But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return.
But to the land {H776} whereunto they desire {H5375}{H5315} to return {H7725}, thither shall they not return {H7725}.
They will not return to the country to which they long to return."
You will never return to the land for which you long.”
But to the land whereunto their soul longeth to return, thither shall they not return.
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Jeremiah 44:14
So that none of the remnant of Judah, which are gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to the which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return but such as shall escape. -
Jeremiah 22:11
For thus saith the LORD touching Shallum the son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more: -
Jeremiah 52:31
¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison, -
Jeremiah 52:34
And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life. -
2 Kings 25:27
And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; -
2 Kings 25:30
And his allowance [was] a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life. -
Psalms 86:4
Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
Jeremiah 22:27 delivers a stark declaration of divine judgment concerning the fate of the people of Judah, specifically those facing exile, and their king, Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin).
Context
This verse is part of a larger prophetic message from Jeremiah, often called the "Book of Condemnation" against the kings of Judah. Jeremiah 22 focuses heavily on the unrighteous reigns of King Jehoiakim and his son, Coniah (also known as Jehoiachin). The preceding verses detail the severe judgment pronounced upon Coniah, declaring that he and his descendants would not prosper on the throne and would be cast out of the land. The people of Judah, led by their desire, harbored hopes of a swift return from the impending or already begun Babylonian captivity. However, this verse crushes that immediate hope, stating unequivocally that their longing to return to their homeland would not be fulfilled.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrasing, "thither shall they not return," is emphatic and direct. The word for "desire" (Hebrew: 'avah) conveys a strong longing or yearning, making the subsequent denial even more poignant. The contrast between the intense human desire and the absolute divine negation underscores the severity and certainty of the judgment. There is no ambiguity; their wish for immediate return is utterly denied.
Related Scriptures
While this verse declares no immediate return, God later promised a restoration after a specific period of judgment. For example, Jeremiah prophesied the seventy years of Babylonian captivity before a return would be possible. This long-term promise is found in Jeremiah 29:10, which offers hope beyond the immediate despair of verses like 22:27.
Practical Application
Jeremiah 22:27 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths relevant today: