuteronomy 8:7-9](/deuteronomy/8-7 "Deuteronomy 8:7-9 - Description of the Promised Land")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath")
* [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 11:5 invites contemporary believers to reflect deeply on the steadfastness of God's character and the reliability of His word. Just as God meticulously fulfilled His ancient oath to Israel, He remains utterly faithful to every promise He has made to us, particularly those secured in Christ. This truth provides an unshakable foundation for our faith, especially in times of uncertainty or when our own faithfulness falters. We are called not only to acknowledge God's promises but to respond with a Jeremiah-like "Amen"—a heartfelt, active agreement and submission to His truth, even when it demands difficult obedience or challenges our comfort. Our "So be it, O LORD" should reflect a trust that God's plans are perfect, His timing is sovereign, and His character is unimpeachable, leading us to live in grateful obedience to His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **How does Jeremiah's "So be it, O LORD" challenge or inspire your own response to God's word, particularly when it calls for difficult obedience or sacrifice?**
* **What "milk and honey" blessings (spiritual or physical) are you currently experiencing that serve as a testament to God's enduring faithfulness in your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey"?**

Answer: The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Hebrew: *'erets zavat chalav udevash*) is a powerful biblical **idiom** first used in [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - The Promised Land") to describe the land God promised to Israel. It symbolizes extraordinary fertility, abundance, and divine blessing. "Milk" represents the richness of livestock and dairy products, while "honey" (likely date syrup or wild honey) signifies the sweetness and bounty of agricultural produce. Together, they paint a picture of a land so productive and blessed that it effortlessly provides all necessary sustenance and delight, fulfilling God's promise of a prosperous inheritance.

**Why does Jeremiah respond with "So be it, O LORD" (Amen)?**

Answer: Jeremiah's response, "So be it, O LORD," is a direct translation of the Hebrew word *Amen* (H543). This is a profound act of **affirmation** and **submission**. It signifies Jeremiah's complete agreement with God's words, acknowledging their truth, justice, and authority. It's not merely a passive acceptance but an active endorsement, aligning his will and spirit with the divine declaration. In a context where God is reminding Judah of their covenant obligations and impending judgment, Jeremiah's "Amen" underscores his prophetic integrity and his unwavering loyalty to God's righteous character, even when the message is difficult for his own people to hear. This prophetic "Amen" foreshadows the ultimate "Amen" of God's promises in Christ, as referenced in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 11:5, with its emphasis on God's unwavering oath and the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant promised a physical land as an inheritance, the New Covenant, established through Christ's sacrifice, offers a spiritual inheritance that far surpasses earthly boundaries. Jesus is the ultimate "Amen" (as revealed in [Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Amen")), the embodiment and guarantor of all God's promises. Just as God was faithful to His oath to the patriarchs, He has been supremely faithful in sending His Son to establish a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Through Christ, believers are given an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The "land flowing with milk and honey" foreshadows the spiritual abundance and eternal life found in union with Christ, who is Himself the source of all spiritual blessings ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Our "So be it, O LORD" echoes Jeremiah's affirmation, but now it is a joyful "Amen" to God's ultimate faithfulness in providing salvation and eternal life through His Son, the true and final fulfillment of every divine oath.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:12

¶ Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

Deuteronomy 7:13

And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee.

Psalms 105:9

Which [covenant] he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

Psalms 105:11

Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:

Jeremiah 28:6

Even the prophet Jeremiah said, Amen: the LORD do so: the LORD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring again the vessels of the LORD'S house, and all that is carried away captive, from Babylon into this place.

1 Corinthians 14:16

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

Exodus 13:5

And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee, a land flowing with milk and honey, that thou shalt keep this service in this month.