Jeremiah 31:8

KJV

Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will bring {H935} them from the north {H6828} country {H776}, and gather {H6908} them from the coasts {H3411} of the earth {H776}, and with them the blind {H5787} and the lame {H6455}, the woman with child {H2030} and her that travaileth with child {H3205} together {H3162}: a great {H1419} company {H6951} shall return {H7725} thither.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look! I am bringing them from the land in the north, gathering them from the far ends of the earth; among them are the blind and lame, women with children, women in labor, all together, a vast throng returning here.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly!

American Standard Version

Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall they return hither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:8 stands as a profound prophecy of God's unwavering commitment to restore His scattered people, Israel, following a period of judgment and exile. It vividly portrays a divine initiative to gather them from across the globe, demonstrating extraordinary compassion for the most vulnerable among them, ensuring a comprehensive and certain return to their promised land. This verse encapsulates the Lord's faithfulness, His sovereign power over history, and the tender mercy that undergirds His covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:8 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to glorious promises of restoration for both Judah and Israel. Following chapters detailing the impending Babylonian exile and the consequences of disobedience, these chapters offer a beacon of hope, emphasizing God's ultimate plan for renewal. This particular verse immediately precedes the famous prophecy of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant"), establishing the physical return as a precursor and a sign of the deeper spiritual transformation God intends for His people. The comprehensive gathering described here sets the stage for a future where God's law will be written on their hearts.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical backdrop for this prophecy is the impending or ongoing Babylonian exile (605-539 BC), during which a significant portion of the Jewish population was forcibly deported to Babylon, located to the "north country" relative to Judah. The phrase "coasts of the earth" (or "ends of the earth") however, extends beyond this immediate context, anticipating a broader dispersion of the Jewish people throughout history, a reality that persisted long after the initial return from Babylon. Culturally, ancient societies often marginalized or dismissed those with physical disabilities like the blind and the lame, viewing them as burdens or even as objects of divine displeasure. Similarly, pregnant women and those in labor (her that travaileth with child) were inherently vulnerable, especially during long, arduous journeys. God's specific mention and inclusion of these groups underscore His radical compassion and the miraculous nature of the promised return, defying societal norms and logistical challenges.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jeremiah's message and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, with the repeated "I will bring" and "I will gather" emphasizing that this restoration is entirely God's work, not dependent on human strength or political machinations. This underscores His supreme power and control over the destiny of His people, as seen in His ability to orchestrate events across nations. Secondly, the theme of **Comprehensive Gathering** emerges from the mention of "the north country" and "the coasts of the earth," indicating a thorough and complete re-gathering of all scattered Israelites, leaving no one behind. This speaks to the vastness of God's redemptive plan. Thirdly, **God's Profound Compassion for the Vulnerable** is a striking theme, as the specific inclusion of "the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child" showcases His tender care for those least able to help themselves. This resonates with God's consistent character throughout Scripture, where He champions the marginalized and weak, as exemplified in [Psalm 146:8](/psalm/146-8 "Psalm 146:8 - God's Care for the Afflicted") where "the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down." Finally, the declaration "a great company shall return thither" underscores the **Certainty and Scale of Restoration**, assuring that the judgment and exile are temporary, and God's ultimate purpose for Israel is one of blessing, homecoming, and renewal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gather (Hebrew, _qâbats'_):** From H6908, meaning "to grasp, i.e. collect; assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort." This word emphasizes an active, intentional, and comprehensive act of bringing together disparate elements. It's not a passive return, but a divinely orchestrated collection of individuals from various locations, highlighting God's direct involvement and power in the restoration process.
* **blind (Hebrew, _ʻivvêr'_):** From H5787, meaning "blind (literally or figuratively)." This term refers to physical blindness, but in a broader sense, it can also symbolize spiritual inability or helplessness. Its inclusion here underscores the extreme vulnerability of those being gathered, making their safe return a testament to God's miraculous intervention and tender care for the most dependent.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** From H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." While primarily signifying a physical homecoming in this context, _shûwb_ often carries deeper theological implications of repentance, restoration, and a turning back to God in renewed covenant relationship. Here, it denotes the physical reversal of exile and the re-establishment of the community in their land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's sovereign initiative ("I will bring," "I will gather"). "The north country" primarily refers to Babylon, the place of Judah's exile, but "the coasts of the earth" (or "ends of the earth") broadens the scope significantly, indicating a worldwide dispersion and a comprehensive, global re-gathering. This highlights the vastness of God's power and the thoroughness of His restorative plan, reaching every corner where His people might be scattered.
* **"and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together":** This is a deeply compassionate and striking detail. It specifies the inclusion of those most vulnerable and least able to make such a journey on their own. The "blind" and "lame" represent physical infirmity and dependence, while "the woman with child and her that travaileth with child" (pregnant women and those in labor) symbolize extreme physical fragility and the miracle of new life amidst hardship. Their inclusion emphasizes God's tender mercy, His care for the marginalized, and the miraculous nature of this divinely orchestrated return, where no one, regardless of their weakness, will be left behind.
* **"a great company shall return thither.":** This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of the certainty and scale of the promised restoration. "A great company" (or "a great multitude") signifies not just a remnant, but a substantial, numerous body of people. "Shall return thither" unequivocally declares the assured homecoming to their land. This provides a definitive promise of hope, contrasting sharply with the preceding prophecies of judgment and exile, assuring Israel that their suffering is temporary and their future restoration is guaranteed by God's faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is **Divine Fiat**, evident in the repeated "I will bring" and "I will gather." This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and active involvement in the fulfillment of His promises, declaring His will as an unchangeable decree. There is also a strong element of **Inclusio** or comprehensive language through the phrase "from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth." This signifies that the gathering will be complete, encompassing all scattered individuals, leaving no one out. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Pathos** by specifically mentioning "the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child." This evokes deep empathy and highlights God's extraordinary compassion for the most vulnerable members of society, making the promise of return even more tender and miraculous. The inclusion of these groups also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or emphatic detail, stressing the utter completeness and divine enablement of this return, as such a journey would be humanly impossible for these individuals without supernatural assistance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:8 is a powerful testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to His people, even in their disobedience and exile. It underscores the biblical theme of divine restoration, where God actively intervenes to reverse the consequences of sin and bring about renewal, both physically and spiritually. This prophecy speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, which extends to the marginalized and vulnerable, demonstrating that His mercy knows no bounds. It foreshadows the ultimate gathering of God's people, not just from physical exile, but into His eternal kingdom, under the leadership of the Messiah. The verse also highlights God's sovereign control over history, assuring that despite human failures and geopolitical upheavals, His ultimate purposes will prevail.

