Jeremiah 31:14

KJV

And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will satiate {H7301} the soul {H5315} of the priests {H3548} with fatness {H1880}, and my people {H5971} shall be satisfied {H7646} with my goodness {H2898}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give the cohanim their fill of rich food, and my people will be satisfied with my bounty," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

I will fill the souls of the priests abundantly, and will fill My people with My goodness,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:14 is a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to His people, promising an era of abundant provision and deep satisfaction following a period of judgment and exile. It specifically highlights the divine intention to "satiate the soul of the priests with fatness" and ensure "my people shall be satisfied with my goodness," underscoring a comprehensive restoration that encompasses both spiritual leadership and the entire community, leading to complete contentment rooted in God's benevolent character and overflowing grace, a testament to His enduring covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:14 is strategically placed within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section that marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's prophecy from pronouncements of impending judgment and exile to a glorious vision of future restoration for both Israel and Judah. This verse builds upon the preceding promises of a joyful return from captivity, where God pledges to gather His scattered remnant and bring them back to their land with singing and gladness, as depicted in [Jeremiah 31:7-9](/jeremiah/31-7-9 "Jeremiah 31:7-9 - God's Gathering and Restoration of Israel"). The verses immediately prior to verse 14 (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:12-13](/jeremiah/31-12-13 "Jeremiah 31:12-13 - Joy, Comfort, and Abundance for Israel")) portray God as a tender shepherd providing comfort, refreshment, and abundance, likening His people to a well-watered garden. The promise of satiety for the priests and satisfaction for the people in verse 14 serves as a powerful culmination of this restorative vision, illustrating the comprehensive nature of God's work, which extends to both the spiritual leaders and the general populace, ensuring a state of complete well-being and flourishing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Jeremiah were delivered during one of the most tumultuous periods in Judah's history, leading up to and including the devastating Babylonian exile (605-539 BC). The people endured severe hardship, displacement, and profound spiritual and physical desolation due to their persistent unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Priests, in particular, were traditionally dependent on the tithes and offerings of the people for their sustenance, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21-24 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Provision for the Levites")). In times of national decline, spiritual apostasy, and economic collapse, their provision would have been meager, leading to destitution and a diminished capacity for ministry. The promise of "fatness" for the priests and "goodness" for the people directly addresses this historical reality of scarcity and suffering. Culturally, "fatness" (Hebrew: *deshen*) was a potent symbol of prosperity, fertility, health, and the choicest parts of sacrifices offered to God (e.g., [Leviticus 3:16](/leviticus/3-16 "Leviticus 3:16 - The Lord's Portion of the Sacrifice")). This promise, therefore, looks forward to a time when the covenant relationship would be fully restored, reversing the curses of disobedience outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses") and ushering in an era where God's blessings would flow unhindered, ensuring both material abundance and spiritual vitality.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 31:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the "Book of Consolation" and the broader prophetic message of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration and Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite Israel's persistent rebellion and the resulting judgment, God demonstrates His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, pledging to restore them to their land and bless them abundantly, as seen in [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Return from Captivity"). Another crucial theme is **Abundant Provision and Holistic Well-being**. The vivid imagery of "satiating" and "satisfying" speaks to a complete fulfillment of needs, encompassing both material prosperity ("fatness") and profound spiritual contentment ("goodness"). This holistic provision stands in stark contrast to the emptiness and spiritual drought experienced through idolatry and disobedience, which Jeremiah often lamented (compare with [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Forsaking Living Water")). Finally, the verse subtly foreshadows the **New Covenant**, introduced later in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). This future covenant would establish a deeper, more intimate relationship between God and His people, where His law would be written on their hearts, leading to an enduring and profound satisfaction found in His presence and direct knowledge of Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Satiate (Hebrew, _râvâh'_):** From H7301, a primitive root meaning "to slake the thirst" or "to fill to satisfaction." It often implies an abundant drenching or watering, suggesting a deep, refreshing, and complete fulfillment that goes beyond mere sufficiency. When applied to the "soul," it conveys a profound spiritual and emotional contentment, signifying the removal of all inner longing, emptiness, or dryness, replaced by an overflowing sense of well-being.
