Jeremiah 25:5

KJV

They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

They said {H559}, Turn ye again {H7725} now every one {H376} from his evil {H7451} way {H1870}, and from the evil {H7455} of your doings {H4611}, and dwell {H3427} in the land {H127} that the LORD {H3068} hath given {H5414} unto you and to your fathers {H1} for {H5704} ever {H5769} and ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The message was always: 'Every one of you, turn back from his evil way, from the evil of your actions. Then you will live in the land ADONAI gave you and your ancestors forever and ever.

Berean Standard Bible

The prophets told you, ‘Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and deeds, and you can dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever.

American Standard Version

saying, Return ye now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that Jehovah hath given unto you and to your fathers, from of old and even for evermore;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 25:5 presents the Lord's persistent and urgent appeal to the people of Judah, conveyed through His faithful prophets, to abandon their wicked conduct and disobedient actions. This divine summons to repentance was intrinsically tied to the condition of their continued secure habitation in the promised land, a perpetual inheritance graciously bestowed by God upon them and their ancestors. The verse profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, while simultaneously highlighting the conditional nature of experiencing the full blessings of that covenant in their daily lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 25:5 is strategically positioned within a pivotal prophetic discourse delivered during the fourth year of King Jehoiakim's reign, approximately 605 BC. This period marks a critical historical juncture, immediately preceding the initial Babylonian invasion and the onset of the seventy-year exile. The verse serves as a concise summation of the repeated divine appeals that characterized Jeremiah's extensive prophetic ministry, which, as noted in [Jeremiah 25:3](/jeremiah/25-3 "Jeremiah 25:3 - Jeremiah's Twenty-Three Years of Ministry"), had already spanned twenty-three years. The pronoun "They" at the beginning of the verse explicitly refers to "all his servants the prophets" (as clarified in [Jeremiah 25:4](/jeremiah/25-4 "Jeremiah 25:4 - God Sends Prophets Continuously")), whom the Lord had diligently sent, "rising up early and sending them," to warn His people. Despite these persistent divine overtures and the clear warnings of impending judgment, the nation of Judah largely refused to heed the prophetic voice, thereby setting the stage for the severe consequences detailed later in the chapter, including the seventy-year captivity in Babylon, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 25:11](/jeremiah/25-11 "Jeremiah 25:11 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop against which Jeremiah delivered this message was one of profound spiritual and moral decay in Judah. Following brief periods of reform under righteous kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah, the people had largely reverted to widespread idolatry, pervasive social injustice, and blatant covenant unfaithfulness. The reign of Jehoiakim, in particular, was characterized by political instability, a reliance on precarious alliances with foreign powers (such as Egypt), and a general contempt for God's divine law. Culturally, the concept of the "land" (`ʼădâmâh`, H127) was not merely a geographical territory but was absolutely central to Israelite identity and their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. It was perceived as a sacred inheritance, a place of divine blessing and God's tangible presence, the secure dwelling in which was explicitly conditional upon their obedience to the Mosaic Covenant. Therefore, the prophetic warnings of exile were not simply about the potential loss of physical territory but represented a catastrophic rupture in the very foundation of their national and spiritual identity, echoing the severe stipulations and blessings outlined throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching and enduring themes prevalent not only in the book of Jeremiah but also throughout the broader prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. The most prominent theme is the **Divine Call to Repentance**, expressed through the urgent and direct command to "Turn ye again now every one from his evil way." This imperative highlights God's profound patience and His earnest, persistent desire for His people's spiritual transformation and restoration, even in the face of their prolonged rebellion and hardened hearts. Another crucial theme is the **Conditional Nature of Covenant Blessings**, particularly concerning the promise of the land. While the land itself was an eternal gift, irrevocably given to Abraham and his descendants as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"), the ability to "dwell" securely and prosperously within it was explicitly contingent upon their faithfulness to God's commands. This principle is a cornerstone of the Pentateuch, reiterated in passages like [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the verse profoundly underscores **God's Enduring Patience and Inherent Justice**, demonstrating His reluctance to bring severe judgment without first providing ample opportunity for His people to return to Him, even as His righteous character necessitates consequences for persistent and unrepentant disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn ye again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) is a foundational term in the prophetic message, carrying the profound meaning "to turn back," "to return," or, most significantly in a spiritual context, "to repent." It signifies a complete and decisive change of direction, not merely an external act of ceasing a particular behavior, but an internal reorientation of one's entire life away from sin and back towards God. It implies a spiritual U-turn, encompassing both a change of mind (metanoia) and a transformation of behavior, leading to a renewed alignment with divine will.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_ / _rôaʻ'_):** The verse employs two distinct yet intimately related Hebrew terms to describe "evil," providing a comprehensive indictment. `raʻ` (H7451), used in "evil way" (_derek_, H1870), denotes a bad or morally corrupt path, disposition, or character, often referring to the inner inclination and chosen course of life. `rôaʻ` (H7455), used in "evil of your doings" (_maʻălâl_, H4611), emphasizes the inherent badness or wickedness of their actions, works, and external manifestations of sin. Together, these terms form a holistic call for repentance from both the internal inclination towards sin and its outward, observable expression in conduct.