Jeremiah 30:10

KJV

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore fear {H3372} thou not, O my servant {H5650} Jacob {H3290}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}; neither be dismayed {H2865}, O Israel {H3478}: for, lo, I will save {H3467} thee from afar {H7350}, and thy seed {H2233} from the land {H776} of their captivity {H7628}; and Jacob {H3290} shall return {H7725}, and shall be in rest {H8252}, and be quiet {H7599}, and none shall make him afraid {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So don't be afraid, Ya'akov my servant," says ADONAI, "or be alarmed, Isra'el; for I will return you from far away and your offspring from their country of exile. Ya'akov will again be quiet, at rest; and no one will make him afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

As for you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid.

American Standard Version

Therefore fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith Jehovah; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:10, a pivotal verse within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), delivers a profound divine assurance to the exiled people of Israel. It serves as a powerful antidote to their fear and dismay, promising their future salvation from distant lands, a physical return to their homeland, and a lasting state of peace, security, and freedom from oppression. This declaration underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst their judgment and dispersion, offering a vision of complete restoration and divine protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:10 stands at the beginning of a section known as the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33), which marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's prophetic message. Prior to this, much of Jeremiah's prophecy focused on pronouncements of judgment against Judah for its idolatry, unfaithfulness, and social injustice, culminating in the impending or actual Babylonian exile. Chapters 30-33, however, pivot from themes of destruction to those of restoration, hope, and the establishment of a new covenant. This verse immediately follows a prophetic declaration of a future "great day" for Jacob, a time of distress from which they will ultimately be saved, setting the stage for the detailed promises of return and renewal that follow. It contrasts sharply with the earlier warnings of desolation, providing a beacon of hope for a people facing utter despair.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 30:10 is the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire and the rise of Babylon as the dominant regional power. Judah, caught between these empires, faced repeated invasions, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BCE and the forced deportation of its inhabitants to Babylon. The people addressed in this verse are either those anticipating this devastating exile or those already enduring its harsh realities. Culturally, the concept of "captivity" (Hebrew: *shĕbîy*) was a profound national trauma, signifying not only physical displacement but also the loss of land, temple, and national identity—all central to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The promise of return "from afar" (Hebrew: *râchôwq*) speaks directly to the geographical reality of their dispersion across the vast Babylonian empire, offering a future that defied all human logic and political possibility.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Loyalty**, assuring Israel that despite their unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment, God remains true to His promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The interchangeable use of "Jacob" and "Israel" reinforces this enduring covenant identity. Secondly, it emphasizes **Sovereign Deliverance and Restoration**, portraying God as the active agent who will miraculously bring His people back from exile, not through their own strength but by His mighty hand. This theme is echoed in other prophetic books, such as Isaiah's promises of return from exile in [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God's Promise to Gather Israel"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Lasting Peace and Security**, promising a future state where Israel will be "in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid." This vision transcends mere political stability, pointing to a profound, Spirit-wrought tranquility and freedom from all forms of oppression, a concept also seen in [Zechariah 3:10](/zechariah/3-10 "Zechariah 3:10 - Peace and Security in the Future Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root (H3372) signifies not only terror or fright but also a moral reverence or awe. In this context, the command "fear thou not" is a divine imperative to cast off the paralyzing dread and anxiety associated with their current and impending circumstances. It implies a call to trust in God's power and promises rather than succumbing to human fear, which is often a lack of reverence for God's sovereignty.
* **save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This word (H3467) means to be open, wide, or free, and by implication, to be safe. Causatively, it means to free or succor. Here, it denotes God's active intervention to rescue and deliver His people from their dire situation, specifically from "afar" and "the land of their captivity." It speaks to a comprehensive deliverance, encompassing physical, national, and spiritual liberation, bringing them into a state of safety and freedom.
* **rest (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** This primitive root (H8252) means to repose, usually figuratively. It conveys a sense of appeasement, quietness, and being at ease. In Jeremiah 30:10, it describes the profound tranquility and security that God promises to establish for Jacob upon their return. This "rest" is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, settled peace and well-being, free from external threats and internal anxieties, a state of secure habitation in their land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel:":** This opening clause functions as a direct divine address and imperative. The "Therefore" links back to the preceding verses, which describe a time of distress but also a promise of deliverance. The commands "fear thou not" and "neither be dismayed" are powerful reassurances, directly confronting the natural human reactions to exile and oppression. The use of both "Jacob" and "Israel" interchangeably emphasizes God's enduring covenant relationship with His chosen people as a whole, regardless of their current fragmented state. The phrase "saith the LORD" authenticates the promise as a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh Himself.
* **"for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity;":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the preceding commands to "fear not" and "be not dismayed." The "for, lo" introduces a divine declaration of certainty and emphasis. God explicitly states His intention: "I will save thee." This salvation is comprehensive, extending to "thee" (the present generation) and "thy seed" (future generations), and reaching them even "from afar" (their distant places of exile) and specifically "from the land of their captivity" (Babylon). This highlights God's omnipotence and His ability to act across vast distances to fulfill His promises.
* **"and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.":** This final clause details the blessed outcome of God's saving act. "Jacob shall return" signifies not only a physical repatriation from exile but also a national and spiritual restoration to their land and covenant relationship. The subsequent phrases "shall be in rest, and be quiet" describe a profound state of tranquility and security, implying freedom from external threats and internal anxieties. The ultimate promise, "and none shall make [him] afraid," encapsulates a complete and enduring peace, a reversal of their current state of terror and vulnerability, ensuring a future of undisturbed well-being under divine protection.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and assurance. **Parallelism** is evident in the opening imperatives, "fear thou not, O my servant Jacob... neither be dismayed, O Israel," where "Jacob" and "Israel" function as synonymous parallels for the nation, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the divine address. Further parallelism is seen in the promised future state: "shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid," where "rest" and "quiet" are closely related concepts, emphasizing profound tranquility and security. The phrase "saith the LORD" is a classic example of a **Divine Oracle**, a common prophetic device that authenticates the message as a direct, authoritative word from God, lending it ultimate weight and certainty. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Antithesis** to the preceding chapters of judgment and impending doom, shifting the narrative from despair to hope and demonstrating God's ultimate redemptive purpose for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive plan for His people. It reveals a God who, despite His people's rebellion and the necessity of judgment, never abandons His promises. The assurance of return, rest, and security underscores the divine desire for His people's flourishing and well-being, demonstrating that His discipline is always ultimately aimed at restoration. This verse speaks to the enduring nature of God's love and His sovereign power to bring about His purposes, even when human circumstances seem utterly hopeless. It foreshadows a future where God's presence guarantees complete peace and freedom from fear, a vision that extends beyond the immediate return from Babylonian exile to the eschatological hope of God's eternal kingdom.

* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise Not to Fear")
* [Ezekiel 34:25-28](/ezekiel/34-25-28 "Ezekiel 34:25-28 - Covenant of Peace")
* [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Lying Down in Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:10 offers profound comfort and a steadfast anchor for the soul in times of personal and communal distress. Just as God addressed the fear and dismay of His exiled people, He speaks to our anxieties today. This verse reminds us that no matter how distant or overwhelming our "captivity" may feel—whether it's the grip of fear, the burden of anxiety, the weight of difficult circumstances, or the despair of a broken world—God's promise to save and bring us to a place of rest remains true. We are called to "fear not" because our God is sovereign, omnipotent, and faithful. His ability to save "from afar" means His reach extends to every corner of our lives, and no situation is beyond His redemptive power. Trusting in His word allows us to find rest and quiet even amidst the storm, knowing that ultimately, in Him, none can truly make us afraid. This verse encourages us to actively place our hope in God's promises, cultivating a posture of peace and security rooted in His unfailing character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "captivity" or source of fear in your life does this verse speak to most directly?**
* **How does the assurance "I will save thee from afar" challenge your perspective on seemingly impossible situations?**
* **In what ways can you actively choose "rest" and "quiet" by trusting God's promises, even when circumstances are unsettling?**
* **How does knowing God's enduring faithfulness to "Jacob" and "Israel" encourage your own faith journey?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of Comfort" in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The "Book of Comfort" refers to Jeremiah chapters 30-33. This section stands in stark contrast to the preceding prophecies of judgment and destruction against Judah. It contains messages of hope, restoration, and the promise of a new covenant, assuring the exiled people of Israel that God will ultimately bring them back to their land, restore their fortunes, and establish a lasting peace, even after the period of their punishment. It's a profound declaration of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises.

**How does Jeremiah 30:10 relate to the Babylonian exile?**

Answer: Jeremiah 30:10 is directly addressed to the people of Judah who were either facing the imminent threat of, or already experiencing, the Babylonian exile. The phrase "from the land of their captivity" explicitly refers to their forced deportation to Babylon. The verse serves as a divine counter-narrative to their despair, promising a miraculous return from this distant land, a re-establishment in their homeland, and a future free from the terror and displacement they were enduring. It's a promise of national restoration after a period of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:10, with its promise of divine salvation, return, rest, and freedom from fear, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially addressing the physical return of Israel from Babylonian exile, the spiritual dimensions of this promise are fully realized in the New Covenant established through Christ. He is the ultimate "servant Jacob" (cf. [Isaiah 49:3](/isaiah/49-3 "Isaiah 49:3 - Christ as God's Servant")), through whom God saves His people not merely from physical captivity, but from the far greater captivity of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus delivers us "from afar"—from spiritual alienation and separation from God—bringing us near to the Father ([Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by Christ's Blood")). He offers a rest that transcends earthly peace, a deep spiritual tranquility for our souls ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")), and assures us that in Him, we need not fear, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")). The promise that "none shall make him afraid" is fully realized in the secure and eternal peace found in Christ, who guarantees our ultimate safety in God's presence, where every tear will be wiped away and fear will be no more ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Death")).

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 46:27

But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Jeremiah 46:28

Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

Jeremiah 29:14

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.

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Hosea 2:18

And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

Isaiah 44:2

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 35:9

No lion shall be there, nor [any] ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk [there]: