Jeremiah 23:8

KJV

But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

KJV (with Strong's)

But, The LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, which brought up {H5927} and which led {H935} the seed {H2233} of the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} out of the north {H6828} country {H776}, and from all countries {H776} whither I had driven {H5080} them; and they shall dwell {H3427} in their own land {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but, 'As ADONAI lives, who brought the descendants of the house of Isra'el up from the land to the north' and from all the countries where I drove them. Then they will live in their own land."

Berean Standard Bible

Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land.”

American Standard Version

but, As Jehovah liveth, who brought up and who led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all the countries whither I had driven them. And they shall dwell in their own land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:8 presents a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD, foretelling a future, comprehensive restoration of the scattered house of Israel. This divine act of re-gathering, specifically from the "north country" (Babylon) and all other nations where they had been dispersed, is proclaimed as an event so monumental that it will overshadow the foundational Exodus from Egypt. It profoundly underscores God's enduring faithfulness, His sovereign power to fulfill His covenant promises, and His ultimate intention to bring His people back to dwell securely and permanently in their own promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23:8 is situated within a critical prophetic section (Jeremiah 23:1-8) that begins with a severe indictment of Judah's corrupt "shepherds" or leaders (vv. 1-2), who have failed to care for God's flock, leading to their scattering. In stark contrast, the LORD promises to raise up faithful shepherds (vv. 3-4) and, most significantly, a "Righteous Branch" (vv. 5-6), identified as the Messiah, who will reign justly and bring salvation. This messianic promise sets the stage for the redemptive act described in verses 7-8. Verse 7 introduces a pivotal shift, declaring that a future redemptive event will be so profound that the people will no longer swear by the LORD who brought Israel out of Egypt, but by the LORD who performed this new, greater deliverance. Verse 8 then elaborates on this "new Exodus," specifying the return from the "north country" (Babylon) and "all countries" of dispersion, culminating in their secure dwelling in their own land. This verse thus serves as the climactic affirmation of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even amidst their judgment and dispersion, pointing to a future of complete restoration under righteous leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Jeremiah 23 were delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely in the late 7th or early 6th century BCE, as the Babylonian Empire ascended and threatened Judah's sovereignty. The nation was plagued by unrighteous kings and false prophets who offered deceptive assurances of peace, ignoring Jeremiah's warnings of impending judgment. The "north country" specifically refers to Babylon, the dominant power that would soon conquer Judah and carry its inhabitants into a devastating exile. However, the phrase "from all countries whither I had driven them" expands the scope, encompassing earlier Assyrian deportations and the wider diaspora of Jewish people throughout the ancient Near East. Culturally, the Exodus from Egypt was the defining redemptive event in Israel's national consciousness, forming the bedrock of their identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh. By prophesying an event that would surpass even the Exodus, Jeremiah highlights the unprecedented nature of God's future restoration, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over nations and His capacity to reverse even the most severe judgments. The promise to "dwell in their own land" resonates deeply with the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, which guaranteed the land as an eternal inheritance for Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:8 encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **God's Unchanging Faithfulness and Sovereignty**. The declaration, "The LORD liveth," functions as a solemn oath, underscoring God's eternal, active existence and His absolute reliability in fulfilling His promises, even when Israel's unfaithfulness has led to severe judgment. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Comprehensive Restoration and Re-gathering**. It promises a reversal of the scattering, not just from a single place of exile but "from all countries whither I had driven them," signifying a complete and universal re-gathering of the "seed of the house of Israel." This echoes earlier prophetic promises of God's intent to gather His people from the ends of the earth, as seen in [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God's Promise to Gather Israel from Dispersion"). Thirdly, the prophecy introduces the concept of a **New Exodus**, an act of divine redemption so magnificent that it will overshadow the original Exodus from Egypt. This "new Exodus" signifies an even more profound demonstration of God's power to restore and redeem, culminating in the fulfillment of the ancient covenant promise for Israel to "dwell in their own land," a theme foundational to their identity and hope, also found in passages like [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Forget the Former Things; Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from H2416, this word denotes being "alive," "fresh," or "strong." In the phrase "The LORD liveth," it functions as a solemn oath or affirmation, emphasizing God's active, personal, and enduring existence. It highlights Yahweh's vitality and power in contrast to the lifeless idols of other nations, assuring the absolute certainty and reliability of the divine promise that follows. It underscores that God is not a distant or inert deity but one who is actively involved in history and capable of bringing His word to pass.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** From H2233, "seed" literally refers to offspring or descendants. Here, "the seed of the house of Israel" denotes the entire posterity or lineage of Jacob, emphasizing the covenantal continuity of God's people. It points to the enduring identity of Israel as God's chosen nation, whose future is secured by divine promise despite their current dispersion. This term reinforces the idea that God's covenant promises extend through generations, ensuring the survival and ultimate restoration of His chosen line.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** From H127, this term refers to "soil," "ground," or "country." In this context, "their own land" specifically denotes the Promised Land, the territory divinely allotted to Israel as part of the Abrahamic covenant. The promise to "dwell in their own land" signifies not merely a return to a geographical location but a restoration to secure, permanent, and prosperous habitation in the place of God's blessing, fulfilling ancient promises of rest and inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But, The LORD liveth":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn, emphatic oath, a divine guarantee. It asserts the living, active, and eternal nature of Yahweh, serving as the bedrock of the subsequent prophecy. It contrasts with the previous verse's mention of swearing by the LORD who brought Israel out of Egypt, introducing a new, greater oath.
