Jeremiah 30:7

KJV

Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it: it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Alas {H1945}! for that day {H3117} is great {H1419}, so that {H369} none is like it: it is even the time {H6256} of Jacob's {H3290} trouble {H6869}; but he shall be saved {H3467} out of it.

Complete Jewish Bible

How dreadful that day will be! - there has never been one like it: a time of trouble for Ya'akov, but out of it he will be saved.

Berean Standard Bible

How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it.

American Standard Version

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:7, a pivotal verse within the "Book of Consolation," issues a dire warning of an unparalleled future day of distress, described as "Jacob's trouble," yet concludes with a powerful and certain promise of divine deliverance. This prophecy, while initially addressing the historical context of Israel's exile and restoration, casts a long shadow forward, pointing to a unique and intense period of tribulation for God's covenant people, ultimately affirming God's unfailing faithfulness to save them through and out of their deepest trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 30:7 stands at the threshold of Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters [Jeremiah 30](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30 - The Book of Consolation")-[Jeremiah 33](/jeremiah/33 "Jeremiah 33 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")). This section marks a significant shift in tone from the preceding chapters, which largely detail prophecies of judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. Here, the focus turns to future hope, restoration, and the renewal of God's covenant with Israel and Judah. Verse 7 specifically introduces the concept of an unprecedented "time of trouble" that must precede the glorious restoration promised in the subsequent verses, setting the stage for prophecies of return from exile, national rebirth, and the establishment of a new covenant. It highlights that even in the midst of promised future blessing, a period of intense purification and testing is foretold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period marked by the decline of the Assyrian Empire, the rise of Babylon, and the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile. The people of Judah faced immense political instability, moral decay, and spiritual apostasy, often turning to idolatry and foreign alliances instead of trusting in Yahweh. Culturally, the concept of a "day of the Lord" was prevalent, often associated with divine judgment and cataclysmic events. Jeremiah's prophecy draws upon this understanding but extends it to an unprecedented "day" for Jacob (Israel), emphasizing its unique severity. The "trouble" would encompass the suffering of exile, but also foreshadow a future, ultimate trial for the nation.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:7 encapsulates several profound themes central to the prophet's message and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Purification**, indicating that God uses periods of intense suffering to refine His people, addressing their sin and idolatry. Secondly, it introduces the concept of **Unprecedented Tribulation**, a time of distress so severe that "none is like it," a theme echoed in later prophetic literature concerning end-times events for Israel (e.g., [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - A Time of Unparalleled Trouble")). Thirdly, and most significantly, it powerfully proclaims **God's Unfailing Faithfulness and Ultimate Deliverance**. Despite the severity of "Jacob's trouble," the verse concludes with the unwavering promise, "but he shall be saved out of it." This highlights God's covenant commitment to His people, ensuring their survival and ultimate restoration, a promise that reverberates throughout the entire "Book of Consolation" and finds its ultimate expression in the new covenant described in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alas! (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This interjection is a prolonged form of a root word akin to "woe" or "oh!" It functions as a cry of lament, warning, or despair. In prophetic literature, "Alas!" often introduces a pronouncement of judgment or impending disaster, highlighting the gravity and sorrow associated with the coming event. Here, it sets a somber tone for the description of the "great day" and "Jacob's trouble."
* **trouble (Hebrew, _tsârâh'_):** This feminine noun literally means "tightness" or "narrowness," and figuratively refers to distress, anguish, affliction, or tribulation. Its usage here emphasizes the immense, constricting suffering and severe pressure that "Jacob" (Israel) will experience. It denotes a period of intense difficulty and hardship, not merely inconvenience but profound existential anguish.
* **saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root verb meaning "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." This word signifies active divine intervention, rescue, and the bringing of salvation. It implies not just survival, but a powerful, liberating act of God that delivers from danger and brings security and victory. The use of the passive voice ("he shall be saved") underscores that this deliverance is entirely God's doing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Alas! for that day [is] great, so that none [is] like it:"** The exclamation "Alas!" (hôwy) immediately conveys a sense of lament and foreboding, signaling a grave pronouncement. The "day" (yôwm) refers not necessarily to a 24-hour period but to a defined space of time, an era or epoch. This "day" is described as "great" (gâdôwl), implying immense significance and magnitude, but in a negative sense—a day of profound and unparalleled calamity. The phrase "so that none is like it" emphatically stresses the unique and unprecedented nature of this coming period of distress, distinguishing it from any previous historical suffering experienced by Israel.
* **"it [is] even the time of Jacob's trouble;"** This clause explicitly identifies the nature of the "great day" as "the time (ʻêth) of Jacob's (Yaʻăqôb) trouble (tsârâh)." "Jacob" here is a synecdoche for the nation of Israel, the descendants of the patriarch Jacob. The "trouble" signifies intense distress, affliction, and anguish. This phrase directly names the period of unparalleled suffering as specifically pertaining to God's covenant people, indicating a tribulation unique to them and profoundly impactful on their national existence and spiritual identity.
* **"but he shall be saved out of it."** The conjunction "but" introduces a dramatic shift from dire prophecy to glorious promise, acting as a pivotal turning point in the verse. Despite the unprecedented greatness and severity of "Jacob's trouble," there is an absolute certainty of deliverance. The passive verb "shall be saved" (yâshaʻ) highlights that this salvation is not achieved by human effort but is a sovereign act of God. The phrase "out of it" implies that Israel will pass through this trouble, experiencing its full force, but ultimately will emerge from it, preserved and delivered by divine power. This provides the ultimate beacon of hope amidst the preceding declaration of unparalleled distress.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:7 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The initial "Alas!" (hôwy) serves as an **exclamation of lament or woe**, immediately setting a somber and urgent tone for the prophecy. The description of the day as "great, so that none is like it" is a form of **hyperbole** and **superlative language**, emphasizing the unparalleled severity and uniqueness of the coming tribulation. This hyperbolic language serves to impress upon the reader the extreme nature of the distress. The phrase "Jacob's trouble" is a potent example of **metonymy**, where "Jacob" stands in for the entire nation of Israel, his descendants. This device connects the future suffering directly to the historical identity and covenant relationship of God's chosen people. Finally, the verse exhibits a clear **contrast** or **antithesis** between the severity of the "trouble" and the certainty of "salvation," creating a powerful tension that is resolved by God's promise. This structural contrast underscores the ultimate triumph of God's faithfulness over tribulation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:7 is a foundational prophecy for understanding God's dealings with Israel, particularly concerning future eschatological events. The "time of Jacob's trouble" has been widely interpreted by theologians as referring to a future period of intense tribulation specifically for the nation of Israel, often identified with the "Great Tribulation" described in other prophetic books. This period is understood as a time of divine judgment and purification, designed to bring Israel to repentance and faith in their Messiah, ultimately leading to their national and spiritual restoration. The verse powerfully affirms God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that even through the most severe trials, He will preserve His people and fulfill His promises of salvation and restoration. It speaks to the sovereignty of God, who orchestrates even tribulation for His ultimate redemptive purposes, ensuring that His chosen people will emerge from the crucible refined and delivered.

