Jeremiah 31:17

KJV

And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there is {H3426} hope {H8615} in thine end {H319}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that thy children {H1121} shall come again {H7725} to their own border {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so there is hope for your future," says ADONAI. "Your children will return to their own territory.

Berean Standard Bible

So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.

American Standard Version

And there is hope for thy latter end, saith Jehovah; and thy children shall come again to their own border.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:17 delivers a profound divine declaration of enduring hope and future restoration for the exiled people of Israel. Spoken directly by the LORD, this verse assures a nation in despair that their suffering and displacement are not their ultimate destiny, but rather a temporary phase preceding a guaranteed return of their descendants to their ancestral homeland. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His sovereign plan to bring His people back to a place of security and flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:17 is nestled within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section distinct from the preceding chapters of judgment and lament. This shift signals a pivotal turn in Jeremiah's prophecy, moving from pronouncements of impending doom and exile to promises of future restoration and covenant renewal. Specifically, this verse immediately follows the poignant imagery of [Rachel weeping for her children](/jeremiah/31-15 "Jeremiah 31:15 - Rachel Weeping") and God's subsequent command for her to cease her weeping because her children "shall come again from the land of the enemy" ([Jeremiah 31:16](/jeremiah/31-16 "Jeremiah 31:16 - God's Comfort to Rachel")). Thus, verse 17 directly builds upon and amplifies the preceding promise, providing the divine rationale and certainty for the promised return. It serves as a climactic assurance, solidifying the hope that follows the lament.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecy is the tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). Judah had been conquered, Jerusalem destroyed, and a significant portion of the population deported to Babylon. This was a catastrophic event for the Israelites, striking at the heart of their national and religious identity. They had lost their land, their temple, and their perceived special status as God's chosen people. In this context of profound displacement, despair, and cultural assimilation, the promise of a return to their "own border" was not merely a geographical relocation but a profound restoration of their covenant relationship with God, their national sovereignty, and their unique identity as a people dwelling in the land promised to their ancestors. The concept of "border" was intrinsically tied to their tribal inheritances and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jeremiah's message and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, **Divine Hope and Assurance** is paramount; the declaration "saith the LORD" underscores that this hope is not wishful thinking but a certain outcome rooted in God's character and omnipotence. Secondly, **Restoration and Return** is a dominant motif, emphasizing both a physical regathering of the exiles and a spiritual renewal of the covenant. The phrase "thy children shall come again to their own border" encapsulates the divine commitment to reversing the consequences of exile and re-establishing Israel in their land, as seen in other prophetic promises like [Ezekiel 36:24](/zekiel/36-24 "Ezekiel 36:24 - Return from Exile"). Thirdly, **God's Unwavering Faithfulness** shines through, demonstrating that despite Israel's persistent rebellion and the subsequent judgment of exile, God's covenant promises remain steadfast. Even in judgment, God's ultimate intention is redemptive, as echoed in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"), which speaks of "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end, and an hope." Finally, the verse instills a **Future Orientation**, compelling the audience to look beyond their immediate suffering to God's ultimate redemptive plan, highlighting that current hardships are temporary and lead to a divinely ordained future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Hebrew, _tiqvâh'_):** From the root meaning "to stretch a cord," this word signifies a strong, confident expectation, like a cord or line that provides security and connection. It implies a firm assurance and a positive anticipation, not a flimsy wish. In this context, it is a divinely guaranteed future, a secure anchor for the soul amidst despair.
* **end (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** This term refers to the "last or end," hence, the future or posterity. It denotes a long-term, ultimate outcome or destiny. When combined with "hope," it points to a divinely purposed future that transcends immediate circumstances, emphasizing God's long-range plan for His people and their descendants.
* **shall come again (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** A primitive root meaning "to turn back," "return," or "restore." It conveys the idea of a reversal of direction or condition. Here, it specifically denotes the physical return of the exiled children to their homeland, signifying a complete reversal of their displacement and a restoration of their rightful place. This is not merely a possibility but a certain, divinely orchestrated event.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there is hope in thine end,"**: This clause introduces the central theme of the verse: an assured future. The phrase "there is hope" (yêsh tiqvâh) conveys a strong affirmation of existence and certainty. "In thine end" (b'achărîythēk) points to a future, a culmination, or a posterity that is divinely ordained and filled with positive expectation. It directly counters the despair of the present exile, redirecting focus to God's ultimate plan.
* **"saith the LORD,"**: This crucial interjection authenticates the promise as a direct divine oracle. The use of "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh), God's covenant name, underscores His faithfulness and omnipotence in fulfilling His word. It transforms the statement from a mere human aspiration into an infallible divine decree, providing absolute certainty to the promise that follows.
* **"that thy children shall come again to their own border."**: This is the specific content of the hope and the divine promise. "Thy children" (bānayik) refers to the descendants, the future generations of Israel, who are currently scattered. "Shall come again" (yāshuvû) signifies a definite, physical return, a reversal of their exile. "To their own border" (el-g'vûlām) emphasizes the restoration of their ancestral land and the re-establishment of their national identity and security within the boundaries God had originally appointed for them. This is a promise of territorial and national restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, explicitly marked by the phrase "saith the LORD," which imbues the promise with absolute authority and certainty, transforming it from human wish to divine decree. This declaration functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event that is guaranteed by God's character. The verse also relies on powerful **Imagery** of return and restoration, painting a picture of scattered children finding their way back to their "own border," a concept deeply rooted in the Israelites' identity and covenant inheritance. Furthermore, in the broader context of [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant"), the preceding verse's **Personification** of Rachel weeping for her children sets up a dramatic tension that is resolved by the hope offered in verse 17, making the divine comfort even more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in the midst of their judgment and dispersion. It reveals a God who is sovereign over history, capable of reversing the most dire circumstances and fulfilling His promises. The hope declared here is not based on human effort or merit, but solely on the character and faithfulness of the LORD. This divine assurance of restoration provides a foundational theological truth: God's ultimate purpose for His people is always redemptive, even when discipline is necessary. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's love and His steadfast intention to bring His children home, both physically and spiritually.