* [Isaiah 11:11](/isaiah/11-11 "Isaiah 11:11 - God Gathers His People a Second Time") - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea."
* [Matthew 11:5](/matthew/11-5 "Matthew 11:5 - Jesus' Miracles for the Afflicted") - "The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them."
* [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect at Christ's Return") - "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:8 offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today, reminding us of God's steadfast love and powerful ability to bring about restoration in seemingly impossible situations. Just as God promised to gather His physically dispersed and vulnerable people, He is equally committed to gathering and restoring us from our spiritual exiles, brokenness, and limitations. This verse assures us that no one is too lost, too weak, or too burdened for God's redemptive plan. It calls us to trust in His divine initiative, knowing that He is actively working to bring wholeness and hope into our lives, even when we feel blind to the path ahead or lame in our ability to move forward. It challenges us to extend the same compassion to the vulnerable in our communities, mirroring God's heart for the marginalized, and to live with the certainty that God's ultimate plan for His church and for the world is one of glorious, comprehensive restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "blind" or "lame," unable to move forward on your own strength? How does God's promise to gather the vulnerable speak to those areas?**
* **How does the emphasis on God's "I will" statements in this verse strengthen your faith in His sovereignty over your personal circumstances and global events?**
* **Considering God's compassion for the "woman with child and her that travaileth with child," how might you better extend care and support to those who are most vulnerable or burdened in your community?**
* **What "exile" or period of brokenness in your life is God promising to bring you back from, and what "great company" might you be a part of in His restorative work?**

### FAQ
**What does "the north country" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In the immediate historical context of Jeremiah's prophecy, "the north country" primarily refers to Babylon, the dominant world power at the time that would conquer Judah and carry its people into exile. Babylon was geographically located to the northeast of Judah, and its armies typically approached from the north, making it a symbolic as well as literal direction of judgment and subsequent return. However, the broader phrase "coasts of the earth" suggests a wider, more comprehensive dispersion of the Jewish people throughout history, implying that God's gathering would extend beyond just the Babylonian exiles to all who were scattered.

**Why are the "blind and the lame" specifically mentioned alongside pregnant women?**

Answer: The specific mention of "the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child" highlights the extreme vulnerability and dependence of these groups. In ancient societies, those with physical disabilities were often marginalized, and long journeys were incredibly perilous for pregnant women. By explicitly including them, God emphasizes the miraculous nature of this divinely orchestrated return. It demonstrates His profound compassion, ensuring that even the weakest and most helpless will not be left behind but will be tenderly cared for and safely brought back. This underscores that the restoration is entirely God's work, defying all human limitations and logistical challenges.

**Does this prophecy have a future fulfillment beyond the return from Babylonian exile?**

Answer: Yes, many biblical scholars interpret Jeremiah 31:8 as having both an immediate fulfillment in the return from Babylonian exile and a broader, future, eschatological fulfillment. The phrase "coasts of the earth" suggests a more comprehensive gathering than just from Babylon. This prophecy points towards a future, ultimate gathering of all Israel, often linked to the end times and the full establishment of God's kingdom. It also resonates with the New Testament theme of God gathering His elect from all nations, as seen in [Matthew 24:31](/matthew/24-31 "Matthew 24:31 - The Gathering of the Elect at Christ's Return"), signifying a spiritual and physical restoration that culminates in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:8, with its profound promise of God gathering His scattered and vulnerable people, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While initially pointing to the physical return from exile, the comprehensive nature of the prophecy—gathering from "the coasts of the earth" and embracing the "blind and the lame"—expands to encompass the spiritual gathering of all God's elect through the gospel. Jesus Himself is the Good Shepherd who "has other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock and one shepherd" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). He demonstrated God's tender compassion for the blind, lame, and marginalized throughout His earthly ministry, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 35:5-6](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5-6 - The Blind See and the Lame Leap") by opening eyes and enabling the lame to walk, signifying His spiritual work of healing and restoration. The "great company" that returns is ultimately the church, comprised of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, gathered into one body through Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the one who brings near those who were far off, making them "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the vision of a compassionate, comprehensive divine gathering in Jeremiah 31:8 is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who redeems, restores, and unites all who come to Him, forming a new spiritual Israel that transcends ethnic and geographic boundaries.

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

Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

Isaiah 42:16

And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Jeremiah 23:8

But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

Micah 4:6

In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

Ezekiel 34:13

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;