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This primitive root (H3427) primarily means "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell," "to remain," or "to settle." In the context of Jeremiah 25:5, it conveys the idea of a secure, peaceful, and permanent habitation in the land. The divine invitation to "dwell" is presented as the blessed and desirable outcome of genuine repentance, standing in stark contrast to the impending displacement, exile, and insecurity that would inevitably result from continued disobedience to God's covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They said,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. The "They" refers specifically to "all his servants the prophets" (Jeremiah 25:4), God's chosen and commissioned messengers, who are not speaking their own opinions or words but are faithfully relaying the Lord's urgent and authoritative command to His people.
* **"Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings,"**: This constitutes the central imperative of the verse, an urgent and comprehensive call for repentance. The phrase "every one" underscores the individual responsibility within the collective nation, emphasizing that personal transformation is required. "His evil way" points to the internal disposition, the chosen course of life, and the underlying moral character. "The evil of your doings" refers to the outward, observable actions, behaviors, and works that are contrary to God's law. The dual emphasis highlights that true repentance demands both an internal change of heart and a corresponding external change of conduct.
* **"and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:"**: This clause presents the profound blessing and security that is contingent upon their repentance and obedience. The ability to "dwell" securely and perpetually in the land is directly linked to their willingness to turn from sin. The phrase "the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers" powerfully reiterates God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenant promises, particularly those made to the patriarchs, especially Abraham (`ʼâb`, H1). The concluding phrase "for ever and ever" (`ʻôwlâm`, H5769; `ʻad`, H5704) emphasizes the eternal and enduring nature of God's gift of the land itself, implying that while their secure dwelling within it could be temporarily forfeited due to unfaithfulness, the divine promise of the land as an inheritance for Israel remained perpetual.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 25:5 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message. The most prominent is the use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Turn ye again" and "dwell," which creates a sense of direct command and immediate necessity, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of God's call. There is a clear instance of **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, in the phrase "from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings." This construction reinforces the comprehensive nature of the required repentance, addressing both the internal disposition (way) and the external manifestations (doings) of sin. Furthermore, the phrase "for ever and ever" utilizes **Repetition** (an emphatic Hebrew idiom for perpetuity, `ʻôwlâm` repeated) to underscore the eternal and unwavering nature of God's promise regarding the land as an inheritance. This eternal promise stands in stark contrast to the temporary loss of secure dwelling that their disobedience would bring, highlighting the tension between God's eternal covenant and humanity's conditional obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 25:5 stands as a profound testament to God's enduring patience, His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, and His righteous demand for holiness. It articulates a fundamental biblical principle: while God's promises are eternal and unconditional in their ultimate fulfillment, the experience of their blessings in the present is frequently contingent upon human obedience and faithfulness. The urgent call to "turn" (Hebrew: _shuv_) is a recurring and central motif throughout the Old Testament, representing God's persistent invitation to repentance, restoration, and renewed relationship. This demonstrates His deep desire for reconciliation over judgment. This verse vividly portrays God as a loving yet righteous Father who repeatedly warns His children, offering them every opportunity to avert disaster and remain in His favor, even when their actions justly provoke His wrath.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life and Dwell in the Land")
* [Ezekiel 18:30-32](/ezekiel/18-30-32 "Ezekiel 18:30-32 - God Desires Repentance, Not Death")
* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "2 Chronicles 7:14 - God's Promise to Heal the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 25:5 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting God's unchanging character and His consistent call to humanity across all generations. For believers today, this verse is a profound and urgent reminder that God's desire for our repentance is as fervent now as it was for ancient Judah. It challenges us to honestly and thoroughly examine our "evil way" – the underlying attitudes, motivations, desires, and inclinations of our hearts that may be contrary to God's Spirit – and our "evil of your doings" – the tangible actions, habits, and choices that contradict God's revealed will. True spiritual flourishing, a secure and abundant "dwelling" in God's presence and the experience of His blessings, is directly linked to our willingness to continually turn from sin and align our lives with His righteous standards. God's remarkable patience, so vividly demonstrated through His repeated sending of prophets to Judah, assures us that He is always ready to receive us when we genuinely turn to Him, offering abundant grace, forgiveness, and restoration even when we have profoundly strayed. This verse compels us to respond with humility, immediate obedience, and gratitude to the Holy Spirit's promptings, ensuring that our lives reflect the profound thankfulness for the eternal inheritance He has graciously given us in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific "ways" or "doings" in my life is God, through His Word and Spirit, calling me to "turn again" today?**
* **How does understanding God's profound patience with rebellious Judah encourage and strengthen me in my own ongoing journey of repentance and sanctification?**
* **What does it mean for me, as a New Covenant believer, to "dwell in the land" of God's blessing and presence in a spiritual and practical sense?**

