Jeremiah 29:10

KJV

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, That after {H6310} seventy {H7657} years {H8141} be accomplished {H4390} at Babylon {H894} I will visit {H6485} you, and perform {H6965} my good {H2896} word {H1697} toward you, in causing you to return {H7725} to this place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For here is what ADONAI says: 'After Bavel's seventy years are over, I will remember you and fulfill my good promise to you by bringing you back to this place.

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

American Standard Version

For thus saith Jehovah, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:10 is a profound prophetic declaration from the LORD to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, assuring them that their period of captivity is neither indefinite nor arbitrary. It reveals God's precise divine timing, promising that after seventy years of exile are completed in Babylon, He will actively intervene to fulfill His benevolent promises, orchestrating their return to their homeland. This verse serves as a beacon of hope, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over the course of history and the destiny of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles who had been deported to Babylon (Jeremiah 29). This letter was crucial because it directly countered the false hopes and deceptive prophecies of those who promised an immediate return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah's message instructed the exiles to settle down, build homes, plant gardens, marry, and even pray for the welfare of Babylon, recognizing that their own peace was inextricably linked to the peace of their captors, as stated in [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of Babylon"). Following this instruction to embrace their temporary reality, Jeremiah 29:10 then provides the long-term, divinely appointed hope, setting a precise end to their exile and preparing the ground for the even more expansive promise of [God's plans for their future and hope](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future") in the subsequent verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian exile, a traumatic period for the Kingdom of Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had conducted several deportations, with major ones occurring in 597 BC (including King Jehoiachin and many prominent citizens, like Ezekiel) and 586 BC (the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple). The exiles found themselves in a foreign land, grappling with the loss of their homeland, temple, and national identity, often questioning God's faithfulness and their covenant status. They were susceptible to false prophets who offered politically convenient but divinely unfounded assurances of a swift return. Jeremiah's letter, sent from Jerusalem, aimed to provide a true prophetic word amidst this confusion, establishing a realistic timeline for their return and challenging them to live faithfully even in exile.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:10 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over nations and historical events, even the actions of powerful empires like Babylon. He sets the duration of their punishment and their restoration. Secondly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises**. Despite Israel's disobedience leading to exile, God's ultimate plan is for their restoration and blessing, affirming that His "good word" will not fail. This echoes the broader theme of God's redemptive plan for His people, even through discipline. Thirdly, the verse offers profound **Hope Amidst Hardship**, providing a tangible timeline for the end of their suffering, which was crucial for a people who felt abandoned and without a future. This specific timeframe of "seventy years" later became a significant point of study and prayer for figures like [Daniel, who recognized its fulfillment](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel 9:2 - Daniel's Understanding of the Seventy-Year Prophecy"), underscoring God's meticulous attention to His prophetic declarations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, Jehovah, signifying "the self-Existent" or "Eternal." Its use here emphasizes that the promise comes from the unchanging, sovereign God who is faithful to His covenant promises, not from a fickle deity or human authority. It underscores the divine authority and reliability of the declaration.
* **accomplished (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** From H4390, meaning "to fill or be full of," "to be at an end," or "to fulfill." This word conveys the idea of a complete, fixed, and divinely determined period. The seventy years are not merely a rough estimate but a precise duration that must be "filled up" or "completed" before God's next phase of action begins. It speaks to God's meticulous timing and the certainty of His plan.
* **visit (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):: From H6485, this term implies more than a casual call; it denotes a purposeful, active intervention. While _paqad_ can sometimes refer to a visitation for judgment, in this context, coupled with "perform my good word," it unequivocally signifies a positive, redemptive intervention, where God actively remembers His people and moves to fulfill His promises of salvation and restoration.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, meaning "a word," "matter," or "thing." When combined with "good" (H2896, _ṭôwb_), it refers to God's benevolent, efficacious, and reliable decree. Unlike human promises that can fail, God's _dâbâr_ is active, powerful, and guaranteed to come to pass, especially when it is His "good word" concerning their welfare and future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thus saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It is not Jeremiah's opinion or a human prediction, but a direct, authoritative declaration from the sovereign God, making the subsequent promise entirely trustworthy and certain.
* **"That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon"**: This clause provides the precise timeline and geographical context for the fulfillment of the prophecy. The "seventy years" denote a specific, divinely ordained period of discipline and exile, which must run its full course. The phrase "at Babylon" confirms the location where this period of captivity will be completed, emphasizing the reality of their present circumstances while also pointing to its eventual end.
* **"I will visit you,"**: This signifies God's active, personal, and purposeful intervention in the lives of His people. As explored in the key word analysis, "visit" (paqad) here carries the connotation of a redemptive and restorative action, indicating that God has not forgotten His covenant people but is moving to act on their behalf.
* **"and perform my good word toward you,"**: This phrase highlights God's faithfulness and the efficacy of His promises. God's "good word" refers to His benevolent intentions and covenant promises of restoration and blessing. The verb "perform" (qûwm) emphasizes that God will not merely speak a word but will actively bring it to pass, demonstrating the reliability and power of His divine decrees.
* **"in causing you to return to this place."**: This specifies the nature of God's "good word" and visitation: the physical restoration of the exiles to their homeland, Judah/Jerusalem. "This place" refers to the land from which they were exiled, underscoring the completeness of the promised restoration and the reversal of their present displacement.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:10 powerfully employs several literary devices to convey its message of divine certainty and hope. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse contains a direct, time-bound prediction of future events, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control over history. The phrase "thus saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Fiat** or authoritative declaration, underscoring the absolute certainty and power of God's spoken word. This is further reinforced by the device of **Assurance** or **Promise**, as the entire verse is framed as a solemn pledge from God to His people, designed to instill hope and trust. The specific numerical detail of "seventy years" can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, representing a complete and divinely appointed period of discipline and purification, often linked to the unfulfilled Sabbath years of the land. Finally, the contrast between their present state of exile "at Babylon" and the future "return to this place" utilizes **Juxtaposition** to highlight the dramatic shift in their circumstances orchestrated by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:10 is a cornerstone for understanding God's unwavering faithfulness, even in the midst of His people's disobedience and subsequent discipline. It reveals that God's covenant promises are not nullified by human failure but are ultimately fulfilled according to His perfect timing and sovereign will. This passage underscores the theological truth that God is actively involved in history, orchestrating events to bring about His redemptive purposes. The "seventy years" signify a period of divine patience and purification, demonstrating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but purposeful, designed to lead to repentance and restoration. The promise of "visiting" and "performing His good word" reaffirms God's character as a covenant-keeping God who remembers His people and acts benevolently on their behalf, ultimately bringing them back to a place of blessing and fellowship.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void")
* [Daniel 9:2](/daniel/9-2 "Daniel 9:2 - Daniel's Understanding of the Seventy-Year Prophecy")
* [Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus' Decree and the Fulfillment of Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:10 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of waiting, difficulty, or uncertainty. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem bleak or God appears silent, He is actively at work, orchestrating events according to His perfect timeline and unwavering purposes. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He has a "good word" for us—a plan for our welfare and future—that He is committed to performing. It challenges us to persevere in faith, to embrace patience, and to resist the temptation to succumb to immediate gratification or false hopes. Just as the exiles were called to live faithfully in Babylon while awaiting God's appointed time, we too are called to live faithfully in our present circumstances, confident that God will ultimately bring His promises to fruition, leading us to a place of ultimate restoration and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the specific timeline of "seventy years" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's timing in your own life?**
* **What "good word" or promise from God are you currently waiting for Him to "perform" in your life, and how does this verse encourage you in that waiting?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to seek "quick fixes" or listen to "false prophets" (metaphorically speaking) instead of trusting God's long-term plan?**
* **How can the concept of God "visiting" His people in this verse deepen your sense of His active presence and care in your personal journey?**

