Jeremiah 31:32

KJV

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

Not according to the covenant {H1285} that I made {H3772} with their fathers {H1} in the day {H3117} that I took {H2388} them by the hand {H3027} to bring them out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}; which my covenant {H1285} they brake {H6565}, although I was an husband {H1166} unto them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers on the day I took them by their hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, violated my covenant, even though I, for my part, was a husband to them," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt— a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:32 serves as a pivotal declaration within the prophecy of the New Covenant, establishing its distinct and superior nature by contrasting it with the Mosaic Covenant. This verse highlights the fundamental flaw of the old agreement—Israel's failure to uphold their end, despite God's intimate and faithful commitment to them as a devoted husband—thereby setting the stage for a new, divinely initiated covenant that would address humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:32 immediately follows the groundbreaking announcement of the "new covenant" in [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Prophecy"). This verse functions as a crucial clarification, defining the new covenant not by its content (which is elaborated in subsequent verses like [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - Internalization of the Law")) but by its distinction from the old. It explicitly identifies the "covenant that I made with their fathers" as the one established at the Exodus, emphasizing its historical precedent and the reason for its inadequacy—Israel's breach. This contrast is essential for understanding the radical nature of the promised future work of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, marked by national decline, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian exile. The people had repeatedly violated their covenant obligations, leading to divine judgment. The Mosaic Covenant, established after the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Exodus Event"), was foundational to Israel's identity, defining their relationship with Yahweh and their national laws. Culturally, marriage was a sacred and binding covenant, and the metaphor of God as Israel's "husband" (Ba'al) was a powerful, albeit often tragic, representation of their unique relationship, frequently invoked by prophets to describe Israel's spiritual adultery through idolatry and disobedience (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. It underscores **The Old Covenant's Failure**, demonstrating that despite God's gracious deliverance and clear Law, human sinfulness led to repeated covenant breaches. This failure highlights the need for a new, more effective divine intervention. It also emphasizes **God's Enduring Faithfulness and Intimacy**, portraying Him as a devoted "husband" who remained committed even when His "spouse," Israel, was unfaithful. This tender metaphor, often explored in books like [Hosea](/hosea/1 "Hosea 1 - God's Unfailing Love"), reveals God's steadfast love despite human rebellion. Finally, it sets the stage for the **Anticipation of a Superior Covenant**, one that would transcend the limitations of the Mosaic Law by internalizing God's commands and ensuring a renewed, unbreakable relationship with His people, a theme further developed in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Internalized Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** This term (H1285) refers to a compact or agreement, often established by a solemn oath or ritual, historically involving the "cutting" of flesh (as implied by its root). In this context, it signifies the formal, binding relationship God initiated with Israel at Sinai, outlining mutual obligations and promises. Its repetition emphasizes the centrality of this agreement in God's dealings with His people, both past and future.
* **Brake (Hebrew, _pârar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to break up," "to violate," or "to frustrate" (H6565), this word powerfully describes Israel's consistent failure to uphold their obligations under the Mosaic Covenant. It conveys a sense of nullifying or rendering ineffective, highlighting that the covenant's efficacy was undermined by human disobedience, not by any flaw in God's faithfulness.
* **Husband (Hebrew, _bâʻal'_):** This word (H1166) means "to be master" or "to marry," signifying a deep, committed, and responsible bond within a marital relationship. When applied to God, it portrays His rightful authority over Israel, coupled with His loving provision, protection, and exclusive claim. Despite Israel's spiritual adultery and idolatry, God remained the faithful "husband," underscoring His unwavering devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers":** This opening clause immediately establishes a contrast, signaling that the new covenant will be fundamentally different from the previous one. The "covenant with their fathers" refers specifically to the Mosaic Covenant, given at Mount Sinai, which governed Israel's relationship with God for centuries. The implication is that the old covenant, while good and divinely ordained, proved insufficient due to human failure.
* **"in the day [that] I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt;":** This phrase precisely identifies the historical context of the old covenant's establishment. It recalls the miraculous Exodus, God's powerful act of redemption, and His intimate, guiding presence as He led Israel out of bondage. The imagery of "taking them by the hand" (H2388 _châzaq_ "to seize, be strong" with H3027 _yâd_ "hand") is a tender, anthropomorphic depiction of divine care, guidance, and strength, underscoring God's initiative and compassion in forming the relationship.
* **"which my covenant they brake,":** This is the crucial indictment against Israel. Despite God's gracious deliverance and faithful leadership, the people repeatedly violated the terms of the covenant through disobedience, idolatry, and rebellion. This breach was not a minor infraction but a fundamental betrayal of the agreement, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to perfectly adhere to God's righteous standards through their own strength.
* **"although I was an husband unto them,":** This powerful and tender metaphor reveals the depth of God's commitment and the gravity of Israel's sin. The Lord portrays Himself as a faithful, loving, and protective spouse, while Israel's breaking of the covenant is likened to marital infidelity. This highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and patience, even in the face of His people's spiritual adultery and rebellion.
* **"saith the LORD:":** This concluding phrase authenticates the entire declaration as a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh (H3068 _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-existent and eternal God. It underscores the divine origin and certainty of this prophetic utterance, lending absolute weight to both the indictment against the old covenant and the promise of the new.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:32 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as the verse explicitly sets the "new covenant" (implied from the preceding verse) against the "covenant that I made with their fathers." This stark juxtaposition highlights the deficiencies of the old and the anticipated superiority of the new. A powerful **Metaphor** is used when God declares, "although I was an husband unto them." This marital imagery (**Ba'al** as husband) conveys the intimate, covenantal bond God established with Israel, portraying His faithful love and protective care, while simultaneously underscoring the severity of Israel's unfaithfulness as spiritual adultery. Furthermore, the phrase "I took them by the hand" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions and characteristics (taking by the hand) to God to make His nurturing and guiding role more relatable and tangible to the audience. This combination of devices makes the verse both intellectually compelling and emotionally resonant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:32 is a foundational text for understanding the theological necessity and nature of the New Covenant. It reveals that the Old Covenant, while holy and good, was ultimately incapable of perfecting humanity because of the inherent sinfulness of the human heart. God's declaration that Israel "brake" His covenant, despite His unwavering faithfulness as their "husband," underscores the persistent problem of human rebellion and the limitations of an external law. This verse powerfully sets the stage for a divine solution that transcends mere legal adherence, pointing towards an internal transformation that only God Himself can accomplish. It provides the theological rationale for the radical shift in God's redemptive plan, moving from a covenant based on human performance to one rooted in divine grace and an indwelling Spirit.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - The Sinai Covenant")
* [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Betrothal to Israel")
* [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The Superiority of the New Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:32 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not ultimately dependent on our perfect adherence to a set of rules, but on His unwavering faithfulness and grace. The failure of the Old Covenant, explicitly stated here, should humble us, acknowledging our own inability to perfectly obey God's commands in our own strength. It points us away from self-reliance and towards a deeper reliance on God's transformative power. Just as God remained a faithful "husband" to unfaithful Israel, He remains faithful to us even in our shortcomings. This verse encourages us to embrace the New Covenant reality, where God's law is written on our hearts, fostering an internal desire for obedience rather than external compulsion. It calls us to live in the freedom and power of a relationship founded on grace, not works, and to continually seek the indwelling Spirit to empower our walk with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the failure of the Old Covenant, as described in this verse, highlight the ongoing need for God's grace in our lives?**
* **What does the metaphor of God as an "husband" reveal about His character and His desire for intimacy with His people?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Israel, still try to rely on our own efforts rather than God's power in our spiritual walk?**
* **How does understanding the contrast between the Old and New Covenants deepen your appreciation for the work of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the "old covenant" and why did it fail?**

