Jeremiah 31:27

KJV

¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will sow {H2232} the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} and the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} with the seed {H2233} of man {H120}, and with the seed {H2233} of beast {H929}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here, the days are coming," says ADONAI, when I will sow the house of Isra'el and the house of Y'hudah with the seed of humans and the seed of animals.

Berean Standard Bible

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and of beast.

American Standard Version

Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:27 heralds a profound promise of restoration and renewed life for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, marking a pivotal shift in Jeremiah's prophecies from judgment to hope. Through the vivid agricultural metaphor of "sowing," the Lord declares His sovereign intention to repopulate and revitalize His people and their land, ensuring a future of abundant human and animal life after a period of desolation and exile. This verse anticipates a comprehensive demographic and spiritual resurgence, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:27 is situated within chapters 30-33, often referred to as the "Book of Consolation" or "Book of Comfort." This section dramatically contrasts with the preceding chapters, which primarily detail prophecies of impending judgment, exile, and the destruction of Jerusalem. Following the dire warnings and the fulfillment of the Babylonian invasion, these chapters pivot to an extensive declaration of God's future grace, restoration, and the establishment of a new covenant. Verse 27 specifically initiates a series of promises regarding the physical return and repopulation of the land, immediately preceding the famous prophecy of the new covenant in [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"). It sets the stage for a reversal of fortune, emphasizing God's active role in rebuilding what was laid waste.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Jeremiah 31:27 was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely before or during the Babylonian exile (circa late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The northern kingdom of Israel had already been conquered and dispersed by Assyria centuries earlier (722 BCE), leading to their perceived "lost" status. Judah was facing or experiencing similar devastation under Babylon, with its population deported and its land left desolate. In this context, the imagery of "sowing" was deeply resonant in an agrarian society, signifying new life, fertility, and prosperity—a stark contrast to the famine, plague, and desolation that had afflicted the land as a consequence of their disobedience. The promise of "seed of man, and with the seed of beast" directly addresses the demographic and agricultural ruin caused by war and exile, offering hope for a return to the flourishing life envisioned in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as God explicitly states, "I will sow," emphasizing His active and deliberate role in bringing about this restoration, rather than it being a natural recovery. Secondly, it underscores **Repopulation and Fruitfulness**, directly addressing the desolation of the land and the decimation of the population, promising a return to the foundational blessing of [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate to Be Fruitful"). Thirdly, the mention of both "the house of Israel" and "the house of Judah" points to **Comprehensive Restoration and Reunification**, signifying God's intention to gather and restore His entire scattered people, bridging the historical division between the two kingdoms. Finally, it embodies the theme of **Reversal of Judgment**, transforming the imagery of uprooting and tearing down (as seen in [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Commission to Uproot and Plant")) into a promise of planting and building, demonstrating God's ultimate purpose of redemption for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sow (Hebrew, _zâraʻ'_):** This primitive root (H2232) means "to sow," but figuratively extends to "disseminate, plant, fructify." In Jeremiah 31:27, it conveys God's active and intentional planting of His people back into their land. It's not a passive return but a divine act of cultivation, implying careful placement, nurturing, and the assurance of growth and offspring. Just as a farmer sows seeds with the expectation of a harvest, God sows His people with the promise of multiplication and flourishing.
* **seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** Derived from _zâraʻ_ (H2233), this term refers to literal seeds, offspring, descendants, or posterity. In this verse, "seed of man" and "seed of beast" denote the progeny and multiplication of both humans and animals. It signifies a complete demographic and biological renewal, reversing the barrenness and depopulation caused by war and exile. The term carries the connotation of continuity and future generations, emphasizing the lasting nature of God's restoration.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This word (H1004) primarily means "a house," but in a broader sense, it refers to a family, household, or even a nation or dynasty. Here, "the house of Israel" and "the house of Judah" represent the entire collective of God's covenant people, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms, regardless of their historical dispersion. It highlights God's comprehensive plan to restore His entire family, reuniting them under His gracious hand.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD":** This opening phrase functions as a solemn, authoritative declaration, signaling a significant prophetic announcement from God Himself. "Behold" (often _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention, while "the days come" points to a future, divinely ordained event. The phrase "saith the LORD" (from H5002 _nᵉʼum_ and H3068 _Yᵉhôvâh_) underscores the divine origin and certainty of the promise, establishing it as an oracle from the covenant-keeping God.
* **"that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah":** This is the core of the promise, employing a powerful agricultural metaphor. God is the active agent ("I will sow"), taking the initiative to plant His people. "The house of Israel" refers to the northern kingdom, long dispersed by Assyria, and "the house of Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, facing or experiencing Babylonian exile. The inclusion of both signifies God's comprehensive plan to restore and reunite His entire covenant people, bringing them back to their land and re-establishing them as a flourishing nation.
* **"with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast":** This specifies the nature of the "sowing"—it is a repopulation and revitalization across all living things. "The seed of man" refers to human offspring, indicating a demographic resurgence after the devastation and loss of life. "The seed of beast" refers to animal offspring, signifying the restoration of agricultural prosperity, livestock, and the overall fertility of the land. Together, these phrases paint a picture of complete renewal, where the land and its inhabitants will once again be fruitful and multiply, reversing the curses of desolation and barrenness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically an **Agricultural Metaphor**. God is depicted as a farmer who "sows" His people, Israel and Judah, like seeds. This vivid imagery transforms the abstract concept of national restoration into a tangible, relatable process of planting, growth, and assured fruitfulness. It contrasts sharply with earlier metaphors of uprooting and tearing down, signifying a reversal of judgment. The phrase "the days come" is an example of **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for a future, divinely guaranteed event. The use of **Parallelism** in "the house of Israel and the house of Judah" and "with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast" emphasizes the comprehensive and dual nature of the restoration, encompassing both kingdoms and all forms of life. The declaration "saith the LORD" functions as a **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the prophecy, reinforcing God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:27 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His redemptive nature, even in the face of human rebellion and divine judgment. It reveals a God who, despite executing deserved punishment, never abandons His ultimate plan for His people. The imagery of "sowing" speaks to God's creative power, His ability to bring life out of barrenness, and His active involvement in the restoration of His covenant people. This promise of repopulation and flourishing extends beyond mere physical return; it anticipates a spiritual renewal, foundational to the new covenant described immediately after this verse. It underscores the theme of God's persistent grace, demonstrating that His long-term purpose for Israel and Judah is one of life, abundance, and intimate relationship, rather than permanent desolation.

* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - Gathering from the Ends of the Earth")
* [Ezekiel 36:9-11](/ezekiel/36-9 "Ezekiel 36:9-11 - Israel's Restoration and Repopulation")
* [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - I Will Sow Her for Myself")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:27 offers a profound message of hope that transcends its original historical context, speaking to the human experience of desolation, loss, and the yearning for new beginnings. It reminds us that even when life feels barren, when our circumstances seem utterly devastated, or when past failures loom large, God's restorative power is at work. He is the divine Sower, capable of planting new seeds of life, hope, and purpose even in the most unlikely and seemingly desolate ground. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign initiative, knowing that He is actively working to bring about flourishing and fruitfulness, not only for nations but also for individuals. It challenges us to look beyond present despair to the future that God, in His faithfulness, promises to sow. It calls us to participate in His work of restoration, recognizing that He can transform barrenness into bounty and bring forth life where there was only emptiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel a sense of barrenness or desolation, and how might the image of God as the "Sower" bring you hope?**
* **How does the promise of God's active "sowing" encourage you to trust in His initiative rather than relying solely on your own efforts for restoration?**
* **Considering the comprehensive nature of God's restoration (both Israel and Judah, man and beast), what does this teach us about the breadth and depth of God's redemptive plan?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "sowing" in this verse?**

Answer: The act of "sowing" (Hebrew _zâraʻ_) is a powerful agricultural metaphor signifying God's active, intentional, and life-giving intervention. In an agrarian society, sowing implies careful cultivation, the expectation of a harvest, and the promise of new life. Here, it means God will actively repopulate and revitalize the land of Israel and Judah with abundant human and animal life, reversing the desolation caused by war and exile. It emphasizes God's sovereign initiative in bringing about comprehensive restoration and fruitfulness, much like He commanded fruitfulness in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate").

**Why are both "the house of Israel" and "the house of Judah" mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of both "the house of Israel" (the northern kingdom, dispersed by Assyria) and "the house of Judah" (the southern kingdom, facing or experiencing Babylonian exile) is highly significant. It underscores God's plan for a complete and comprehensive restoration that includes *all* of His covenant people. Despite centuries of division and dispersion, God's promise extends to reuniting and restoring the entire nation, signifying a holistic healing of their historical brokenness and a fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This anticipates the ultimate gathering of God's people, both Jew and Gentile, in Christ.

**How does this verse relate to the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33)?**

Answer: Jeremiah 31:27 serves as a foundational promise within the "Book of Consolation," which marks a dramatic shift from prophecies of judgment to declarations of hope and restoration. Following extensive pronouncements of punishment and exile, this section, beginning with promises like this verse, assures God's people that their suffering is not the end. It introduces themes of return, rebuilding, renewal, and the establishment of a new covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), all pointing to God's enduring faithfulness and His ultimate purpose to bring life and flourishing out of desolation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:27, with its promise of God "sowing" the "seed of man" and "seed of beast" for the restoration of Israel and Judah, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially pointing to a physical return and repopulation, the deeper spiritual reality is realized in the New Covenant established through Christ. He is the ultimate "seed" of Abraham, through whom all the families of the earth are blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")). The "sowing" of God's people is no longer merely a physical gathering but a spiritual ingathering into the true Israel, the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles united in Christ ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Just as God promised to multiply the "seed of man," Christ's sacrifice and resurrection bring forth a multitude of spiritual offspring, those who are born again through faith in Him ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). The "seed of beast" can be seen as a broader metaphor for the renewal of all creation, which groans for its redemption, a redemption inaugurated by Christ and culminating in the new heavens and new earth where all things are made new ([Romans 8:19-23](/romans/8-19 "Romans 8:19-23 - Creation Groans") and [Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-5 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the promise of abundant life and comprehensive restoration in Jeremiah 31:27 is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true Sower of spiritual life and the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to 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

Hosea 2:23

And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to [them which were] not my people, Thou [art] my people; and they shall say, [Thou art] my God.

Ezekiel 36:9

For, behold, I [am] for you, and I will turn unto you, and ye shall be tilled and sown:

Ezekiel 36:11

And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better [unto you] than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Zechariah 10:9

And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.

Jeremiah 30:19

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.