Jeremiah 29:14

KJV

And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will be found {H4672} of you, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: and I will turn away {H7725} your captivity {H7622}{H7622}, and I will gather {H6908} you from all the nations {H1471}, and from all the places {H4725} whither I have driven {H5080} you, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; and I will bring you again {H7725} into the place {H4725} whence I caused you to be carried away captive {H1540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and I will let you find me,' says ADONAI. 'Then I will reverse your exile. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have driven you,' says ADONAI, 'and bring you back to the place from which I exiled you.'

Berean Standard Bible

I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have banished you, declares the LORD. I will restore you to the place from which I sent you into exile.”

American Standard Version

And I will be found of you, saith Jehovah, and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith Jehovah; and I will bring you again unto the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:14 stands as a profound declaration of divine promise and restoration, delivered to the Judean exiles enduring captivity in Babylon. This verse encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to actively intervene in the lives of His people, assuring them that He will make Himself accessible to them, reverse their state of bondage, gather them from every nation where they were scattered, and ultimately bring them back to their homeland. It is a powerful testament to God's sovereign faithfulness, transforming a period of judgment and displacement into a future filled with hope and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 29:14 concludes a pivotal section of Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon, specifically following the famous promise in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future") and the call to seek God in [Jeremiah 29:12-13](/jeremiah/29-12 "Jeremiah 29:12-13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"). The letter itself, found in [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - The Letter to the Exiles"), was sent to counter the false prophecies of a quick return, urging the exiles instead to [settle down and seek the welfare of Babylon](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the Peace of the City") for a prolonged period of seventy years, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - The Seventy-Year Prophecy"). Within this framework of long-term exile and patient endurance, verses 11-14 serve as a crucial counterpoint, providing a divine assurance of ultimate restoration and a future, despite the present hardship. This immediate context emphasizes that God's promises are not for an immediate, superficial return, but for a deep, comprehensive restoration at His appointed time, contingent on their sincere seeking of Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 29:14 is the Babylonian exile, specifically the first major deportation of Judeans in 597 BCE, which included King Jehoiachin, Ezekiel, and many of the elite. This was a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness, leading to God's judgment through the instrument of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar. The exiles were forcibly removed from their land, their temple destroyed (later, in 586 BCE), and their national identity severely challenged. Culturally, they were a displaced people, grappling with the theological implications of their defeat – had their God abandoned them? Were the gods of Babylon stronger? Jeremiah's letter, sent from Jerusalem to Babylon, provided a vital prophetic word to a community struggling with despair, false hope from deceptive prophets, and the temptation to assimilate or despair. The promise of return to "the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive" would have resonated deeply with their longing for Zion and the restoration of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:14 powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the broader book of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**: The repeated "I will" statements ("I will be found," "I will turn away," "I will gather," "I will bring") highlight that this restoration is entirely God's work, not dependent on human strength or political maneuvering. Secondly, the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is prominent; despite Israel's unfaithfulness that led to exile, God remains true to His covenant promises to preserve and restore His people. Thirdly, it speaks to **Hope Amidst Despair**, offering a future beyond the current suffering, a concept beautifully introduced in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). Fourthly, the verse connects to the theme of **Divine Accessibility and Seeking God**, building on [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"), implying that God's "being found" is intrinsically linked to His people's earnest pursuit of Him. Finally, the promise of **Restoration and Re-gathering** from "all the nations" is a recurring motif in prophetic literature, looking forward to a comprehensive return not just to the land, but to a renewed relationship with their God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** From H4672, meaning "to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present." In this context, "I will be found of you" signifies God's active revelation and accessibility. It implies that after a period where God's presence might have felt distant due to their disobedience and exile, He promises to make Himself available and responsive to His people when they genuinely seek Him, as indicated in the preceding verses. This is not a passive discovery, but an active divine self-disclosure.
