Jeremiah 22:27

KJV

But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return.

KJV (with Strong's)

But to the land {H776} whereunto they desire {H5375}{H5315} to return {H7725}, thither shall they not return {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will not return to the country to which they long to return."

Berean Standard Bible

You will never return to the land for which you long.”

American Standard Version

But to the land whereunto their soul longeth to return, thither shall they not return.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:27 delivers a severe and unequivocal divine judgment against King Coniah (Jehoiachin) and the people of Judah who were facing or already experiencing Babylonian exile. Despite their profound and natural longing to return to their homeland, the prophetic word declares that this desire will be utterly denied, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment for that generation and the king's immediate fate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jeremiah's "Book of Condemnation" against the kings of Judah, specifically in a section (Jeremiah 21-22) that pronounces judgment on the royal house and the nation. Jeremiah 22 addresses the reigns of Jehoiakim and his son Coniah (Jehoiachin). The preceding verses, [Jeremiah 22:24-26](/jeremiah/22-24 "Jeremiah 22:24-26 - Judgment on Coniah (Jehoiachin)"), specifically target Coniah, declaring that he will be "hurled away" and "cast out" from the land, along with his mother, into a foreign country where they will die. Verse 27 directly follows this personal judgment, extending the impossibility of return to the land itself, underscoring the permanence of the exile for this particular king and those who shared his immediate fate. The broader context of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") is one of persistent prophetic warnings against Judah's idolatry, injustice, and covenant unfaithfulness, culminating in the inevitable divine judgment of exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the tumultuous period leading up to and immediately following the first Babylonian deportations (597 BC). King Jehoiachin (Coniah) reigned for only three months before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar and being exiled to Babylon, along with many of Judah's elite, including the prophet Ezekiel ([2 Kings 24:8-16](/2_kings/24-8 "2 Kings 24:8-16 - Jehoiachin's Exile")). The people of Judah, particularly those already in exile or those remaining in the land, harbored a strong cultural and religious attachment to their homeland, viewing it as the Promised Land given by God. They deeply desired a swift return, often listening to false prophets who promised an imminent restoration. Jeremiah's message, however, stood in stark contrast to these popular hopes, declaring a long and definite period of exile as a consequence of their sin. The cultural significance of being exiled from the land was immense, representing a profound loss of identity, covenant blessings, and access to the temple.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:27 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Irrevocable Judgment and Divine Justice**. Despite human longing, God's decree stands firm, demonstrating that consequences for covenant unfaithfulness are real and unavoidable for the immediate generation. Secondly, it highlights **Shattered Hopes and False Security**, directly confronting the people's misplaced optimism about a quick return and exposing the futility of human desire when it opposes divine will. This aligns with Jeremiah's consistent message against false prophets who offered peace where there was no peace ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces **Divine Sovereignty** over nations and individual destinies. God, through His prophet, determines the fate of kings and kingdoms, proving His ultimate control over history. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Exile as Consequence**, portraying the Babylonian captivity not as a temporary setback but as a definitive, divinely ordained displacement resulting from Judah's persistent sin and rebellion against the Lord. This judgment was a fulfillment of the curses outlined in the covenant law, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28:64-68](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64-68 - Curses of Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This word refers to the physical territory, specifically the land of Judah, the Promised Land. In the biblical context, "the land" is not merely geographical space but is intrinsically linked to God's covenant promises, national identity, and the place of His dwelling among His people. The denial of return to this specific "land" signifies a profound loss of these covenantal privileges and a severing of their connection to their heritage.
* **desire (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ_ and _nephesh'_):** The KJV's "desire" here is a translation of a complex Hebrew construction involving `nâsâʼ` (H5375) and `nephesh` (H5315). `nâsâʼ` means "to lift, to bear, to carry," but can also convey "to desire" in the sense of lifting up one's soul or attention towards something. `nephesh` refers to the "soul, life, self," often indicating the seat of emotions, desires, and the very essence of a person. Thus, "they desire" implies a deep, heartfelt, and intense longing, a yearning that comes from the very core of their being. It's not a casual wish but a profound, emotional aspiration to return to their home.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root means "to turn back, to return." It is used twice in the verse, first in the context of their desire ("to return") and then emphatically in the negation ("thither shall they not return"). The repetition highlights the central action being denied. It signifies a reversal of their current state of exile, a turning back to their former home and way of life. The absolute negation of this "return" underscores the finality and certainty of their displacement for the foreseeable future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to the land whereunto they desire to return":** This clause establishes the object of the people's intense longing: their homeland, Judah. The use of "desire" (combining `nâsâʼ` and `nephesh`) emphasizes the deep emotional and spiritual yearning for restoration to their familiar territory, their heritage, and the place of God's covenant presence. It captures the natural human inclination to seek comfort and familiarity, especially in times of distress and displacement.
* **"thither shall they not return":** This is the stark, uncompromising divine decree. The emphatic repetition of "return" (from `shûwb`) combined with the absolute negation ("not") leaves no room for ambiguity. Despite the depth of their desire, God's judgment stands. This declaration signifies that the immediate generation of exiles, particularly those associated with Coniah's reign, would not see a restoration to the land in their lifetime, at least not in the sense of a triumphant, unhindered return to their former status. It underscores the severity and certainty of the consequences of their national sin.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the double use of the verb "return" (`shûwb`). This repetition, first in the context of human desire and then in the divine negation, creates a powerful emphasis on the central action being denied. It highlights the stark contrast between human will and divine decree. There is also a strong sense of **Irony** in the verse; the very thing the people intensely "desire" is precisely what they are absolutely forbidden from doing. This ironic tension underscores the futility of human wishes when they stand against God's sovereign judgment. Furthermore, the verse uses **Emphasis through Negation**. The phrase "shall they not return" is a definitive and absolute denial, leaving no room for hope of immediate restoration. This direct, uncompromising language reflects the severity of the judgment and the certainty of its fulfillment, serving as a stark declaration of divine authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:27 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the unwavering nature of God's justice. It illustrates that while God is merciful, He is also righteous, and persistent rebellion against His commands leads to severe, divinely ordained consequences. The denial of return to the land, a central promise of the covenant, signifies a temporary but profound breach in the relationship between God and His people due to their sin. This verse, however, does not represent the final word on Judah's destiny. While it declares no immediate return for this specific group, it exists within a larger prophetic framework where God later promises a future restoration for His people after a period of discipline, demonstrating His long-suffering love and faithfulness to His ultimate covenant promises.
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return after 70 Years")
* [Deuteronomy 28:63-68](/deuteronomy/28-63 "Deuteronomy 28:63-68 - Warnings of Exile for Disobedience")
* [Leviticus 26:33-35](/leviticus/26-33 "Leviticus 26:33-35 - Consequences of Breaking the Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:27 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that while God is gracious and compassionate, our actions have real consequences. Just as Judah's persistent disobedience led to exile, our own choices can lead us away from God's best for our lives, resulting in spiritual or relational "exile" from His presence and blessings. This verse challenges us to examine our own desires: are they aligned with God's will, or do we stubbornly cling to our own plans even when they contradict His revealed truth? It calls us to a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that true restoration comes not from mere longing but from genuine turning back to God. Even when our immediate desires are frustrated, we are called to trust in God's larger, sovereign plan, knowing that His purposes, though sometimes involving hardship and discipline, are ultimately just and lead to good for those who are faithful and seek Him wholeheartedly. It encourages us to find our ultimate hope not in earthly comforts or returns, but in the steadfastness of God's character and His promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lands" or comforts do I desire to return to in my life that God might be denying for a greater purpose?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and His willingness to allow consequences for disobedience?**
* **In what ways might I be clinging to false hopes or human desires that are not aligned with God's will for my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it involves hardship or the denial of my immediate desires?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" in this verse, and does this apply to all of Judah?**