* [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "God's Plans for Hope and a Future") - "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end, and an hope."
* [Ezekiel 36:24](/ezekiel/36-24 "Gathering from the Nations") - "For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land."
* [Romans 8:24-25](/romans/8-24-25 "Hope in the Unseen") - "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Jeremiah 31:17 offers a profound source of spiritual nourishment and practical guidance. It reminds us that our God is fundamentally a God of hope, whose promises extend beyond our current trials and limitations. In moments of personal despair, loss, or displacement—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—this verse encourages us to anchor our souls in God's unfailing word. It calls us to look beyond the immediate "exile" of our circumstances to the "end" that God has promised, an end characterized by restoration, peace, and a return to our true home in Him. This hope is not passive but active, empowering us to endure with patience and trust, knowing that God's faithfulness will ultimately prevail, bringing about His perfect purposes in our lives and in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "exiled" or displaced, longing for a return to a place of peace and security?**
* **How does the declaration "saith the LORD" strengthen your confidence in God's promises, even when circumstances seem hopeless?**
* **What does it mean to have "hope in thine end" when your present reality is challenging or uncertain?**
* **How can you actively live out this hope, trusting in God's future restoration, even as you navigate current difficulties?**

### FAQ

**What is the "end" referred to in Jeremiah 31:17?**

Answer: The "end" (Hebrew: *ʼachărîyth*) in Jeremiah 31:17 refers to the future or the latter days, specifically the ultimate outcome of God's plan for His people. It's not merely a temporal conclusion but a divinely purposed destiny. For the immediate audience, it meant the end of their Babylonian exile and their return to the land of Israel. Theologically, it points to God's ultimate redemptive purposes that extend beyond any present suffering, ensuring a hopeful and secure future for His covenant children. This concept of a future hope is echoed throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, particularly in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"), where God declares His plans for "an expected end, and an hope."

**Does "thy children shall come again to their own border" refer only to a physical return?**

Answer: While the primary and immediate meaning for the exiled Israelites was indeed a literal, physical return to their ancestral land and its established borders, the promise carries deeper spiritual and theological implications. It signifies a restoration of their national identity, their covenant relationship with God, and their security as God's people. In a broader sense, it represents God's power to reverse displacement and bring His people back into a state of flourishing and belonging. For believers today, it speaks to the ultimate spiritual "return" to God's presence and the restoration of all things in Christ, where our true "border" is found in Him, as promised in passages like [Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:17, with its resounding promise of hope and restoration, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks to the physical return of Israel from Babylonian exile, the deeper spiritual reality of God gathering His scattered children and bringing them to their true "border" is fully realized in the New Covenant established through Christ. Jesus is the true "hope" of Israel and the nations ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He gathers those who were "far off" and brings them near, reconciling them to God and to one another, forming a new spiritual Israel comprised of all who believe ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13-16 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). The promise that "thy children shall come again to their own border" is fulfilled as believers, adopted as children of God, find their ultimate home and secure inheritance not in a geographical land, but in Christ Himself, who is our true "border" and dwelling place ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). He is the one who "turns back" (_shûwb_) the captivity of sin and death, leading His people into the promised land of eternal life and fellowship with God, a reality that transcends earthly boundaries and culminates in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Lamentations 3:21

¶ This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

Hosea 2:15

And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Lamentations 3:18

And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD:

Hosea 3:5

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:16

[Know] that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, [and] of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.