Jeremiah 24:7

KJV

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will give {H5414} them an heart {H3820} to know {H3045} me, that I am the LORD {H3068}: and they shall be my people {H5971}, and I will be their God {H430}: for they shall return {H7725} unto me with their whole heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give them a heart to know me that I am ADONAI. They will be my people, and I will be their God; for they will return to me with all their heart.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

American Standard Version

And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 24:7 is a profound declaration of God's sovereign initiative to transform the hearts of His exiled people, enabling them to truly know Him and thereby re-establish the covenant relationship. This verse, set within the "Good Figs" vision, promises a spiritual renewal that transcends physical displacement, assuring the exiles that God Himself will cultivate within them a genuine desire for Him, leading to their wholehearted return and the restoration of their identity as His cherished people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 24:7 is nestled within the "Good Figs and Bad Figs" vision, a pivotal oracle in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 24:1-10). This vision, given after the first deportation to Babylon in 597 BC, serves as a prophetic commentary on the future of Judah. The "good figs" represent the exiles already taken to Babylon, including King Jehoiachin and the skilled craftsmen, whom God promises to preserve and restore. In stark contrast, the "bad figs" symbolize King Zedekiah, those remaining in Jerusalem, and those who fled to Egypt, destined for further judgment and destruction. Verse 7 specifically articulates the spiritual promise for the "good figs," assuring them that despite their current hardship and displacement, God's ultimate plan for them involves a profound internal transformation, leading to their spiritual restoration and return to Him. This promise highlights God's redemptive purpose even in the midst of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile. The first wave of deportation in 597 BC, which included many of Judah's elite and skilled workers, was a catastrophic event that shattered the nation's political and religious identity. For the Israelites, exile meant not only physical displacement but also a profound theological crisis: Had God abandoned them? Was the covenant broken? Jeremiah 24:7 directly addresses this crisis by affirming God's continued faithfulness and His active role in their future. Culturally, the concept of "heart" (lêb) in ancient Israel encompassed the totality of a person's inner being—intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Thus, God's promise to give a new "heart to know me" was a radical assurance that He would re-engineer their very core, enabling a relationship that was culturally understood as deeply personal and transformative, countering the despair and idolatry that often accompanied forced relocation and cultural assimilation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes central to Jeremiah's prophecy and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Initiative in Transformation**. The phrase "I will give them an heart to know me" emphasizes that spiritual renewal is not a human achievement but a sovereign act of God's grace, a theme echoed in later prophecies of a [new heart and new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Secondly, it highlights the importance of an **Intimate, Experiential Knowledge of God**. To "know me" (yâdaʻ) signifies far more than intellectual assent; it implies a deep, relational, and covenantal understanding, recognizing God's unique identity as [the LORD (YHweh)](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"). Thirdly, the verse proclaims **Covenant Renewal and Restoration**. The classic covenant formula, "they shall be my people, and I will be their God," signifies the re-establishment of the sacred bond broken by Israel's unfaithfulness, a promise that finds its ultimate expression in the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant"). Finally, it points to the necessity of **Wholehearted Return and Repentance**. The promise that "they shall return unto me with their whole heart" indicates that God's transformative work elicits a genuine, undivided response of repentance and devotion from His people, signifying a truly restored relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term (H3820) refers to the innermost being of a person, encompassing not only emotions but also intellect, will, and moral character. It is the seat of thought, decision, and intention. In Jeremiah 24:7, God's promise to give a "heart" signifies a profound internal transformation that affects every aspect of their being, enabling them to genuinely perceive, understand, and respond to Him. It's a reorientation of their core identity and desires.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** The verb (H3045) signifies more than mere intellectual acquaintance; it denotes a deep, intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge. It implies recognition, understanding, and personal relationship, often with covenantal implications. When God promises to give a heart "to know me," it means He will enable His people to enter into a profound, personal, and covenantal relationship with Him, recognizing His unique identity and authority.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the Lord." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The declaration "that I am the LORD" underscores His unchanging character and His ultimate sovereignty, affirming His identity as the one true God who keeps His word and acts decisively in history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will give them an heart to know me,"**: This opening clause highlights God's sovereign initiative in spiritual transformation. The change originates entirely with Him; He is the one who bestows the capacity and desire for true knowledge of Himself. This "heart" is not merely an organ but the core of their being, implying a radical reorientation of their intellect, will, and affections towards God.
* **"that I [am] the LORD:"**: The purpose of this divinely given heart is to recognize and acknowledge God's true identity. "The LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes His covenantal faithfulness, His self-existence, and His absolute sovereignty. This knowledge is not just intellectual assent but an experiential understanding of His unique nature and His rightful place as their God.
* **"and they shall be my people,"**: This is a direct echo of the ancient covenant formula (e.g., Exodus 6:7). It signifies the restoration of the broken relationship between God and Israel. Despite their exile and unfaithfulness, God reaffirms His commitment to them, declaring them once again His chosen, special possession.
* **"and I will be their God:"**: Complementing the previous clause, this part of the covenant formula asserts God's commitment to His people. He will act as their protector, provider, and guide, fulfilling all the responsibilities of a faithful God to His covenant people. It underscores His unwavering presence and care.
* **"for they shall return unto me with their whole heart."**: This final clause describes the outcome and genuine response to God's transformative work. The "return" (shûwb) signifies repentance and turning back to God. The crucial addition "with their whole heart" emphasizes that this return is not superficial or partial but complete, sincere, and undivided, a direct result of the new heart God has given them.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 24:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message. The most prominent is **Covenant Formula**, explicitly stated in "they shall be my people, and I will be their God," which is a recurring phrase throughout the Old Testament signifying the establishment or renewal of God's special relationship with Israel. This formula underscores the restoration of their unique identity and divine commitment. **Divine Initiative** is powerfully conveyed through the repeated use of "I will," emphasizing God's active and sovereign role in bringing about this spiritual transformation and restoration, rather than it being a human endeavor. The phrase "an heart to know me" employs **Metaphor**, as "heart" (lêb) represents the totality of a person's inner being—intellect, will, and emotions—rather than merely the physical organ. This metaphor highlights the profound, internal, and holistic nature of the spiritual change God promises. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Conditional Promise** or an **Outcome of Grace**, where the wholehearted return of the people is presented not as a prerequisite for God's action, but as the direct and inevitable result of His prior work in giving them a new heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 24:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His redemptive plan, even in the face of human failure and judgment. It is a foundational text for understanding the concept of divine grace preceding human response, emphasizing that true spiritual knowledge and repentance are ultimately gifts from God. This promise of a "heart to know me" foreshadows the profound internal transformation promised in the New Covenant, where God's law would be written not on stone, but on the hearts of His people, enabling an intimate, personal relationship. It speaks to God's desire for a people who genuinely know Him, not merely intellectually, but experientially, leading to a life of wholehearted devotion and obedience. This verse reassures that God's ultimate purpose is to restore His people to Himself, transforming their inner being so they can truly live as His covenant people.