* **Fatness (Hebrew, _deshen'_):** From H1880, meaning "the fat" or "fatness," abstractly referring to abundance. It was also specifically used for the fatty ashes of sacrifices, which symbolized the choicest, richest parts offered to God. In this context, "fatness" signifies not just material prosperity or ample provision, but also a state of thriving, flourishing, and receiving the very best of God's blessings, encompassing both physical and spiritual richness.
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _ṭûwb'_):** From H2898, meaning "good (as a noun)," encompassing a wide range of positive attributes such as beauty, gladness, welfare, and prosperity. When referring to God's "goodness," it speaks of His inherent benevolent nature and the manifold blessings that flow from His character. It implies a deep, intrinsic quality that brings joy, well-being, and ultimate satisfaction to those who experience it, a holistic flourishing rooted in divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness":** This clause highlights God's specific and generous promise to the priestly class. The "soul" (Hebrew: _nephesh_, H5315) here refers to the entire being of the priests—their vitality, desires, inner person, and very life force. To "satiate" their soul with "fatness" means God will provide for them so abundantly that their deepest needs and desires are completely filled, both physically (through ample sustenance and resources for ministry) and spiritually (through renewed vitality, joy, and purpose in their service). This divine provision ensures that the spiritual leaders of the nation are well-resourced, flourishing, and capable of faithfully carrying out their duties, which is vital for the spiritual health and well-being of the entire community.
* **"and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness":** This second clause extends the promise of overflowing abundance and contentment to the entire nation, "my people" (Hebrew: _ʻam_, H5971). The verb "satisfied" (Hebrew: _sâbaʻ_, H7646) means to be filled to satisfaction, to have enough, or to be completely full. This goes beyond mere physical provision; it speaks to being filled with God's "goodness" (Hebrew: _ṭûwb_, H2898). This implies that their ultimate and profound contentment will come directly from God's benevolent character, His gracious actions, and His intimate presence, providing a lasting and deep fulfillment that no worldly pursuit or earthly blessing could ever offer.
* **"saith the LORD":** This concluding phrase, using the authoritative prophetic formula "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_, H5002, H3068), serves as a divine authentication of the preceding promises. It emphasizes that this is not a human wish, a hopeful projection, or a mere possibility, but a certain and immutable declaration directly from the sovereign God, Yahweh (H3068), who is self-existent, eternal, and utterly faithful to His word. This reinforces the absolute reliability and certainty of the promises of restoration, abundance, and profound satisfaction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:14 is rich with powerful literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two main clauses: "I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness" and "my people shall be satisfied with my goodness." This creates a rhythmic balance and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's blessing, extending His abundant provision from the spiritual leadership to the entire populace. The verbs "satiate" and "satisfied," and the nouns "fatness" and "goodness," function as complementary pairs, reinforcing the overarching theme of abundant provision and deep contentment. **Symbolism** is powerfully present in "fatness" (deshen), which transcends mere physical sustenance to represent prosperity, richness, fertility, and the choicest blessings, often associated with the health of the land and the thriving of the community. The "soul" (nephesh) serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing the entire person, highlighting that the promised satisfaction is not superficial but profoundly internal, holistic, and all-encompassing. Finally, the concluding phrase "saith the LORD" (nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh) functions as an **Attestation** or **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending ultimate authority, certainty, and divine origin to the promise, guaranteeing its fulfillment by the sovereign God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:14 stands as a profound theological statement on God's character as a benevolent Provider and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. It reveals that God's ultimate desire for His people is not mere survival but abundant life and deep, holistic satisfaction, rooted in His very being. This promise of overflowing "fatness" and "goodness" for both priests and people underscores the comprehensive nature of God's restoration, addressing physical needs, spiritual vitality, emotional well-being, and vocational flourishing. It teaches that true and lasting contentment is found not in worldly accumulation or self-reliance but in the unfailing goodness of the Lord, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. This divine provision is a testament to God's enduring love and steadfast commitment, even in the face of human unfaithfulness, demonstrating His resolve to bring about ultimate blessing, joy, and profound satisfaction for those He calls His own.