* **turn away (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively." When used with "captivity" (H7622, _shᵉbûwth_), the phrase "turn away your captivity" (often translated as "restore your fortunes" or "bring back your captives") signifies a complete reversal of their dire situation. It's God's powerful act of undoing the judgment of exile, bringing about a profound change from a state of bondage and displacement to one of freedom and flourishing. This emphasizes God's active intervention and power to reverse even the most severe circumstances.
* **gather (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, a primitive root meaning "to grasp, i.e., collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort." This word emphasizes God's comprehensive and deliberate act of reassembling His scattered people. The exiles were dispersed "from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you," highlighting the vastness of their dispersion. God's promise to "gather" them signifies a meticulous and powerful act of bringing every single one back, regardless of how far they have been scattered, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will be found of you, saith the LORD:"** This opening clause establishes God's initiative and accessibility. The phrase "saith the LORD" (from H5002, _nᵉʼum_, an oracle) underscores the divine authority and certainty of the promise. It implies that God, who seemed hidden or absent during their exile, will once again make Himself known and available to those who diligently seek Him, as outlined in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart").
* **"and I will turn away your captivity,"** This is the core promise of reversal and restoration. "Turn away your captivity" (H7725 _shûwb_ with H7622 _shᵉbûwth_) signifies God's act of bringing an end to their state of exile and bondage. It implies not just a physical return, but a reversal of their fortunes, a restoration of their national and spiritual well-being. This is a direct divine intervention to alleviate their suffering and re-establish their freedom.
* **"and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD;"** This clause expands on the scope of the restoration, emphasizing its comprehensiveness. God promises to collect His people from every corner of the earth where they have been dispersed. The acknowledgment "whither I have driven you" (from H5080 _nâdach_) is crucial; it reminds the exiles that their scattering was not random but a sovereign act of divine judgment. Yet, the same sovereign God who disciplined them now promises to gather them, demonstrating His ultimate control and redemptive purpose. The repetition of "saith the LORD" reinforces the absolute certainty and divine origin of this expansive promise.
* **"and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive."** This final clause specifies the destination of their return: their homeland, Jerusalem and Judah. "The place" (from H4725 _mâqôwm_, a specific locality) refers to the land of Israel. The phrase "whence I caused you to be carried away captive" (from H1540 _gâlâh_) reiterates God's agency in their exile, but now transforms that agency into an act of bringing them back. This signifies a full and complete restoration to their inheritance, fulfilling the covenant promises made to their ancestors.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine promise. The most prominent is **Anaphora** and **Repetition** of the first-person divine pronoun "I" and the verb "will" ("I will be found... I will turn away... I will gather... I will bring"). This repeated structure powerfully emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and active involvement in the restoration process, leaving no doubt that this is His work alone. The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _ne'um YHWH_) serves as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, appearing twice in the verse, lending ultimate authority and certainty to the pronouncements. There is also a strong sense of **Contrast** and **Reversal**: God, who "drove" them out, now promises to "gather" them; the state of "captivity" is "turned away," and they are brought back to the "place whence I caused you to be carried away captive." This highlights God's power to reverse judgment and restore. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** or **Totalization** in the phrase "from all the nations, and from all the places," emphasizing the complete and comprehensive nature of the gathering, no matter how widespread the dispersion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:14 is a cornerstone text for understanding God's character as both righteous judge and faithful redeemer. It underscores the profound theological truth that even in the midst of divine discipline and the consequences of sin, God's ultimate plan for His people is one of hope, restoration, and flourishing. This promise reveals a God who actively seeks to be found by His people, who intervenes to reverse their fortunes, and who meticulously gathers them from every corner of their dispersion. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant love, demonstrating that His promises are steadfast, even when His people are unfaithful. The verse provides a powerful testament to God's sovereignty over history, showing that He orchestrates both judgment and salvation, always working towards His ultimate redemptive purposes for His chosen people, ensuring that their future is ultimately secure in His hands.

