Jeremiah 31:28

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over {H8245} them, to pluck up {H5428}, and to break down {H5422}, and to throw down {H2040}, and to destroy {H6}, and to afflict {H7489}; so will I watch over {H8245} them, to build {H1129}, and to plant {H5193}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

At that time, just as I used to watch over them with the intent to uproot, break down, overthrow, destroy and do harm; so then I will watch over them to build and plant," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to demolish, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass that, like as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to overthrow and to destroy and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:28 serves as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign control over the destiny of His people. It assures that just as the Lord meticulously oversaw the processes of judgment, discipline, and destruction due to Israel's unfaithfulness, He will with equal, if not greater, intentionality and precision, oversee their restoration, rebuilding, and replanting. This verse encapsulates the divine pendulum swing from necessary chastisement to ultimate redemption, affirming God's ultimate purpose to bring flourishing out of devastation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), which marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's prophecy from pronouncements of impending doom to glorious promises of future restoration for Judah and Israel. Coming after decades of warnings about the Babylonian exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, this section offers a beacon of hope to a people facing utter devastation. Specifically, [Jeremiah 31:28](/jeremiah/31-28 "Jeremiah 31:28 - God's Promise to Build and Plant") immediately precedes the monumental promise of the [New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It also powerfully echoes the initial prophetic commission given to Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah 1:10 - Jeremiah's Prophetic Commission"), where God appointed him "to pluck up, and to break down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant," signaling the fulfillment of that divine mandate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 31:28 is the impending or ongoing [Babylonian exile](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile"). Judah had rejected God's covenant, engaged in idolatry, and ignored prophetic warnings, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the forced deportation of its inhabitants. The people were experiencing profound despair, loss of land, and a shattered national identity. In this context of utter desolation, the promise of "building" and "planting" would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society whose well-being was tied to the land and its productivity. The imagery of tearing down and rebuilding cities, and uprooting and replanting vineyards, spoke directly to their lived experience of ruin and their longing for renewal.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 31:28 powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment and Restoration**, emphasizing God's absolute control over both the destructive and constructive phases of His dealings with humanity. He is not merely reactive but purposefully orchestrates all events. Secondly, it underscores **Purposeful Discipline**, revealing that the "plucking up" and "breaking down" were not arbitrary punishments but necessary, corrective measures designed to humble His people, lead them to repentance, and prepare them for a future of blessing. Thirdly, the verse offers a profound **Promise of Hope and Restoration**, signifying a complete reversal of fortunes, from devastation to flourishing. Just as a vinedresser prunes for healthier growth, God's judgment was a prelude to a more robust and faithful future for Israel. Finally, the parallelism "like as I have watched... so will I watch" powerfully affirms **God's Unchanging Faithfulness** to His covenant, assuring that His promises of restoration are as certain and meticulously executed as His past acts of judgment, a theme also seen in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **watched over (Hebrew, _shâqad'_):** This primitive root means "to be alert, i.e., sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill); hasten, remain, wake, watch (for)." In Jeremiah 31:28, it conveys God's active, vigilant, and purposeful attention. It's not a passive observation but an intense, focused oversight, indicating His deliberate involvement in both the destructive and constructive phases of His dealings with Israel. The repetition emphasizes His continuous and unwavering attentiveness.
* **pluck up (Hebrew, _nâthash'_):** This primitive root means "to tear away; destroy, forsake, pluck (out, up, by the roots), pull up, root out (up), [idiom] utterly." It is a strong verb indicating forceful removal and complete eradication, often used in agricultural contexts for uprooting plants, but here applied to the nation of Israel. It signifies God's decisive act of dispossessing and displacing His people as a consequence of their sin, tearing them from their land and established way of life.
* **build (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely." In contrast to the destructive verbs, "build" signifies God's reconstructive work. It speaks of physical restoration (rebuilding cities and homes) but also spiritual and communal renewal, establishing a secure and flourishing future for His people. It implies a firm and lasting foundation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and continuity. God's past actions were not random or accidental; He "watched over" His people with deliberate intent, overseeing their historical trajectory. The phrase "it shall come to pass" signals a certain future event, rooted in God's sovereign will and ensuring its inevitability.
* **"to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict":** This series of five powerful verbs describes the past and ongoing work of God's judgment and discipline upon Israel. They convey a comprehensive dismantling: "pluck up" (uproot, like a plant), "break down" (demolish structures), "throw down" (overthrow, cast down), "destroy" (cause to perish, bring to ruin), and "afflict" (cause suffering, bring evil upon). These actions were the consequences of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, leading to exile and desolation.
* **"so will I watch over them":** This parallel phrase underscores God's consistent character and purpose. Just as His watchful eye oversaw the judgment, it will equally oversee the restoration. It guarantees that the future acts of blessing will be as intentional and thorough as the past acts of discipline, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people.
* **"to build, and to plant, saith the LORD":** This concluding pair of verbs reveals God's ultimate redemptive intent. "To build" signifies the reconstruction of their nation, cities, and communal life, implying stability and security. "To plant" speaks of re-establishing them firmly in the land, bringing forth new life, growth, and prosperity, akin to a flourishing vineyard. The concluding "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _Ne'um Yahweh_) serves as an authoritative divine oracle, sealing the certainty and infallibility of this promise.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:28 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its powerful message. The most prominent device is **Parallelism**, specifically antithetical parallelism, seen in the "like as... so will I" structure that contrasts two opposing sets of actions. This creates a powerful sense of divine balance and intentionality. The verse also employs **Antithesis** by juxtaposing verbs of destruction ("pluck up, break down, throw down, destroy, afflict") with verbs of construction and life ("build, plant"). This stark contrast highlights the complete reversal of fortune promised by God. The use of **Agricultural and Architectural Imagery** ("pluck up," "plant," "break down," "build") makes the abstract concept of national destiny tangible and relatable to an agrarian society. The repetition of "watch over them" serves as **Anaphora** and emphasizes God's consistent, vigilant oversight throughout both phases. Finally, the concluding phrase "**saith the LORD**" is a common prophetic **Divine Oracle Formula**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the promise, affirming that these are not mere human words but the infallible declaration of God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:28 profoundly reveals the multifaceted character of God: His sovereignty, justice, patience, and ultimately, His steadfast love and redemptive purpose. It teaches that even God's most severe judgments are not arbitrary acts of wrath but are purposeful, serving as a painful but necessary prelude to a greater work of grace and restoration. The divine "watching over" signifies an active, intentional involvement in every phase of His people's history, demonstrating that even in seasons of dismantling, God remains fully engaged, working towards His ultimate good. This verse offers a powerful theological anchor, assuring believers that God's plan always culminates in flourishing, even when it involves difficult periods of pruning or tearing down. It underscores the truth that God's faithfulness to His covenant promises endures beyond human failure and discipline.

