Jeremiah 31:33

KJV

But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But this shall be the covenant {H1285} that I will make {H3772} with the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}; After {H310} those days {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, I will put {H5414} my law {H8451} in their inward parts {H7130}, and write {H3789} it in their hearts {H3820}; and will be their God {H430}, and they shall be my people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra'el after those days," says ADONAI: "I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Berean Standard Bible

“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

American Standard Version

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:33 unveils the profound promise of a "new covenant" that God will establish with the house of Israel. This covenant represents a radical departure from the previous Mosaic covenant, characterized by an internal transformation where God's law is not merely external, but supernaturally inscribed upon the hearts and inward parts of His people. The verse culminates in the ultimate restoration of an intimate and unbreakable relationship: God will truly be their God, and they shall be His people, signifying a deep, Spirit-empowered communion and inherent obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:33 is a pivotal verse within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that dramatically shifts from pronouncements of judgment and exile to powerful messages of hope, restoration, and future blessing for both Israel and Judah. Following extensive condemnation for their unfaithfulness to the Mosaic covenant, this passage introduces a groundbreaking concept: a new, superior covenant that addresses the fundamental issue of human sin and disobedience by promising an internal transformation. It stands as the climax of Jeremiah's vision for a restored future, setting the stage for a renewed relationship between God and His people, distinct from the covenant made at Sinai.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, marked by national decline, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian exile, which eventually occurred. The people had repeatedly broken the covenant God made with them at Mount Sinai, demonstrating their inability to obey God's external law due to their hardened hearts. In this context, the promise of a new covenant, written not on stone tablets but on the human heart, was revolutionary. It addressed the core problem of human rebellion and offered a divine solution that transcended the limitations of the old covenant. Understanding ancient Near Eastern covenant practices, which often involved solemn oaths and symbolic "cutting" (as implied in the Hebrew term for covenant, _bᵉrîyth_), illuminates the gravity and binding nature of God's promise here.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several major theological themes. Foremost is the theme of the **New Covenant**, which signifies a radical shift from the external, conditional Mosaic covenant to an internal, grace-empowered relationship. This new arrangement promises a deeper and more effective bond with God, addressing the very root of human disobedience. Secondly, the concept of an **Internalized Law** is paramount: "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts." Unlike the law written on stone tablets, this new covenant involves a supernatural, Spirit-empowered desire and ability to obey God's will from within. This transformative work speaks to a heart change that naturally inclines one toward righteousness, rather than external compulsion, echoing similar promises found in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit"). Finally, the declaration, "and will be their God, and they shall be my people," reaffirms the ultimate goal of the covenant: a **Restored and Deepened Relationship**. This covenantal formula, found throughout biblical history, encapsulates God's unwavering desire for intimate fellowship and exclusive belonging with His chosen people, now secured on a new and permanent basis.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From a root meaning "to cut," this term refers to a compact or agreement, often established through a solemn ritual involving the cutting of flesh and passing between the pieces. In Jeremiah 31:33, it denotes a divinely initiated and binding agreement between God and His people, signifying a formal relationship with specific terms and promises. The emphasis here is on its "newness," implying a different nature and greater efficacy than previous covenants.
* **law (Hebrew, _tôwrâh'_):** This word encompasses divine instruction, precept, or statute, most famously referring to the Pentateuch or the Decalogue. In this context, it signifies God's divine will, His moral and ethical requirements for His people. The revolutionary aspect in Jeremiah 31:33 is not the law itself, but its location and the method of its reception—no longer external commands to be obeyed, but an internal principle of life.
* **hearts (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term is used very widely in Hebrew thought, encompassing not only emotions but also the will, intellect, conscience, and the very core or center of a person's being. When God promises to write His law in their "hearts," it signifies a comprehensive transformation of their inner disposition, motivations, and desires, leading to an intrinsic alignment with God's character and commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel;":** This opening clause immediately introduces a new, distinct covenant, contrasting it with the old. The phrase "house of Israel" refers to God's chosen people, indicating that this promise of renewal is specifically directed towards the descendants of Jacob, encompassing both the northern and southern kingdoms, now united under a singular, future hope. The divine initiative ("I will make") underscores God's sovereign grace in establishing this new arrangement.
* **"After those days, saith the LORD,":** This phrase points to a future time, beyond the immediate period of judgment and exile, indicating that the fulfillment of this covenant is not immediate but part of God's long-term redemptive plan. The declaration "saith the LORD" (Hebrew: _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of this prophecy, guaranteeing its certainty and ultimate realization.
* **"I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts;":** This is the revolutionary core of the new covenant. "Inward parts" (Hebrew: _qereb_) refers to the innermost being, the very core of a person. "Hearts" (Hebrew: _lêb_) signifies the seat of intellect, will, and emotion. The dual phrasing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this internal transformation. God Himself will perform this act, inscribing His moral will not on external tablets of stone, but intrinsically within the very essence of His people, leading to a new disposition towards obedience.
* **"and will be their God, and they shall be my people.":** This is the classic covenant formula, expressing the ultimate goal and blessed outcome of God's redemptive work. It signifies a restored, intimate, and exclusive relationship. God's commitment to be their God implies His provision, protection, and presence, while their status as "my people" denotes their belonging, loyalty, and unique identity as His chosen possession. This reciprocal declaration establishes a bond of unparalleled intimacy and security.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:33 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its transformative message. **Contrast** is prominent, setting the "new covenant" apart from the old, particularly in the shift from external law (on stone tablets) to an internal, inscribed law (on hearts). This highlights the inadequacy of the old covenant to change the human heart and the divine solution offered by the new. The phrase "write it in their hearts" functions as a potent **Metaphor**, illustrating a profound, spiritual transformation rather than a literal act of writing. It signifies an internalization of God's will, where obedience flows from an inherent desire rather than external compulsion. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "and will be their God, and they shall be my people," is a classic **Covenant Formula**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture that encapsulates the essence of God's relationship with His chosen people, signifying intimacy, belonging, and mutual commitment. The pairing of "inward parts" and "hearts" also demonstrates **Parallelism**, reinforcing the comprehensive and deep-seated nature of the promised spiritual renewal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:33 is a theological cornerstone, revealing God's ultimate plan for humanity's redemption and relationship with Him. It underscores the profound truth that true spiritual transformation is an internal work initiated by God, addressing the root problem of a rebellious heart that the Old Covenant, though good and holy, could not fundamentally change. This prophecy highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire for an intimate, personal relationship with His people, one built on grace and an inherent desire to obey, rather than external compulsion. It anticipates a time when God's Spirit would empower His people to live in accordance with His will, not out of fear of punishment, but out of a transformed nature. This new covenant, therefore, represents the climax of God's redemptive history, promising a permanent solution to the sin problem and ushering in an era of profound spiritual communion.