* **"which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country":** This clause specifies the primary source of the future re-gathering: the "north country," which is a clear reference to Babylon, where the majority of the Judean exiles were taken. It highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating their return, just as He orchestrated their initial exodus from Egypt. The terms "brought up" and "led" evoke the imagery of the first Exodus, emphasizing divine guidance and deliverance.
* **"and from all countries whither I had driven them":** This expands the scope of the restoration beyond just Babylon to include a wider, global dispersion. The phrase "whither I had driven them" underscores God's active role in their exile, indicating that their dispersion was not random but a sovereign act of divine judgment. This also implies His sovereign power to reverse that judgment and gather them from every place they were scattered.
* **"and they shall dwell in their own land":** This final clause states the ultimate outcome and purpose of this great re-gathering. It signifies a secure, permanent, and peaceful habitation in the Promised Land. This fulfills the ancient covenant promises of inheritance and rest, bringing an end to the instability and displacement of exile.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse explicitly sets the future "new Exodus" in opposition to, and as surpassing, the original Exodus from Egypt (implied by the preceding verse). This elevation of the future event highlights its unprecedented significance. The phrase "The LORD liveth" functions as a solemn **Oath** or **Affirmation**, lending absolute certainty and divine authority to the prophecy that follows. It is a powerful declaration of God's active and enduring existence, serving as a guarantee of His promises. The use of **Metaphor** is evident in "the seed of the house of Israel," which represents the descendants and enduring lineage of God's covenant people. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates the **Divine Active Voice** in "whither I had driven them," emphasizing God's direct sovereignty over both judgment and restoration, showing His intentionality in scattering His people and His deliberate plan to re-gather them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:8 is a powerful testament to the unwavering faithfulness of God and His ultimate redemptive plan for His people. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history, demonstrating His capacity to orchestrate both judgment and restoration. The promise of a "new Exodus" that surpasses the original highlights a progressive unfolding of God's redemptive purposes, implying a more comprehensive and glorious act of salvation. This restoration is not merely a return to a geographical location but a re-establishment of the covenant relationship, bringing the scattered "seed" back into a place of security and blessing. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, assuring that despite their failures and the consequences of their sin, His promises of a future and a hope will be fulfilled. The declaration "The LORD liveth" grounds this hope in the very character of God—His eternal, active, and reliable presence.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God's Promise to Gather Israel from Dispersion")
* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18-19 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Forget the Former Things; Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing")
* [Ezekiel 37:21](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21 - Gathering Israel from the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:8 offers profound hope and reassurance for all believers, transcending its specific historical context. It reminds us that even in times of deep despair, judgment, or perceived abandonment, God remains faithful to His promises. Just as He sovereignly "drove" His people into exile but promised to "bring up and lead" them back, so too does God work in our lives. When we experience seasons of "exile"—whether from sin, brokenness, spiritual dryness, or difficult circumstances—this verse provides a powerful anchor for our hope. It assures us that God is actively involved, that His plan for restoration is greater than any present suffering, and that His ultimate purpose is to bring us into a place of secure dwelling with Him. This truth calls us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His ways are mysterious, and to anticipate His "new things" that will surpass our past experiences of deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of a "new Exodus" challenge our understanding of God's ongoing work in history and in our lives?**
* **In what "north countries" or places of dispersion might we feel God has "driven" us, and how can we trust His promise of ultimate restoration?**
* **What does "The LORD liveth" mean for our confidence in His promises today, especially when facing seemingly impossible situations?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "The LORD liveth" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "The LORD liveth" (Hebrew: *Yahweh chai*) is a powerful and solemn oath or affirmation in the Old Testament. Its significance here is twofold: first, it emphasizes the active, personal, and eternal existence of God, contrasting Him with the lifeless idols of the surrounding nations. Second, it serves as an absolute guarantee of the truth and certainty of the prophecy that follows. By swearing by His own living being, God underscores the unwavering reliability of His promise to re-gather and restore Israel, assuring that His word will undoubtedly come to pass. This declaration reinforces His unchangeable character as the living God, who is faithful to His covenant promises.