Answer: In the immediate literary context of Jeremiah 22, "they" primarily refers to King Coniah (Jehoiachin) and those who were exiled with him, particularly the royal household and the elite of Judah who were taken to Babylon in the first deportation. While the verse directly addresses the king's fate, it also encapsulates the broader experience of the exiles who shared his longing for return. It implies that for this specific generation and in the immediate aftermath of this judgment, there would be no return to the land in the way they desired. It does not contradict God's later promise of a return for the nation after the 70-year Babylonian captivity, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return after 70 Years"), but rather defines the immediate, severe nature of the judgment for those directly affected by Coniah's exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:27, with its stark declaration of exile and the denial of return to the promised land, powerfully foreshadows humanity's deeper spiritual exile from God due to sin. Just as Judah longed for their earthly home but were forbidden to return, so too does humanity, by nature, exist in a state of spiritual separation from God, longing for a true home and peace that sin has forfeited. This verse points to the ultimate "return" that only Christ can accomplish. He is the one who bridges the chasm created by sin, enabling us to "return" to fellowship with God. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), provides the way back to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is not merely a path to an earthly homeland, but the very means by which we are reconciled to God and granted citizenship in a heavenly kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). The longing for "home" expressed in Jeremiah 22:27 finds its ultimate satisfaction in Christ, who establishes a new covenant and promises a new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). He is the true King who leads His people not to a temporary earthly return, but to an eternal dwelling with God, fulfilling the deepest desires of the soul for true belonging and peace ([Hebrews 11:13-16](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13-16 - Longing for a Heavenly Country")).

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

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.