Answer: The "old covenant" referenced in Jeremiah 31:32 is the Mosaic Covenant, which God established with the Israelites at Mount Sinai after their [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Sinai Covenant"). This covenant was characterized by the Law (the Ten Commandments and subsequent statutes) and was conditional upon Israel's obedience. It failed not because it was inherently flawed or evil (the Law is holy and good, as stated in [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")), but because the people of Israel, due to their sinful nature, repeatedly "brake" (violated) its terms. They proved incapable of consistently upholding their end of the agreement, demonstrating humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God through their own strength.

**What does it mean that God was a "husband" to Israel?**

Answer: The metaphor of God as an "husband" (Hebrew: _ba'al_) to Israel signifies a profound, intimate, and exclusive covenantal relationship. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a husband had authority, responsibility, and a deep commitment to his wife, providing for and protecting her. By using this imagery, God emphasizes His loving provision, His rightful claim over Israel as His chosen people, and His unwavering faithfulness, even when Israel acted like an unfaithful spouse through idolatry and disobedience ([Ezekiel 16](/zekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Adultery") and [Hosea 2](/hosea/2 "Hosea 2 - God's Unfailing Love") are prime examples). It highlights the depth of God's love and the tragic nature of Israel's rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:32 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the mediator and embodiment of the New Covenant. The verse's declaration that the new covenant would "not be according to the covenant that I made with their fathers" directly points to the inadequacy of the Old Covenant to bring about true righteousness and transformation. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, accomplished what the Old Covenant could not. He did not merely reveal the Law but fulfilled it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and, by His sacrifice, provided the perfect, once-for-all atonement for sin that the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant could only foreshadow ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The "breaking" of the old covenant by Israel's unfaithfulness is overcome by Christ's perfect obedience and His establishment of a covenant sealed by His own blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). Furthermore, the promise of God being a "husband" to His people is realized in Christ's relationship with the Church, His bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), demonstrating an unbreakable bond of love, faithfulness, and redemptive power, where the Law is now written on hearts by the Holy Spirit, enabling true obedience from within ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Internalized Law") fulfilled in [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Written on Hearts")).

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

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Deuteronomy 1:31

And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place.

Deuteronomy 5:3

The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, [even] us, who [are] all of us here alive this day.

Exodus 24:6

And Moses took half of the blood, and put [it] in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

Exodus 24:8

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Ezekiel 16:8

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time [was] the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

John 3:29

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.