Jeremiah 31:5

KJV

Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt yet plant {H5193} vines {H3754} upon the mountains {H2022} of Samaria {H8111}: the planters {H5193} shall plant {H5193}, and shall eat them as common things {H2490}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Once again, you will plant vineyards on the hills of Shomron, and those doing the planting will have the use of its fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria; the farmers will plant and enjoy the fruit.

American Standard Version

Again shalt thou plant vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:5 is a powerful prophetic declaration of restoration and hope for the exiled Northern Kingdom of Israel, specifically Samaria. It paints a vivid picture of a future where the land, once desolate due to judgment, will again flourish with vineyards. This imagery signifies a return to peace, prosperity, and settled life, where the people will freely enjoy the abundant produce of their labors, contrasting sharply with the scarcity and restrictions experienced during exile and former times. The verse encapsulates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, foreseeing a time when His scattered people will be regathered and re-established in their homeland.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:5 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts dramatically from pronouncements of judgment and impending exile to glorious promises of future restoration. Following extensive warnings and laments over Judah's and Israel's sin and subsequent punishment (e.g., [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Seventy Years of Exile")), this section offers a profound message of hope. It specifically addresses both the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the long-exiled Northern Kingdom of Israel (represented by Ephraim and Samaria), promising their return from captivity and re-establishment in the land. This verse, therefore, serves as a concrete illustration of the physical and agricultural renewal that will accompany this divine regathering, setting the stage for the even deeper spiritual restoration promised in the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy (late 7th to early 6th century BC), the Northern Kingdom of Israel, with its capital Samaria, had already fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC, and its people had been deported. Judah was either facing imminent Babylonian invasion or was already in exile. The "mountains of Samaria" would have been a desolate, depopulated region, a stark symbol of God's judgment on Israel's idolatry. In ancient Israel, vineyards were not merely an agricultural commodity but potent symbols of blessing, prosperity, and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard")). The act of planting vines signified long-term settlement, peace, and confidence in the future, as vineyards take years to yield fruit. This promise directly counters the devastation of war and exile, where fields lay barren and people were uprooted.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Hope**, emphasizing God's unfailing commitment to His people despite their failures and the severe consequences of their sin. It is a testament to God's "everlasting love" ([Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love")) that He promises to reverse the desolation. Secondly, the imagery of "planting vines" and "eating them as common things" speaks to **Abundance and Prosperity**. This signifies a return to agricultural flourishing and economic stability, a stark contrast to the famine and scarcity often associated with siege and exile. The phrase "eat them as common things" specifically alludes to a time of such plentifulness that the produce will be freely and commonly enjoyed, without the former restrictions of scarcity or specific agricultural laws (e.g., the "uncircumcised" fruit of the first three years, as detailed in [Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Laws for Fruit Trees")). Lastly, the act of planting and eating implies a **Return to Normalcy and Peace**, a settled existence free from the instability and destruction of war, allowing people to securely live in their own land and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **plant (Hebrew, _nâṭaʻ'_):** H5193, a primitive root, properly means "to strike in, i.e. fix," and specifically "to plant" (literally or figuratively). In Jeremiah 31:5, it signifies the act of establishing new growth and settlement. The repetition ("plant... planters shall plant") emphasizes the certainty and widespread nature of this future activity, indicating a return to stable, productive life in the land.
* **vines (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** H3754, from an unused root, refers to a "garden or vineyard." Vineyards were a primary agricultural staple in ancient Israel, symbolizing prosperity, blessing, and the fruitfulness of the land. Their re-establishment on the "mountains of Samaria" speaks directly to the reversal of desolation and the return of God's favor and abundance.
* **common things (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** H2490, a primitive root, means "to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge'); to play (the flute)." In this specific context, as an idiom, it means "to eat as common things" or "to make common/unrestricted." This refers to the practice in ancient Israel where the fruit of a newly planted vine was restricted for the first three years ("uncircumcised") and the fourth year's fruit was consecrated to the Lord. Only from the fifth year could it be eaten "as common things" ([Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Laws for Fruit Trees")). Jeremiah's use here highlights a future of such overwhelming abundance that the produce will be freely and commonly enjoyed, without the previous restrictions or scarcity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria":** This clause is a direct prophetic promise from God to the exiled Northern Kingdom (represented by Samaria). The phrase "thou shalt yet" emphasizes the certainty and future nature of this restoration. "Plant vines" signifies agricultural renewal, prosperity, and long-term settlement. The specific mention of "mountains of Samaria" is highly significant, as this region was the heartland and capital of the Northern Kingdom, which had been devastated and depopulated for over a century by the Assyrians. The promise implies a complete reversal of their desolate state.
* **"the planters shall plant":** This repetition reinforces the certainty and widespread nature of the promised activity. It speaks not just of a symbolic act, but of a real, tangible return of people to the land, engaging in the fundamental acts of settled, productive life. It highlights the agency of the restored people in their renewed prosperity, empowered by God's grace.
* **"and shall eat [them] as common things":** This climactic phrase speaks to the quality and abundance of the future harvest. As explained in the Key Word Analysis, "eating as common things" implies that the fruit will be so plentiful that it can be freely consumed without the former restrictions of scarcity or the specific cultic laws related to new vines. It signifies a time of unhindered blessing, peace, and security, where the people will fully enjoy the fruits of their labor in their restored land.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:5 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "vines" are a powerful symbol of prosperity, blessing, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel, often used to represent Israel itself. Their planting signifies renewed life, fruitfulness, and the reversal of barrenness and desolation. The "mountains of Samaria" symbolize the very heart of the Northern Kingdom, which had suffered severe judgment; their promised re-planting underscores the completeness of God's restoration. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy** of hope, looking beyond immediate suffering to a future divine intervention. The repetition in "the planters shall plant" is an example of **Emphasis**, underscoring the certainty and widespread nature of the promised agricultural renewal. The phrase "eat them as common things" is an **Idiom** that conveys a specific cultural and legal meaning of unhindered enjoyment and abundance, contrasting with previous restrictions and scarcity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:5 is a profound testament to God's sovereign power to restore and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not God's final word, but rather a means to bring about repentance and ultimately, restoration. The physical renewal of the land and its fruitfulness serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual renewal God desires for His people. It foreshadows a time when the relationship between God and His people will be fully re-established, marked by peace, security, and abundant blessing, laying the groundwork for the deeper spiritual realities of the New Covenant. This verse assures us that God's plans for His people are ultimately for their welfare and flourishing, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless.

