Jeremiah 31:1

KJV

¶ At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

KJV (with Strong's)

At the same time {H6256}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, will I be the God {H430} of all the families {H4940} of Israel {H3478}, and they shall be my people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When that time comes," says ADONAI, "I will be God of all the clans of Isra'el, and they will be my people."

Berean Standard Bible

“At that time,” declares the LORD, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be My people.”

American Standard Version

At that time, saith Jehovah, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:1 stands as a pivotal declaration within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), signaling a profound shift from pronouncements of judgment to an outpouring of divine promise and restoration. This verse unveils the Lord's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, proclaiming a future time when He will comprehensively re-establish His intimate relationship with all the scattered families of Israel, affirming His identity as their God and their identity as His cherished people. It sets the stage for the glorious promises of national reunion, spiritual renewal, and the inauguration of a new covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:1 opens a significant section of the book, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33). This section marks a dramatic shift in tone from the preceding chapters, which are largely dominated by prophecies of Judah's impending destruction and exile due to their unfaithfulness. Following dire warnings and lamentations, this verse initiates a profound message of hope, restoration, and renewal, looking beyond the immediate suffering to a future time of God's redemptive work. It serves as an introductory thesis statement for the comprehensive promises that follow, including the remarkable prophecy of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") later in the same chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th centuries BCE). By this time, the northern kingdom of Israel had already been scattered by the Assyrians in 722 BCE, and the southern kingdom of Judah was facing imminent destruction and exile by Babylon. Culturally, the concept of "family" (Hebrew: *mishpachâh*) was foundational to Israelite identity, representing not just immediate relatives but broader clans and tribal units, integral to their social and religious structure. The promise that God would be the God of "all the families of Israel" would have resonated deeply, addressing the national trauma of dispersion and the longing for a unified, restored people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Unchanging Promise**. Despite Israel's repeated covenant violations and the severe consequences of their disobedience, God's commitment to His people remains steadfast, demonstrating His intrinsic nature to keep His word. This echoes the truth found in [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature"). Secondly, the phrase "all the families of Israel" highlights **Comprehensive Restoration**. It signifies a future reunion and healing of the entire nation, encompassing both the previously scattered northern tribes and the exiled southern kingdom, promising that every household will experience God's renewed favor. Lastly, the core declaration, "will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people," is a foundational **Reaffirmation of Covenant Relationship**. This "covenant formula" found throughout Scripture (e.g., [Exodus 6:7](/exodus/6-7 "Exodus 6:7 - God's Covenant Promise to Israel")) signifies an intimate, exclusive, and reciprocal bond, assuring Israel that God's ownership and loving care for them will be fully restored, culminating in the ultimate vision of [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal" One, emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign, and relational nature. In this context, it underscores that the promises of restoration are rooted in the immutable character of the covenant-keeping God.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this term is the plural form of 'elôah, but when used with the article or in reference to the supreme God, it functions as a singular majestic plural. It denotes the supreme Deity, the Creator and Sovereign Ruler. Its use here, alongside YHWH, reinforces the absolute authority and power of the One making the promise, affirming His rightful claim and ability to fulfill His declaration to Israel.
* **families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** From H4940, this word refers to a family, a circle of relatives, or by extension, a tribe or people. Its inclusion emphasizes the comprehensive and intimate nature of God's promised restoration. It's not just a political or national restoration, but one that touches every individual household and lineage within Israel, ensuring a complete re-gathering and renewal from the most foundational units of society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ At the same time, saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase, introduced by the KJV paragraph marker, sets a specific prophetic timeframe. "At the same time" (Hebrew: *ba'et ha'hi*) points to a definitive future period, often understood in prophetic literature as an eschatological or Messianic era, signaling a divinely appointed turning point. The declaration "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: *nᵉʼum YHWH*) functions as a divine oracle, lending absolute authority and certainty to the ensuing promise. It is not a human speculation but a direct, authoritative word from the self-existent God.
* **"will I be the God of all the families of Israel,"**: This is a direct, emphatic promise from God. The phrase "will I be the God" reverses the consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, which often led to God withdrawing His presence or allowing them to be scattered. The inclusion of "all the families of Israel" is profoundly significant, indicating a comprehensive restoration that includes both the northern kingdom (Israel/Ephraim), long dispersed by Assyria, and the southern kingdom (Judah), currently facing or enduring Babylonian exile. It signifies a complete re-gathering and re-establishment of the national-familial unit under God's direct sovereignty.
* **"and they shall be my people."**: This is the reciprocal part of the covenant formula, completing the divine declaration. It signifies a restored, intimate, and exclusive relationship. God's promise to be their God is met with the affirmation that they will once again be recognized as His unique possession, chosen from among all nations. This phrase encapsulates the essence of the covenant: a relationship of belonging, protection, and mutual commitment, where Israel's identity is intrinsically tied to their relationship with the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and certainty. The most prominent is the **Covenant Formula**, "I will be their God, and they shall be my people," which is a foundational expression of the unique relationship between Yahweh and Israel, echoing throughout the Old and New Testaments. This formula establishes the core of God's redemptive purpose. The phrase "saith the LORD" serves as a **Divine Oracle** or **Prophetic Declaration**, lending absolute authority and infallibility to the promise. It underscores that this is not a human hope but a divinely guaranteed future. Furthermore, the use of "all the families of Israel" is a form of **Merism** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the totality and comprehensiveness of the restoration. It highlights that God's promise extends to every segment and individual household, leaving no part of the nation excluded from His redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:1 is a profound theological statement on God's enduring covenant faithfulness, even in the face of human rebellion and divine judgment. It reveals that God's ultimate intention for His people is not destruction but restoration, rooted in His unchanging character rather than their fluctuating obedience. This verse anticipates a future era where the broken covenant relationship will be fully healed, demonstrating God's sovereign power to gather, redeem, and re-establish His people. It speaks to the deeply personal nature of God's desire to be intimately connected with humanity, extending His grace and mercy to those who were once estranged.

* [Deuteronomy 29:13](/deuteronomy/29-13 "Deuteronomy 29:13 - Affirmation of Covenant Relationship")
* [Ezekiel 37:27](/ezekiel/37-27 "Ezekiel 37:27 - God's Dwelling Among His People")
* [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - Calling 'Not My People' 'My People'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:1 offers a beacon of hope for believers today, reminding us that God's faithfulness transcends our failures and circumstances. In a world marked by broken promises and fractured relationships, this verse assures us of a God whose commitment is unwavering. It encourages us to trust in His sovereign plan for restoration, not only on a grand, cosmic scale but also in the personal brokenness we experience. Whether facing personal setbacks, family challenges, or societal turmoil, the promise that God desires to be "our God" and for us to be "His people" provides immense comfort and a foundation for enduring hope. It calls us to lean into His restorative power, believing that He can heal, gather, and renew even the most desolate areas of our lives and communities, bringing us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeremiah 31:1 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness in difficult times or periods of apparent abandonment?**
* **In what ways do you personally experience God as "your God" and yourself as "His people" today, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of this relationship?**
* **Considering the promise of comprehensive restoration for "all the families of Israel," how might this inspire you to pray for or work towards reconciliation and healing within your own family, community, or even the broader church?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "At the same time" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "At the same time" (Hebrew: *ba'et ha'hi*) is a crucial prophetic indicator. It does not refer to the immediate present or past of Jeremiah's ministry, but rather points to a specific, future period in God's redemptive timeline. In prophetic literature, this often signifies an eschatological or Messianic era—a divinely appointed turning point when God will decisively intervene to fulfill His promises. For Jeremiah, it marks the shift from judgment to the full realization of restoration and the inauguration of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), where God's relationship with His people will be renewed and secured.

**Why does the verse specify "all the families of Israel" instead of just Judah, given that Judah was the primary audience of Jeremiah's prophecies?**

Answer: The specification "all the families of Israel" is highly significant because it encompasses both the northern kingdom of Israel (which had been scattered by Assyria centuries earlier) and the southern kingdom of Judah (which was facing or enduring Babylonian exile). While Jeremiah primarily prophesied to Judah, this phrase indicates God's comprehensive plan for national reunion and restoration. It speaks to a future time when the historical division and dispersion of the twelve tribes would be overcome, signifying a complete and holistic re-gathering of God's entire covenant people, as also envisioned in prophecies like [Ezekiel 37:15-28](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37:15-28 - The Two Sticks and National Reunion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:1, with its profound declaration of God's enduring covenant faithfulness and promise of restoration, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially spoken to ethnic Israel, the "new covenant" promised just a few verses later in [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") is inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, extending God's people beyond national boundaries to all who believe. Through Christ, the ancient covenant formula, "I will be their God, and they shall be my people," is realized in a spiritual and universal sense. The author of Hebrews explicitly states that Jesus is the mediator of this [superior new covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant"), written not on tablets of stone but on human hearts ([Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant in Hebrews")). In Christ, believers from every tribe and nation are grafted into the spiritual heritage of Israel ([Romans 11:17](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17 - Gentiles Grafted In")), becoming "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - God's Chosen People")), truly fulfilling the promise that God is their God and they are His people. This divine relationship culminates in the eternal state, where God will dwell with His redeemed people, and they will be His people, and God himself will be with them as their God ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 30:22

And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Jeremiah 30:24

The fierce anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have done [it], and until he have performed the intents of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Jeremiah 3:18

In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: