Jeremiah 30:1

KJV

¶ The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

The word {H1697} that came to Jeremiah {H3414} from the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This word came to Yirmeyahu from ADONAI:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:

American Standard Version

The word that came to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:1 serves as the authoritative superscription to a pivotal section of the book, often called the "Book of Comfort" or "Book of Consolation," spanning chapters 30-33. This concise verse immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the messages that follow, signaling a profound shift from prophecies of judgment to those of restoration, hope, and the future renewal of God's covenant with His people, Israel and Judah. It underscores that the ensuing promises of healing and return are not human aspirations but direct, certain pronouncements from the sovereign LORD Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:1 marks a distinct literary transition within the book of Jeremiah. The preceding chapters (especially 25-29) are largely dominated by pronouncements of impending judgment against Judah and surrounding nations, detailing the coming Babylonian exile as a consequence of their persistent idolatry and disobedience. However, with chapter 30, the tone shifts dramatically. This verse introduces a block of text (chapters 30-33) that is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on future restoration, the return from exile, the renewal of the covenant, and the ultimate establishment of God's righteous rule. It is a beacon of hope strategically placed after extensive prophecies of doom, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness beyond judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during the final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, a period of immense political instability and spiritual decline (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). He witnessed the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, the siege and fall of Jerusalem (586 BCE), and the subsequent deportation of the Jewish people into exile. The messages in chapters 30-33, though delivered before the full exile, are primarily directed towards a people who would experience or were already experiencing the trauma of displacement and national dissolution. Culturally, the concept of a "word from the LORD" was foundational to Israelite prophecy, affirming that the prophet was a divinely appointed messenger, not merely a human commentator. This ensured the message's legitimacy and demanded obedience from the hearers.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:1 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the "Book of Comfort" and the broader biblical narrative. The most immediate is **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that the words of hope and restoration are not human inventions but emanate directly "from the LORD." This divine origin guarantees the certainty and power of the promises, assuring the exiles that God's plan for their future is immutable, as seen in passages like [Amos 3:7, where the Lord God reveals His secret to His servants the prophets](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals Secrets to Prophets"). Another key theme is **Hope Amidst Judgment**, demonstrating that even in the darkest times of divine discipline, God's ultimate intention for His covenant people is restoration and blessing. This section provides a glimpse into God's long-term redemptive plan, foreshadowing the new covenant described later in [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant and Restoration"). Finally, the verse underscores **Prophetic Authenticity**, presenting Jeremiah as a faithful conduit for God's message, thereby validating the profound promises of future national rebirth and spiritual renewal that follow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This term is far more expansive than a mere utterance. It signifies a 'thing,' 'matter,' 'event,' 'decree,' or 'affair.' In this context, it implies that God's communication is not just spoken but is active, dynamic, and possesses the inherent power to bring about what it declares. It's a word that is effective and consequential, embodying God's will and purpose.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** (H3068) This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Its use here emphasizes that the message of comfort and restoration comes from the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel—the One who is self-existent, eternal, and who remembers His promises even in times of severe discipline. It signifies His unchanging character and faithfulness to His people.
* **saying (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** (H559) This primitive root means "to say" with great latitude, encompassing declaring, commanding, appointing, or even intending. In Jeremiah 30:1, it highlights the direct, explicit nature of God's communication to Jeremiah, confirming that the subsequent prophecies are not the prophet's interpretations or musings but direct dictation from God Himself. It reinforces the authoritative and intentional delivery of the divine message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The word that came to Jeremiah":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and prophetic nature of the subsequent message. It signifies that the following content is not Jeremiah's own thoughts, opinions, or political analyses, but a direct revelation from God. The phrase "came to" implies a divine initiative, an active communication from the transcendent God to His chosen messenger, Jeremiah.
* **"from the LORD, saying,":** This clause explicitly identifies the source of the "word" as "the LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel. It underscores the ultimate authority and truthfulness of the message. The inclusion of "saying" indicates that the "word" is not merely a general impression or inspiration, but a specific, articulated message that Jeremiah is commanded to deliver. This phrase functions as a formal prophetic formula, validating the entire "Book of Comfort" as divinely inspired and authoritative.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:1 primarily employs **Superscription** as a literary device, serving as a formal heading that introduces the entire "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33). This superscription immediately establishes the divine authority and prophetic nature of the text that follows, setting the tone for a section focused on God's direct communication. The phrase "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD" is a classic example of a **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring literary convention in prophetic literature that authenticates the message as originating from God rather than human invention. This formula emphasizes **Divine Revelation** as the foundational premise, underscoring that the subsequent promises of restoration are not mere human hopes but divinely ordained certainties.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:1 powerfully asserts the principle of divine revelation, a cornerstone of biblical theology. It underscores that God is not silent but actively communicates His will, purposes, and promises to humanity through His chosen messengers. This verse sets the stage for a profound demonstration of God's covenant faithfulness, revealing that even in the midst of severe judgment, His ultimate plan for His people is one of restoration and blessing. The "word" that comes from the LORD is not just informative; it is performative, carrying the power to accomplish what it declares. This divine initiative of speaking hope into despair foreshadows the ultimate "word" of God—Jesus Christ—who embodies God's promises and brings ultimate comfort and salvation.
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Carried by the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:1 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. In a world often filled with uncertainty, despair, and the consequences of human brokenness, this verse reminds us that God's voice is the ultimate source of truth, hope, and direction. Just as Jeremiah received a "word" of comfort and future restoration for a people facing exile, God continues to speak His promises into our lives through His written Word, the Bible. This calls us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening and obedience, trusting that even when circumstances seem bleak, God's plans for us are ultimately for good and for a future filled with hope, as He declared in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). The divine origin of the message assures us that God's promises are not subject to human failure or shifting circumstances, but are grounded in His unchanging character and sovereign power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the divine origin of God's Word (as in Jeremiah 30:1) impact your trust in its promises, especially during difficult times?**
* **In what ways does God's "word" (His commands, promises, or guidance) come to you today?**
* **How can you better cultivate a posture of listening and obedience to God's voice in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD"?**