* [Deuteronomy 30:3](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3 - God Gathers His Scattered People")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - Fear Not, For I Am With You")
* [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - I Will Gather You from All Countries")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:14 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers navigating their own seasons of "captivity" or displacement. Just as God promised to restore ancient Israel, this verse assures us of His enduring faithfulness and active presence in our lives, even when circumstances feel overwhelming or we are far from where we desire to be. It reminds us that our current struggles, whether spiritual dryness, emotional hardship, or challenging life circumstances, are not God's final word. He is sovereignly at work, orchestrating a future of hope and restoration. The promise "I will be found of you" is a powerful invitation to seek Him diligently, assuring us that He is accessible and responsive to those who pursue Him with their whole heart. This passage encourages us to trust in God's power to reverse our personal captivities, gather the scattered pieces of our lives, and bring us back to a place of peace, purpose, and renewed relationship with Him, knowing that His plans for us are always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I currently feel "carried away captive" or displaced, and how does this verse speak to that feeling?**
* **How does the promise "I will be found of you" encourage me to seek God more earnestly in my daily life?**
* **What specific "nations" or "places" (metaphorically speaking) might God be gathering me from, and what "place" is He bringing me back to in His purpose?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in both driving away and gathering back shape my trust in His ultimate plan for my life?**

### FAQ
**What does "I will be found of you" mean in this context?**

Answer: "I will be found of you" (Hebrew: *nimtseti lakhem*) signifies God's active self-revelation and accessibility. It means that God, who had seemed distant due to Israel's sin and subsequent exile, promises to make Himself available and responsive to His people. This promise is intrinsically linked to the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"), where God states, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Thus, God's "being found" is a divine response to a sincere, wholehearted seeking on the part of His people, indicating a restoration of intimate relationship and communication.

**Was the return from Babylonian captivity the complete fulfillment of this prophecy?**

Answer: While the return of the Jewish exiles to Judah under Cyrus the Great (as recorded in books like [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer")) was a significant historical fulfillment of Jeremiah 29:14, biblical scholars often view this as a partial or initial fulfillment. The comprehensive nature of the promise—"gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you"—suggests a broader, more ultimate restoration that encompasses not just the Babylonian exiles but all of Israel scattered throughout history. This prophecy points forward to a spiritual and eschatological gathering, ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant and the Kingdom of God, where God's people from all nations are gathered into Christ.

**Why does God say "whither I have driven you" and "whence I caused you to be carried away captive"?**

Answer: These phrases emphasize God's absolute sovereignty over history and His role in their exile. It explicitly states that their captivity was not a random misfortune or a sign of Babylon's superior power, but a direct, intentional act of divine judgment for their disobedience to His covenant. By acknowledging that He was the one who "drove" them and "caused them to be carried away captive," God takes responsibility for the discipline. This also underscores the power of His subsequent promise: the same God who scattered them is the one powerful enough to gather them, demonstrating His ultimate control over their destiny and His ability to reverse even the most severe consequences of sin. This divine agency provides assurance that the promised return is certain because it is God's own doing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's promise to be found, to turn away captivity, and to gather His people. The "being found" of God, which was partially experienced by the returning exiles, is fully realized in Christ, who is the [express image of God's person](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory") and through whom God has [fully revealed Himself](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father"). In Him, humanity truly finds God, for [He is the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), and no one comes to the Father except through Him. Furthermore, the spiritual "captivity" of sin and death, far more pervasive than any physical exile, is definitively "turned away" by Christ's atoning work on the cross. He [delivers us from the dominion of darkness](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Dominion of Darkness") and [sets the captives free](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). Finally, the promise to "gather you from all the nations" finds its grand fulfillment in the church, the new Israel, comprised of believers from [every tribe, tongue, people, and nation](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation") whom Christ, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Other Sheep I Have"), gathers into His one flock. He is the ultimate "place" of return and rest, the true homeland for all who were once scattered and lost, bringing them into eternal communion with God in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth").

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 30:3

For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Ezekiel 36:1

¶ Also, thou son of man, prophesy unto the mountains of Israel, and say, Ye mountains of Israel, hear the word of the LORD:

Ezekiel 36:38

As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts; so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

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 50:4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.