* [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - A Time of Unparalleled Trouble")
* [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - The Great Tribulation Prophecy")
* [Revelation 7:14](/revelation/7-14 "Revelation 7:14 - Saints Enduring the Great Tribulation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:7, while primarily a prophecy concerning Israel, offers profound spiritual truths and practical applications for believers today. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan often includes periods of intense trial and suffering, even for His beloved people. The "time of Jacob's trouble" underscores that tribulation can be a divinely appointed means of purification, drawing us closer to God and exposing our reliance on anything other than Him. For us, this means that when we face personal or collective "trouble" that feels overwhelming and unprecedented, we are not without hope. The unwavering promise, "but he shall be saved out of it," serves as a powerful anchor for our faith, assuring us that God's faithfulness will prevail. It calls us to persevere, to cling to God's promises even in the darkest valleys, and to trust that He is working all things—even our deepest distress—for our ultimate good and His glory. This verse cultivates a spirit of resilient hope, knowing that our God is the God of salvation, who delivers His people through every storm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereign purpose in "Jacob's trouble" inform your perspective on personal trials and global crises today?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's deliverance "out of" a difficult situation, reinforcing your trust in His faithfulness?**
* **How does the promise of ultimate salvation in this verse encourage you to persevere in faith, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ
**What is "Jacob's trouble" and when will it occur?**

Answer: "Jacob's trouble" refers to a future, unprecedented period of intense distress and tribulation specifically for the nation of Israel, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - The Time of Jacob's Trouble"). While the initial context for Jeremiah's prophecies was the Babylonian exile, many biblical scholars interpret "Jacob's trouble" as referring to the future "Great Tribulation" described in other prophetic books, such as [Daniel 12:1](/daniel/12-1 "Daniel 12:1 - A Time of Unparalleled Trouble") and [Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Great Tribulation"). This period is generally understood to occur in the end times, preceding the second coming of Christ and the establishment of His millennial kingdom, serving as a time of purification and ultimate national repentance for Israel.

**Does "Jacob's trouble" apply to all believers, or just to the nation of Israel?**

Answer: While the principle of God using trials for purification applies universally to all believers (e.g., [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-5 - Benefits of Suffering")), the phrase "Jacob's trouble" in [Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - The Time of Jacob's Trouble") is specifically tied to "Jacob," which is a metonym for the nation of Israel. Therefore, the primary and most intense fulfillment of this prophecy is understood to be a unique period of tribulation for the Jewish people. However, the spiritual truth that God delivers His people through unprecedented trials remains a universal comfort and promise for all who trust in Him, regardless of their ethnicity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 30:7, with its prophecy of "Jacob's trouble" and ultimate salvation, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. While the immediate context points to a future tribulation for Israel, the ultimate deliverance from this trouble is inextricably linked to the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true "deliverer" (cf. [Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - The Deliverer from Zion")), the one who will save His people from their sins and from all their troubles. The "time of Jacob's trouble" foreshadows a period when Israel will finally look upon Him whom they have pierced ([Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One")), leading to national repentance and salvation through faith in their Messiah. Jesus Himself spoke of a coming "great tribulation" ([Matthew 24:21](/matthew/24-21 "Matthew 24:21 - Jesus' Prophecy of the Great Tribulation")), and His return will be the ultimate act of salvation, bringing an end to this period of unparalleled distress and establishing His righteous reign. Thus, the promise "he shall be saved out of it" is ultimately realized in the redemptive power of Christ, who endured the ultimate "trouble" on the cross to secure salvation for all who believe, and who will return to deliver His covenant people and establish His kingdom in glory ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return")).

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

Daniel 12:1

¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Daniel 9:12

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.

Zechariah 14:1

¶ Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.

Zechariah 14:2

For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:22

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.