* [Psalm 36:8](/psalms/36-8 "Satisfied with the Abundance of Your House")
* [Psalm 107:9](/psalms/107-9 "He Satisfies the Longing Soul")
* [Isaiah 55:2](/isaiah/55-2 "Eat What is Good and Delight in Rich Food")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:14 offers timeless encouragement and profound insights for believers today, reminding us that our God is a God of superabundant provision who delights in satisfying the deepest longings of His people. In a world that constantly promises satisfaction through fleeting pleasures, material possessions, or personal achievements, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the true, inexhaustible source of contentment: God's inherent goodness and unfailing provision. For those called to ministry and spiritual leadership, it serves as a comforting assurance that God Himself will sustain and "satiate" their souls, enabling them to serve from a place of spiritual fullness, vitality, and joy, rather than depletion or burnout. For all believers, it cultivates a posture of hopeful expectation and deep trust in God's unfailing care, knowing that He desires to fill us with His blessings—spiritual, emotional, and even physical—far beyond what we could ask or imagine. It calls us to actively seek our satisfaction in Him, confident that even amidst scarcity, hardship, or spiritual dryness, God's restorative work is always underway, leading us to a place of lasting joy, profound peace, and complete satisfaction in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel a sense of lack or dissatisfaction, and how might you intentionally invite God's "fatness" and "goodness" to fill those areas?**
* **How does the promise of God satisfying the priests' souls with "fatness" speak to the importance of spiritual well-being and divine provision for leaders and ministers in the church today?**
* **What does it mean practically to be "satisfied with my goodness" in your daily walk, and what steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more profound contentment in God alone, regardless of external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Does "fatness" in this verse refer only to material wealth?**

Answer: While "fatness" (Hebrew: *deshen*, H1880) can certainly include material prosperity and abundant resources, its meaning in biblical context, especially when applied to the "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*, H5315) and paired with "goodness" (Hebrew: *ṭûwb*, H2898), extends far beyond mere physical wealth. It symbolizes the choicest blessings, rich provision, and a holistic state of thriving and flourishing. For the priests, it would have meant ample provision for their sustenance and ministry, but also spiritual vitality, honor, and joy in their service. For the people, it signifies not just enough food, but a rich, full life marked by God's favor and presence, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. This aligns with God's desire for His people to experience abundant life, as expressed by Jesus in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life").

**How does this Old Testament promise apply to Christians today, given the New Covenant?**

Answer: This Old Testament promise applies powerfully and profoundly to Christians today through the lens of the New Covenant, which Jeremiah himself prophesies later in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). While the immediate context was Israel's physical return from exile and restoration, the underlying principles of God's character—His desire to provide, satisfy, and restore—remain eternally true and are magnified in Christ. Under the New Covenant, believers are spiritual Israel, adopted into God's family (see [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - True Israel is Spiritual Israel")). Our ultimate "fatness" and "goodness" are found in Jesus Christ, who is our spiritual sustenance and the source of all true satisfaction. The Holy Spirit indwells us, providing spiritual "fatness" (richness) and enabling us to experience God's "goodness" in a profound, personal, and ever-increasing way. This verse assures us that God continues to provide for His people, both materially and spiritually, through Christ and the Spirit, leading to a deep and lasting contentment that transcends all earthly circumstances and fulfills the deepest longings of our souls.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:14 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's "goodness" and the inexhaustible source of all true "fatness" for our souls. While the immediate prophecy concerned the physical restoration of Israel, its spiritual essence points directly to the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus Himself declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the living water that truly "satiates" the soul, offering a satisfaction that the world cannot provide (see [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). Through His atoning work on the cross, Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, providing the "fatness" of God's grace, forgiveness, and righteousness, making it possible for us to be reconciled to God and experience His overflowing goodness. The "priests" in the New Covenant are all believers, a "royal priesthood" (as described in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), whose souls are indeed satiated with the spiritual fatness of Christ's abundant life and the immeasurable riches of His grace (see [Ephesians 1:7-8](/ephesians/1-7-8 "Ephesians 1:7-8 - Riches of God's Grace")). Thus, Jeremiah 31:14 foreshadows the comprehensive and eternal satisfaction that God provides for His people, not primarily through earthly provisions, but preeminently through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate "goodness" and the wellspring of all our spiritual abundance and lasting joy.

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 31:25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Jeremiah 33:9

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.

Ephesians 3:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Revelation 7:16

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Song Of Solomon 5:1

¶ I am come into my garden, my sister, [my] spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.