* [Amos 9:13-15](/amos/9-13 "Amos 9:13-15 - Prophecy of Abundance and Restoration")
* [Isaiah 65:21-23](/isaiah/65-21 "Isaiah 65:21-23 - New Heavens and New Earth")
* [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ezekiel/36-33 "Ezekiel 36:33-36 - Restoration of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:5 offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today, reminding us that even in periods of desolation, loss, or barrenness—whether personal, communal, or spiritual—God has the power to bring about restoration and renewed fruitfulness. It speaks to the enduring truth that God's faithfulness transcends our circumstances and that His ultimate plan is always for our good and flourishing. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of hope, even when our "mountains of Samaria" seem barren, trusting that God can transform desolate places into fruitful vineyards. It challenges us to participate in God's restorative work, planting seeds of faith, hope, and love in our own lives and communities, confident that He will bring the increase and allow us to "eat as common things" the abundant blessings of His grace. It assures us that God can turn any barren ground into a place of vibrant life and productivity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life do you currently see "mountains of Samaria"—areas that feel desolate, unproductive, or marked by past failures?**
* **How does the promise of God's restoration in Jeremiah 31:5 encourage you to have hope in those barren areas?**
* **What "vines" (spiritual disciplines, acts of service, personal growth) might God be calling you to "plant" today, trusting in His promise of future fruitfulness?**
* **In what ways can you anticipate "eating as common things" the blessings of God's restoration in your life or community?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "mountains of Samaria" in this verse?**

Answer: The "mountains of Samaria" refers to the central highland region of ancient Israel, which served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This kingdom had fallen to the Assyrians in 722 BC, and its people were exiled, leaving the land desolate. The mention of Samaria here is highly significant because it represents the complete reversal of God's judgment and the promise of restoration for the long-lost Northern tribes, not just Judah. It signifies that God's restoration will be comprehensive, extending even to those areas that had experienced the most severe desolation and judgment, bringing life and productivity back to a land once barren.

**What does "eat them as common things" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "eat them as common things" (Hebrew: *châlal*) refers to the unhindered, unrestricted enjoyment of the fruit of the land. In ancient Israel, according to Mosaic Law (specifically [Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Laws for Fruit Trees")), the fruit of newly planted vines was considered "uncircumcised" for the first three years and could not be eaten. The fruit of the fourth year was consecrated to the Lord. Only from the fifth year onward could the fruit be eaten "as common things," meaning it was available for ordinary consumption by anyone. Therefore, Jeremiah's prophecy implies a future of such abundant prosperity and peace that the people will freely and commonly enjoy the fruits of their labor without scarcity, fear, or the former legal restrictions, symbolizing a time of overflowing blessing and security.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jeremiah 31:5 speaks directly to the physical restoration of Israel to their land, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual reality are found in Jesus Christ. The promise of planting vines and enjoying their abundant fruit foreshadows the spiritual fruitfulness and new life offered through the New Covenant, which Christ inaugurated. Just as the desolate mountains of Samaria were promised to bear fruit again, so too does Christ transform barren human hearts, making them fruitful through the Holy Spirit. He is the true vine, and believers are the branches who, by abiding in Him, "bear much fruit" ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")). The abundance promised in Jeremiah 31:5 finds its spiritual parallel in the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, etc.) that blossoms in the lives of those united with Christ ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Moreover, the regathering of Israel and Judah points to Christ's work in gathering all believers—Jew and Gentile—into one new humanity, His church, where they are built together into a spiritual house, a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Through Christ, we are not merely restored to a physical land but brought into an eternal, spiritual inheritance, enjoying the "common things" of God's grace and blessings in an unrestricted, overflowing measure, as a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1_peter/2-9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")).

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

Amos 9:14

And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Deuteronomy 28:30

Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: thou shalt build an house, and thou shalt not dwell therein: thou shalt plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes thereof.

Micah 4:4

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make [them] afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken [it].

Leviticus 19:23

And when ye shall come into the land, and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircumcised: three years shall it be as uncircumcised unto you: it shall not be eaten of.

Leviticus 19:25

And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit thereof, that it may yield unto you the increase thereof: I [am] the LORD your God.

Isaiah 62:8

The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give thy corn [to be] meat for thine enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink thy wine, for the which thou hast laboured:

Isaiah 62:9

But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.