### FAQ

**Why did God decree exactly "seventy years" of exile for Judah?**

Answer: The "seventy years" is widely understood to be a period of divine discipline related to Israel's failure to observe the Sabbath years for the land. According to [Leviticus 26:34-35](/leviticus/26-34 "Leviticus 26:34-35 - The Land's Sabbaths") and [2 Chronicles 36:21](/2_chronicles/36-21 "2 Chronicles 36:21 - Fulfillment of the Sabbath Prophecy"), the land was to enjoy its Sabbaths, resting every seventh year. For 490 years (70 x 7), Israel had largely neglected this command, accumulating 70 missed Sabbath years. God, in His justice, allowed the land to lie desolate for 70 years, effectively "paying back" the missed Sabbaths. This precise duration underscores God's meticulous justice and His commitment to His covenant laws.

**How was this prophecy of return fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy was fulfilled through the decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, who conquered Babylon in 539 BC. In 538 BC, Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This event is recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus' Decree and the Return to Jerusalem"), explicitly stating that this was "to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah." The first wave of returnees, led by Zerubbabel, began the rebuilding of the temple, marking the beginning of the post-exilic period and the literal fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy.

**Does this prophecy have any relevance for believers today, or was it only for ancient Israel?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 29:10 was specifically addressed to the Jewish exiles, its underlying principles offer profound relevance for believers today. It reveals God's unchanging character: His sovereignty over all circumstances, His faithfulness to His promises, His purposeful timing, and His ultimate desire for the restoration and welfare of His people. We may not experience a literal 70-year exile, but we face seasons of waiting, hardship, or spiritual "exile" from God's perceived presence. This verse assures us that God has a plan, that our trials have a divinely appointed end, and that His "good word" for our future and hope will ultimately be performed. It encourages patience, trust, and faithful living even when the path forward is unclear, reminding us that God is always working for our ultimate good and His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:10, with its promise of God's "visitation" and the performance of His "good word" leading to a "return to this place," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The long period of Israel's spiritual exile and separation from God, marked by sin and judgment, was brought to its "accomplished" end not by a physical return to a geographical location, but by the advent of the Messiah. Jesus is the ultimate "visitation" of God to humanity, as the [Word made flesh dwelling among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), bringing grace and truth. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ perfectly "performed" all of God's "good words" and promises concerning salvation and restoration, becoming the "Yes" and "Amen" to every divine pledge, as affirmed in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ"). The "return to this place" for believers is no longer merely a physical return to an earthly land, but a spiritual return to fellowship with God, a restoration to our true home in His presence, and an inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, culminating in the [New Jerusalem where God dwells with His people](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People in the New Jerusalem"). Christ's atoning work on the cross marked the "accomplishment" of God's redemptive plan, freeing us from the spiritual captivity of sin and death and ushering us into a new covenant of grace, thereby fulfilling the deepest longing for true return and peace.

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

Zechariah 7:5

Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?

Daniel 9:2

In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 24:6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.

Jeremiah 24:7

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.

Jeremiah 27:22

They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

Jeremiah 32:42

For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Jeremiah 32:44

Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.