* [Jeremiah 1:10](/jeremiah/1-10 "Jeremiah's Prophetic Commission")
* [Amos 9:14-15](/amos/9-14-15 "Restoration and Renewal in Amos")
* [Isaiah 61:4](/isaiah/61-4 "Rebuilding the Ancient Ruins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:28 offers immense comfort and perspective for believers navigating personal or communal seasons of difficulty. It reminds us that even when life feels like it's being "plucked up" or "broken down"—whether through loss, failure, or painful discipline—God's ultimate purpose is not destruction but restoration. His hand, which allows or orchestrates the tearing down, is the same hand that is committed to "building" and "planting." This verse encourages us to trust God's long-term plan, knowing that His discipline is always redemptive, designed to refine us, prune away what hinders growth, and prepare us for a more robust and fruitful future. It calls us to see beyond the immediate pain to the sovereign, watchful love of God, who is always moving us towards renewal, growth, and flourishing. This divine assurance invites us to embrace seasons of difficulty not as abandonment, but as part of a larger, redemptive narrative orchestrated by a loving and faithful Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you reconcile God's acts of "plucking up" and "breaking down" with His loving and merciful character?**
* **In what areas of your life or community do you sense God is currently "building" or "planting" after a season of "tearing down"?**
* **How does the certainty of God's promise to "watch over" His people for good encourage you in times of uncertainty or personal struggle?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "saith the LORD" at the end of the verse?**

Answer: The phrase "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _Ne'um Yahweh_) is a powerful prophetic formula used extensively in the Old Testament. Its significance lies in its declaration of divine authority and certainty. It indicates that the preceding words are not merely the prophet's opinion or human speculation, but a direct, infallible oracle from God Himself. In the context of [Jeremiah 31:28](/jeremiah/31-28 "Jeremiah 31:28 - God's Promise to Build and Plant"), it underscores the absolute guarantee of God's promise to restore and rebuild His people, making the future "building and planting" as certain as the past "plucking up and breaking down." It assures the hearer that God's word will indeed come to pass, reinforcing the divine commitment to the promised restoration.

**How does this verse relate to God's discipline of His people?**

Answer: This verse directly addresses God's discipline of His people by showing its purposeful nature. The initial set of verbs—"to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict"—describe the severe judgments and consequences Israel experienced due to their disobedience and covenant unfaithfulness. These were not arbitrary punishments but acts of divine discipline, intended to bring His people to repentance and to purify them. The verse then immediately pivots to God's promise to "build, and to plant," revealing that the discipline was not an end in itself, but a means to a greater redemptive purpose. It illustrates that God's discipline, though painful, is always aimed at restoration and ultimate flourishing, much like a loving parent disciplines a child for their good (compare [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline")). This perspective transforms our understanding of hardship, seeing it as a refining process under God's watchful eye.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially a promise to physical Israel, the spiritual reality of God's "building and planting" is realized in the new covenant established through Christ's blood. The destructive work of "plucking up and breaking down" can be seen in Christ's taking upon Himself the full weight of humanity's sin, enduring the ultimate affliction and destruction on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). This necessary "tearing down" of the old, fallen humanity and the old covenant system paved the way for God's ultimate work of "building and planting." Jesus declared, "I will build my church" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")), signifying the establishment of a new spiritual house, a living temple composed of believers from every nation ([1_peter/2-5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). He is the true vine, and we are the branches, planted in Him to bear abundant fruit ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ inaugurated a new creation, where God is continually "making all things new" ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")), building up His kingdom and planting seeds of righteousness in the hearts of those who believe. Thus, the divine promise to "watch over them, to build, and to plant" is fully realized in the redemptive and restorative work of Christ, establishing a spiritual reality far surpassing the physical restoration envisioned for ancient Israel, culminating in the eternal city where God dwells with His people ([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 24:6

For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull [them] down; and I will plant them, and not pluck [them] up.

Jeremiah 1:10

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

Jeremiah 45:4

Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, [that] which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land.

Jeremiah 18:7

[At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it];

Jeremiah 18:9

And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it];

Jeremiah 44:27

Behold, I will watch over them for evil, and not for good: and all the men of Judah that [are] in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

Ecclesiastes 3:2

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted;