Jeremiah 31:11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.

For the LORD {H3068} hath redeemed {H6299} Jacob {H3290}, and ransomed {H1350} him from the hand {H3027} of him that was stronger {H2389} than he.

For ADONAI has ransomed Ya'akov, redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

For the LORD has ransomed Jacob and redeemed him from the hand that had overpowered him.

For Jehovah hath ransomed Jacob, and redeemed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 31:11 is part of the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33) within the prophet Jeremiah's writings, which primarily focus on prophecies of restoration and hope for Judah and Israel after their impending or ongoing exile to Babylon. While much of Jeremiah warns of judgment due to sin, this section shifts to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This specific verse immediately precedes the famous prophecy of the New Covenant, setting the stage by affirming God's past and future acts of deliverance. The "him that was stronger than he" primarily refers to the powerful Neo-Babylonian Empire, which had conquered Judah and taken its people captive.

Key Themes

  • Divine Redemption: The verse emphatically declares God's active role in redeeming and ransoming His people. It is not by Israel's might, but by the LORD's sovereign power, that deliverance comes.
  • God's Unrivaled Strength: It highlights the stark contrast between Jacob's (Israel's) weakness and the overwhelming strength of its oppressor, emphasizing that God's power surpasses even the most formidable human or national forces.
  • Hope and Restoration: For a people facing profound despair and captivity, this verse serves as a powerful message of hope, assuring them that God remembers His covenant promises and will act decisively to bring them home and restore their fortunes.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses two significant terms: "redeemed" and "ransomed." The Hebrew word translated "redeemed" is padah (Χ€Χ“Χ”), which often implies liberation through payment, rescue, or a strong act of intervention. The word "ransomed" comes from ga'al (Χ’ΧΧœ), which carries the specific nuance of a kinsman-redeemer (a close relative) stepping in to reclaim property, avenge wrong, or liberate a family member from slavery. Both terms underscore God's personal, decisive, and costly commitment to bringing His people out of bondage, not merely setting them free, but buying them back as His own.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 31:11 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. Just as the LORD delivered Jacob from a seemingly insurmountable foe, He is capable of delivering us from any challenge, spiritual bondage, or overwhelming circumstance that seems "stronger than we." This verse reminds us that our hope is not in our own strength, wisdom, or resources, but in God's mighty hand and His faithfulness to His promises. It points forward to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ, who, through His sacrifice, paid the ultimate ransom to free humanity from the power of sin and death, as highlighted in verses like 1 Peter 1:18-19. We can trust that the God who redeemed Jacob will also redeem and sustain His people in every generation.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Titus 2:14

    Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

  • Isaiah 44:23

    Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done [it]: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.

  • Isaiah 48:20

    Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

  • Psalms 142:6

    Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

  • Jeremiah 15:21

    And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.

  • Isaiah 49:24

    ΒΆ Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?

  • Matthew 12:29

    Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
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