Jeremiah 23:7

KJV

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that they shall no more say {H559}, The LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, which brought up {H5927} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Therefore," says ADONAI, "the day will come when people no longer swear, 'As ADONAI lives, who brought the people of Isra'el out of the land of Egypt,'

Berean Standard Bible

So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’

American Standard Version

Therefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that they shall no more say, As Jehovah liveth, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:7 unveils a profound prophetic declaration from the LORD, announcing a future act of deliverance for Israel so monumental that it will eclipse the foundational Exodus from Egypt. This verse signals a divine re-calibration of the benchmark for God's redemptive power, pointing forward to a new and even greater gathering of His scattered people from all the lands of their dispersion, thereby establishing a preeminent testament to His enduring presence, unwavering faithfulness, and dynamic power in history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23:7 is strategically positioned within a pivotal prophetic oracle spanning [Jeremiah 23:1-8](/jeremiah/23-1-8 "Jeremiah 23:1-8 - Prophecy Against Bad Shepherds and Promise of a Righteous Branch"). The passage commences with a scathing indictment of the unfaithful "shepherds" (leaders) of Israel, whose negligence and corruption have scattered and destroyed God's flock ([Jeremiah 23:1-2](/jeremiah/23-1-2 "Jeremiah 23:1-2 - Condemnation of Unfaithful Shepherds")). This judgment is immediately followed by a powerful promise of divine intervention: God Himself will gather the remnant of His flock, tend to them, and raise up new, righteous shepherds ([Jeremiah 23:3-4](/jeremiah/23-3-4 "Jeremiah 23:3-4 - God Promises to Gather His Flock")). The crescendo of this promise is the messianic prophecy of a "Righteous Branch" from David's lineage, who will reign justly and bring salvation to His people ([Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5-6 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")). Verse 7 then introduces the revolutionary nature of this future restoration, which is further elaborated in [Jeremiah 23:8](/jeremiah/23-8 "Jeremiah 23:8 - The Greater Gathering"), explicitly detailing the gathering "out of the north country, and from all countries." This entire section thus functions as a profound message of hope and future restoration, embedded within the broader context of impending judgment and the Babylonian exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the tumultuous twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah, a period characterized by profound political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and the escalating threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The people of Judah were on the precipice of a devastating exile, a direct consequence of their persistent covenant unfaithfulness. For centuries, the Exodus from Egypt stood as the unparalleled, defining act of God's redemptive power in Israel's history. It was the foundational event that forged their identity as a nation uniquely chosen by Yahweh, serving as the ultimate proof of His living presence, His covenant faithfulness, and His power to deliver. This event was consistently invoked in oaths, declarations, and historical recitations, as exemplified in [Deuteronomy 6:21](/deuteronomy/6-21 "Deuteronomy 6:21 - Remembering the Exodus"). The cultural memory and theological significance of the Exodus permeated every facet of Israelite life, from their annual festivals to their national narratives. Therefore, Jeremiah's prophecy in [Jeremiah 23:7](/jeremiah/23-7 "Jeremiah 23:7 - The New Exodus Prophecy") is nothing short of revolutionary; it boldly declares that a future act of God will be so magnificent that it will redefine the very benchmark of divine deliverance, offering radical hope to a people facing imminent dispersion and the apparent dissolution of their national identity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. The primary theme is **A Greater Deliverance Foretold**, highlighting God's sovereign intention to perform a future act of salvation that will not merely replicate but profoundly eclipse the historical Exodus. This "New Exodus" concept, while initially pointing to the return from Babylonian captivity, also carries profound eschatological implications, foreshadowing a comprehensive, worldwide gathering of Israel and ultimately, God's people. Secondly, it powerfully underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** despite Israel's persistent rebellion and the impending divine judgment. Even as His people face the dire consequences of exile, God's covenant promises endure, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to His chosen people and His ultimate redemptive purposes. Finally, the verse serves as a potent declaration of **Future Hope and Restoration**, assuring a despairing nation that their story does not culminate in judgment and dispersion but in a glorious, divinely orchestrated return and renewal. This promise of future restoration is a recurring and vital motif throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, offering a beacon of light in a period of profound national darkness, as further detailed in [Jeremiah 30](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30 - Restoration of Israel and Judah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** From Strong's H3117, this word signifies "a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb)." In Jeremiah 23:7, "the days come" refers to a future, divinely appointed period, emphasizing a specific era or epoch when God's new redemptive act will unfold. It signals a definitive shift from the past to a future reality, initiated by God's sovereign will.
* **liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from Strong's H2416, meaning "alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively." The phrase "The LORD liveth" (Yahweh chay) is a powerful, covenantal declaration of God's active, enduring existence and His dynamic, intervening power. It asserts that God is not a dead idol or an absent deity but a living, active God who intervenes decisively in history. The prophecy suggests that the *proof* and *preeminent testimony* of His living power will shift from the Exodus to a new, even greater, act of restoration.
* **brought up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** From Strong's H5927, a primitive root meaning "to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative." In the specific context of the Exodus, it refers to God's powerful and decisive act of leading or bringing His people out of bondage in Egypt. The verb conveys the idea of a forceful, upward movement from a lower, oppressed, and captive state to a higher, liberated, and sovereign one. The prophecy implies that a future "bringing up" will be so significant in its scope and impact that it will redefine the standard of divine deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase functions as a solemn, authoritative divine declaration, signaling the imminent revelation of a significant prophetic utterance concerning a future event. The connective "Therefore" links this promise of restoration to the preceding condemnation of corrupt leadership and the subsequent promise of righteous rule ([Jeremiah 23:1-6](/jeremiah/23-1-6 "Jeremiah 23:1-6 - Prophecy of the Righteous Branch")). "Behold" (often translated "Lo" or "Indeed") serves as an emphatic interjection, drawing immediate attention to the gravity, certainty, and divine origin of what is to follow. The phrase "the days come" indicates a future, divinely appointed time in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing its certainty and the unfolding of God's sovereign purposes.
* **"that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;"**: This is the profound core of the prophecy. It is crucial to understand that this does not imply the historical Exodus will be forgotten or denied; rather, the hyperbole signifies that its prominence as the *singular* and *ultimate* defining act of God's power will be superseded. The traditional oath or declaration, "The LORD liveth, who brought up Israel out of Egypt," which served as the primary testament to God's active presence and power for centuries, will be replaced by a new, even more magnificent testament. This new declaration will be rooted in a future, comprehensive gathering and restoration of His scattered people, highlighting the unparalleled nature and scope of the coming deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Hyperbole** is prominently featured in the phrase "they shall no more say," which is not intended to be interpreted literally as a complete erasure of the Exodus from memory or speech. Instead, it functions as an emphatic declaration that the *prominence* and *preeminence* of the future deliverance will so overwhelmingly overshadow the past Exodus that it will become the new, ultimate reference point for God's living power and faithfulness. This creates a striking **Contrast** between the past defining act of God and the future, even greater act. The Exodus itself functions as a foundational **Type** or **Symbol** of divine redemption, and Jeremiah's prophecy introduces the concept of a "New Exodus" that will not only fulfill but also expand upon the original, demonstrating God's consistent redemptive pattern but on an even grander and more comprehensive scale. This powerful **Foreshadowing** of a greater salvation event points toward a future restoration that is more encompassing and glorious than any previous act of divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:7 stands as a pivotal statement in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive history, revealing that God's faithfulness is not confined to past acts, no matter how monumental, but continually moves forward to accomplish even greater works. This "New Exodus" theme, while initially pointing to the return from Babylonian exile, transcends that historical event to encompass the ultimate, spiritual gathering of God's people from all nations, a redemption from the bondage of sin and death that culminates in the New Covenant. It underscores the progressive nature of God's revelation and salvation, assuring us that God's power to save and restore is inexhaustible and that His ultimate plan for His people is one of glorious restoration and secure dwelling in His presence.

* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Do Not Remember the Former Things")
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")
* [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Gathering and New Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:7 offers profound encouragement and a vital challenge for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that our God is not confined to the past; He is a God of new and greater things, always working to bring about His perfect will. Just as He sovereignly planned a "New Exodus" for ancient Israel, He continues to work in fresh, transformative ways in our individual lives and in the broader world. This profound truth invites us to release ourselves from limiting God based on our past experiences, our perceived limitations, or the magnitude of our current challenges. In times of personal despair, national crisis, or apparent defeat, this verse serves as a powerful anchor of hope, assuring us that even in the midst of suffering or judgment, God's redemptive plan is actively unfolding. Our current struggles do not define God's ultimate purpose for us. Furthermore, the unwavering faithfulness of God to His ancient promises to Israel—even when they were profoundly unfaithful—provides a rock-solid foundation for our trust in His promises to us under the New Covenant. He is the same God who performed the miraculous Exodus, promised an even greater return, and will faithfully fulfill every word He has spoken, including our ultimate redemption and glorification in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "defining moments" or past experiences in your spiritual journey might you be clinging to, potentially limiting your expectation of what God can do next in your life?**
* **How does the promise of a "greater deliverance" encourage you when facing difficult, seemingly hopeless, or overwhelming circumstances today?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively anticipate, pray for, and participate in the "new things" God is doing in your life, your community, and the world around you?**