* [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Quoted")
* [Hebrews 10:16](/hebrews/10-16 "Hebrews 10:16 - God's Law in Our Hearts")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:33 offers profound hope and guidance for believers today, emphasizing that genuine spiritual life and righteousness stem from an internal work of God's Spirit, not from mere external adherence to rules or human effort. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith, urging us to seek a heart truly transformed by God, one that inherently desires to please Him and live in alignment with His character. It reminds us that our obedience is not a means to earn God's favor, but a natural outflow of the Spirit's work within us, enabling us to love what God loves and hate what He hates. The promise, "I will be their God, and they shall be my people," serves as a powerful assurance of God's unwavering commitment and presence in our lives, offering security, intimacy, and a deep sense of belonging through faith in Christ Jesus, the mediator of this new covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of an internalized law, written on the heart, challenge or deepen my understanding of obedience and personal righteousness?**
* **In what practical ways do I experience God's law being written on my heart through the work of the Holy Spirit in my daily life?**
* **How does the promise "I will be their God, and they shall be my people" deepen my assurance of God's unwavering love and intimate relationship with me?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "new covenant" in Jeremiah 31:33?**

Answer: The "new covenant" in Jeremiah 31:33 is profoundly significant because it marks a radical shift in God's relationship with His people. Unlike the Mosaic covenant, which was external and conditional, this new covenant promises an internal transformation. It addresses the fundamental problem of human inability to obey God's law from the heart. It signifies a permanent, grace-based relationship where God takes the initiative to change hearts, ensuring genuine obedience and an unbreakable bond. This prophecy is foundational to understanding the New Testament's teachings on salvation and the work of Christ, as seen in [Hebrews 8](/hebrews/8 "Hebrews 8 - The Superiority of the New Covenant").

**How does the "law written on the heart" differ from the Mosaic Law?**

Answer: The "law written on the heart" is not a different set of commands, but a different *method* and *location* of God's law. The Mosaic Law was written on stone tablets, external to the people, and required human effort to obey, which often failed due to a sinful heart. The "law written on the heart" signifies an internal, supernatural work of God, where His commands are intrinsically woven into a person's desires, will, and conscience. This internal inscription, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enables a natural inclination towards obedience, transforming the desire to obey rather than merely commanding it. This distinction is crucial for understanding the Spirit's role in the lives of believers, as highlighted in [2 Corinthians 3:6](/2_corinthians/3-6 "2 Corinthians 3:6 - The Spirit Gives Life").

**Who is the "house of Israel" in this prophecy?**

Answer: In its immediate context, the "house of Israel" refers to the descendants of Jacob, encompassing both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah), who were facing or enduring exile. Jeremiah's prophecy offered hope of restoration and reunification for the entire nation. Theologically, in the New Testament, this prophecy is understood to be fulfilled in a broader sense through Jesus Christ, who is the true Israel. The new covenant is extended to all who believe in Him, both Jews and Gentiles, forming the spiritual "Israel of God" (as mentioned in [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). Thus, while rooted in a specific historical people, the new covenant's benefits are universal for all who are united to Christ by faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:33 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Mediator of this new and better covenant. The old covenant, though divinely given, could not change the human heart; its laws were external, exposing sin but not empowering righteousness. Jesus, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, inaugurated this promised new covenant, sealing it with His own blood (as prophesied in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood") and [Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - My Blood of the Covenant")). By His sacrifice, He provided the forgiveness of sins that undergirds this new relationship, making it possible for God to "remember their sin no more" ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - Forgiveness in the New Covenant")). Furthermore, through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ (as seen in [John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Helper, the Holy Spirit")), the law is indeed written upon the hearts of believers. The Spirit empowers them to live according to God's will, transforming their desires and enabling an internal, Spirit-led obedience that the old covenant could not produce. Thus, Jesus fulfills the promise of Jeremiah 31:33 by establishing the covenant, mediating its blessings, and sending the Spirit to effect the promised heart transformation, making believers truly God's people with God as their indwelling Lord ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

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

2 Corinthians 3:3

[Forasmuch as ye are] manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Hebrews 10:16

This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Hebrews 8:10

For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Ezekiel 11:19

And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Ezekiel 11:20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

Jeremiah 24:7

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I [am] the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.

Ezekiel 36:25

¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.