### FAQ
**What does "Turn ye again" mean in a practical sense for a believer today?**

Answer: In a practical sense, "Turn ye again" (Hebrew: _shuv_) means to make a decisive spiritual U-turn. It's far more than merely feeling regret or sorrow for sin; it involves actively changing direction. For a believer, this entails acknowledging sin, confessing it specifically to God ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")), forsaking the sinful path or pattern, and intentionally reorienting one's thoughts, desires, and actions towards God and His holy will. It is a continuous, lifelong process of aligning our lives with the truth of God's Word and the guiding of the Holy Spirit, moving away from the patterns of the world and progressively towards Christlikeness ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind")).

**Was the promise of the land truly "for ever and ever" if the people were exiled from it?**

Answer: Yes, the promise of the land itself was indeed "for ever and ever" in the sense of an eternal, irrevocable gift from God to Abraham and his descendants ([Genesis 13:15](/genesis/13-15 "Genesis 13:15 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). However, the *secure and prosperous dwelling* within that land was always conditional upon Israel's obedience and faithfulness to God's covenant. The exile was a temporary removal from the land, a direct consequence of their disobedience, not an annulment of the divine promise itself. God's faithfulness to His eternal covenant meant that a remnant would eventually return to the land, and ultimately, the promise points to a future, eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, where God's redeemed people will dwell with Him forever in perfect security and peace ([Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 25:5, with its urgent call to "turn" and its promise of secure dwelling in the land, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophetic call to repentance, so consistently voiced by God's servants throughout the Old Testament, culminates in the ministry of Jesus, who inaugurated His public ministry by proclaiming, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry with a Call to Repentance")). He is the ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), through whom the divine plea for humanity to turn from sin is perfectly embodied and powerfully delivered. Moreover, Jesus not only calls for repentance but also provides the sole means for it. His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection address both "the evil of your doings" and "evil way," offering complete forgiveness and cleansing that the Old Covenant sacrifices could only foreshadow and never fully accomplish ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The "land" that the LORD gave "for ever and ever" transforms from a physical territory into a profound spiritual reality in Christ. Through saving faith in Him, believers are granted an eternal inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, securely reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). We are no longer merely dwelling in a geographical land, but we "dwell" in Christ, finding our true home, ultimate security, and eternal identity in Him ([John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abide in Me")). He is the ultimate "Father" to those who believe, the "Everlasting Father" as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), and through Him, we become children of God, heirs according to the promise ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, the conditional promise of dwelling in the land under the Old Covenant is ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant through grace, offering an unconditional, eternal dwelling in Christ for all who believe, secured by His perfect obedience and once-for-all sacrifice.

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 7:7

Then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, for ever and ever.

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Isaiah 55:6

¶ Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Jeremiah 17:25

Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.

Jeremiah 18:11

¶ Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.