### FAQ
**Does Jeremiah 23:7 mean that the historical Exodus from Egypt will be forgotten or no longer celebrated by Israel?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah 23:7 does not mean the Exodus will be literally forgotten or cease to be celebrated. Instead, the hyperbole "they shall no more say" emphasizes that a future act of deliverance will be so overwhelmingly significant and glorious that it will become the *new* and *preeminent* testimony to God's living power and faithfulness. The Exodus would always remain a foundational historical event, deeply embedded in Israel's identity and worship, but its status as the *ultimate* benchmark of God's redemptive might would be superseded by the promised "New Exodus"—the comprehensive gathering and restoration of Israel from all nations, as further detailed in [Jeremiah 23:8](/jeremiah/23-8 "Jeremiah 23:8 - The Greater Gathering"). It signifies a divine re-prioritization of God's mighty acts, not an erasure of sacred history.

**What is the "New Exodus" concept, and how does it relate to this verse?**

Answer: The "New Exodus" is a significant theological concept prevalent in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the prophetic books. It refers to a future, greater act of deliverance and restoration for Israel that will parallel and even surpass the original Exodus from Egypt in its scope and spiritual depth. In [Jeremiah 23:7-8](/jeremiah/23-7-8 "Jeremiah 23:7-8 - The New Exodus Prophecy"), this "New Exodus" primarily refers to the return of the scattered exiles from Babylonian captivity and from all other nations where they have been dispersed. It signifies a comprehensive gathering, profound spiritual renewal, and secure dwelling in the land under righteous leadership. This concept is a powerful symbol of God's ongoing commitment to His covenant people and His ultimate plan for their redemption, often linked to the establishment of the New Covenant (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "greater deliverance" promised here, which would so overshadow the physical Exodus from Egypt, points directly to the spiritual and eternal redemption accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice. While the immediate prophetic context refers to the physical return from exile, the full scope of God's promised gathering of His people is realized in the formation of the church, the spiritual Israel, composed of all who are redeemed by Christ's precious blood from every nation. Jesus is the true "Righteous Branch" prophesied in [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch"), who brings not merely physical return to a land but deliverance from the far more pervasive bondage of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). His death, resurrection, and ascension constitute the ultimate "bringing up" (a spiritual Exodus) from the dominion of darkness into the glorious kingdom of light. The "New Covenant" inaugurated by Christ's perfect sacrifice ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")) is the spiritual reality that profoundly supersedes the old covenant and its defining event, the Exodus. Now, the preeminent declaration of God's living power is found in the confession that "the LORD liveth, who raised Jesus from the dead and gathered His people from every tribe and nation" ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord"); cf. [Revelation 5:9](/rev/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by His Blood")). The ultimate gathering of God's people, foreshadowed in Jeremiah, culminates not just in a physical land, but in the heavenly city where all the redeemed from every nation, tribe, people, and language dwell eternally in His glorious presence ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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 16:14

¶ Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

Jeremiah 16:15

But, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.

Jeremiah 23:3

And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

Isaiah 43:18

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Isaiah 43:19

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.

Jeremiah 31:31

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.