* [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")
* [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")
* [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 24:7 offers profound encouragement and guidance for believers today. It reminds us that our capacity to truly know God, to respond to Him with our whole heart, and to live as His people is fundamentally a gift of His grace. In a world that often emphasizes self-reliance and achievement, this verse reorients us to the divine initiative in our spiritual lives. It encourages us to humbly acknowledge our dependence on God for genuine spiritual understanding and transformation. Our deepest desire should be for the "heart to know" Him, recognizing that this desire itself is often a stirring of His Spirit within us. This leads to a pursuit of an intimate, relational knowledge of God, moving beyond mere facts or doctrines to a personal encounter that reshapes our will, emotions, and intellect. The call to return with our "whole heart" challenges us to examine areas of our lives where our devotion might be divided or lukewarm, prompting us to surrender fully to His transforming work and commit to an undivided loyalty to the One who has promised to be our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I rely on my own efforts to "know" God, rather than seeking His divine gift of a transformed heart?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to "know" God in an intimate, relational way, beyond intellectual understanding?**
* **Are there areas of my life where my "heart" is not fully given to the LORD? How can I pursue a more wholehearted return to Him?**
* **How does the promise of God giving a new heart encourage me when I feel spiritually stagnant or distant from Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God giving a "heart to know" Him?**

Answer: The significance is profound because it highlights God's sovereign grace and His active role in spiritual transformation. In ancient Hebrew thought, the "heart" (lêb) was the center of a person's intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Therefore, God giving a "heart to know Him" means He supernaturally enables and empowers individuals to genuinely perceive, understand, and enter into a deep, experiential relationship with Him. It's not something humans can achieve on their own; it's a divine gift that reorients their entire inner being towards Him, fostering true spiritual discernment and a desire for His presence. This divine initiative is crucial for genuine repentance and covenant renewal, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart").

**How does Jeremiah 24:7 relate to the New Covenant?**

Answer: Jeremiah 24:7 is a significant precursor and theological foundation for the New Covenant prophesied later in Jeremiah and fulfilled in Christ. The promise of God giving "an heart to know me" and the restoration of the covenant formula ("they shall be my people, and I will be their God") directly anticipates the New Covenant described in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant"). In the New Covenant, God promises to write His law on the hearts and minds of His people, enabling them to truly know Him from the least to the greatest. This internal transformation, initiated by God, is precisely what Jeremiah 24:7 describes, making it a vital link in the progression of God's redemptive plan from the old covenant's limitations to the new covenant's spiritual depth and intimacy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 24:7 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise of God giving "an heart to know me, that I am the LORD" is fully realized in the person and work of Christ, who is the perfect revelation of God. Through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes true knowledge of God possible and accessible. He is "the way, the truth, and the life," and no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The intimate, experiential knowledge of God promised in Jeremiah is given to believers through the Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out, enabling them to cry out, "Abba, Father" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). The restored covenant relationship, "they shall be my people, and I will be their God," is fully established in the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ's blood ([Hebrews 8:10-12](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10-12 - The New Covenant Established")). In Him, believers are given a new heart and a new spirit, becoming new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), truly able to "return unto me with their whole heart" because He has first drawn them and transformed them. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making this radical, wholehearted return to God possible ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Jeremiah 30:22

And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Ezekiel 37:23

Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 36:24

For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.

Ezekiel 36:28

And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Zechariah 8:8

And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.

Romans 6:17

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.