Answer: This phrase is a standard prophetic formula that serves to authenticate the message that follows as a direct, divinely inspired revelation, rather than Jeremiah's own thoughts or opinions. It emphasizes the absolute authority and divine origin of the prophecies, ensuring that the promises of comfort and restoration in chapters 30-33 are guaranteed by the sovereign God Himself. It signifies that God is actively communicating His will and purpose to His people through His chosen messenger.

**Why does this verse mark a significant shift in the book of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah 30:1 introduces what is often called the "Book of Comfort" or "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33). Prior to this, much of Jeremiah's prophecy focused on stern warnings of judgment and the impending Babylonian exile due to Judah's sin. This verse signals a dramatic pivot to messages of hope, restoration, and the future renewal of God's covenant with Israel and Judah. It demonstrates that even amidst divine discipline, God's ultimate plan for His people is one of redemption and blessing, providing a crucial balance to the preceding pronouncements of doom. This shift highlights God's enduring faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant promises, even when His people fail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:1, by emphasizing "the word that came from the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living **Word of God** incarnate. Just as God's word came to Jeremiah to deliver promises of comfort and restoration, so too did God's ultimate Word, Jesus, come into the world to bring the true and lasting comfort of salvation and the ultimate restoration of humanity's relationship with God. [John 1:1 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,"](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), and [John 1:14 further reveals, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us"](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus is the embodiment of all God's promises, the mediator of the [New Covenant foretold in Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant and Restoration"), a covenant established not with ink, but with His own blood ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). He is the true prophet, greater than Jeremiah, through whom God speaks His final and most comprehensive word of hope and redemption to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). All the comfort and restoration promised to Israel find their spiritual and eternal reality in Christ, for [all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ").

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 1:1

¶ The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that [were] in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

Jeremiah 1:2

To whom the word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign.

Jeremiah 26:15

But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death, ye shall surely bring innocent blood upon yourselves, and upon this city, and upon the inhabitants thereof: for of a truth the LORD hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears.