Jeremiah 31:3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

The LORD {H3068} hath appeared {H7200} of old {H7350} unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved {H157} thee with an everlasting {H5769} love {H160}: therefore with lovingkindness {H2617} have I drawn {H4900} thee.

From a distance ADONAI appeared to me, [saying,] "I love you with an everlasting love; this is why in my grace I draw you to me.

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

Jehovah appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Jeremiah 31:3 is a profound declaration of God's enduring and unwavering love for His people, delivered through the prophet Jeremiah. This verse offers immense comfort and assurance, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's affection and His active role in drawing individuals to Himself.

Context

This verse is situated within a section of Jeremiah (chapters 30-33) often referred to as the "Book of Consolation." After prophesying judgment and exile for the kingdoms of Israel and Judah due to their unfaithfulness, Jeremiah shifts to messages of hope, restoration, and renewal. Specifically, Jeremiah 31 speaks of God's future restoration of Israel and Judah, bringing them back from captivity and establishing a new covenant. In this context, God's declaration of "everlasting love" serves as the foundational promise for His future grace and faithfulness, reassuring a people who had strayed but were destined for return.

Key Themes

  • God's Everlasting Love: The central message is the eternal and unchanging nature of God's affection. His love is not conditional on human performance but flows from His very character. This provides ultimate security and hope, knowing that divine love does not diminish or cease. This concept echoes throughout scripture, such as in Psalm 103:17, which declares His mercy is "from everlasting to everlasting."
  • God's Lovingkindness (Hesed): The verse highlights God's active, compassionate drawing of His people. This "lovingkindness" is the Hebrew word hesed, which signifies steadfast, covenantal love, loyalty, and mercy. It's a love that is committed and goes beyond mere sentiment, actively working for the good of its object. It implies a faithful devotion that endures through all circumstances.
  • Divine Initiative: God states, "I have drawn thee." This emphasizes that the relationship between God and His people is initiated by Him. It is God who first loves, God who first calls, and God who actively brings His people near. This divine initiative is also seen in the New Testament, where Jesus says, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "everlasting love" translates the Hebrew 'ahavat 'olam (אַהֲבַת עוֹלָם), signifying a love that is eternal, ancient, and enduring through all ages. It speaks to God's timeless affection. The term "lovingkindness" is the rich Hebrew word hesed (חֶסֶד), which is often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "faithfulness." Hesed describes a loyal, covenantal love that is active, benevolent, and unwavering, particularly in the face of human shortcomings. It is the deep, abiding commitment that undergirds God's relationship with His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, Jeremiah 31:3 offers profound assurance. It reminds us that God's love for us is not based on our merits or fluctuating obedience, but on His unchanging character. This "everlasting love" provides a secure foundation for our faith and hope. It encourages us to trust in His faithfulness even when we feel distant or unworthy. His "lovingkindness" is the gentle yet powerful force that draws us into a deeper relationship with Him, inviting us to respond to His initiative with our own love and devotion. This verse is a powerful reminder of God's grace and His relentless pursuit of His people, offering comfort and inspiring worship.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 103:17

    But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

  • Isaiah 54:8

    In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

  • Isaiah 54:9

    For this [is as] the waters of Noah unto me: for [as] I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.

  • Hosea 11:4

    I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.

  • Deuteronomy 33:3

    Yea, he loved the people; all his saints [are] in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; [every one] shall receive of thy words.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
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