**How is this "new Exodus" different from the original Exodus from Egypt?**

Answer: While both are monumental acts of divine redemption, the "new Exodus" prophesied in Jeremiah 23:8 is presented as *surpassing* the original Exodus from Egypt in scope and significance. The original Exodus brought Israel out of bondage from one nation (Egypt). The new Exodus, however, promises to gather Israel not just from the "north country" (Babylonian exile) but "from all countries whither I had driven them," indicating a more comprehensive, global re-gathering of the scattered people. This broader scope highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations and His capacity to bring about a more complete and glorious restoration, emphasizing that His redemptive work is progressive and ever-expanding. It points to a future deliverance that would be even more astonishing and inclusive than the one that defined Israel's national identity.

**Does this prophecy apply only to ancient Israel, or does it have relevance for believers today?**

Answer: While rooted in the historical context of ancient Israel's exile and return, the prophecy in Jeremiah 23:8 carries profound theological principles that are universally relevant for believers today. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, His power to bring restoration out of judgment, and His ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan. Spiritually, believers can find immense hope in God's ability to gather and restore them from personal "exiles" of sin, brokenness, or despair. The promise of "dwelling in their own land" can be understood as a spiritual promise of secure communion with God and ultimate rest in His presence, applicable to the spiritual journey of every individual. This verse reminds us that God is actively working to bring His people, both Jew and Gentile, into His eternal kingdom, where they will find their true and lasting home.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 23:5-6) prophesy the raising up of a "Righteous Branch," a King who will execute justice and righteousness, under whom Judah and Israel will dwell securely. This "Righteous Branch" is unequivocally identified as Jesus, the Messiah, the true King who reigns in righteousness. The "new Exodus" described in verse 8, which surpasses the original deliverance from Egypt, is realized in Christ's redemptive work. He is the true Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep, not merely from physical lands but from the spiritual exile of sin and death ([John 10:11-16](/john/10-11-16 "John 10:11-16 - The Good Shepherd")). His crucifixion and resurrection constitute the ultimate "bringing up and leading" out of spiritual bondage, delivering humanity from the dominion of darkness and bringing them into His marvelous light ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus establishes a new covenant, gathering a people for Himself from "all countries," encompassing both Jew and Gentile, forming one new humanity in Him ([Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Christ Our Peace")). The promise that "they shall dwell in their own land" finds its spiritual and eternal consummation in the Kingdom of God, where believers find their secure and permanent dwelling in Christ, ultimately culminating in the new heavens and new earth, where God Himself will dwell with His people forever ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the living LORD, who promised to gather His people, fully accomplished this through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, making Him the ultimate fulfillment of this glorious prophecy.

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

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Amos 9:15

And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Isaiah 43:6

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Ezekiel 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Ezekiel 39:28

Then shall they know that I [am] the LORD their God, which caused them to be led into captivity among the heathen: but I have gathered them unto their own land, and have left none of them any more there.

Ezekiel 37:25

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.