Jeremiah 33:14

KJV

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will perform {H6965} that good {H2896} thing {H1697} which I have promised {H1696} unto the house {H1004} of Israel {H3478} and to the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here, the days are coming," says ADONAI, "when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra'el and the house of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will fulfill the gracious promise that I have spoken to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

American Standard Version

Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:14 stands as a powerful declaration of God's unyielding faithfulness and His sovereign intent to fulfill His ancient promises to His covenant people. Amidst the desolation and despair of the Babylonian exile, this verse serves as a beacon of hope, affirming that the Lord's word of restoration, blessing, and the establishment of a righteous kingdom for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah will assuredly come to pass in His appointed time. It underscores the immutability of God's character and the certainty of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:14 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to messages of hope and future restoration. Specifically, this verse immediately precedes the explicit promise of a "righteous Branch" from David (Jeremiah 33:15-16), which clearly points to the coming Messiah. The broader context of [Jeremiah 33](/jeremiah/33 "Jeremiah 33 - Promises of Restoration and the Davidic Covenant") includes God's assurance of healing and rebuilding Jerusalem, restoring the fortunes of Judah and Israel, and re-establishing the Levitical priesthood. Verse 14 acts as a foundational statement, setting the stage for the specific details of the "good thing" God intends to perform, emphasizing the divine initiative and certainty of these future blessings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 33 is the severe crisis of Judah under Babylonian siege, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. The nation was experiencing the devastating consequences of generations of disobedience and idolatry, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. The people felt abandoned by God, their temple destroyed, their monarchy ended, and their land desolate. In this context of profound national trauma and spiritual disillusionment, God's promise in Jeremiah 33:14 was revolutionary. It countered the prevailing despair by asserting that even in exile, God's covenant promises were not nullified but would be gloriously fulfilled, demonstrating His steadfast love and power to restore beyond human capacity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Central is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness** and the **Immutability of God's Word**, where the Lord explicitly states, "I will perform that good thing which I have promised." This echoes the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, assuring that God always keeps His word, even when His people fail (compare [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man that He should lie")). Another significant theme is **Restoration and Renewal**, specifically for both the "house of Israel" (referring to the northern kingdom, long dispersed) and the "house of Judah" (the southern kingdom, currently in exile). This signifies a comprehensive, unified restoration of God's people, encompassing spiritual, physical, and national dimensions, often described as a "new covenant" (as in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Messianic Hope**, which is immediately developed in the subsequent verses, pointing to the coming of a righteous Davidic king who would establish justice and righteousness, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **perform (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** From H6965, this primitive root means "to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative); abide, accomplish, confirm, continue, decree, make good, ordain, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising)." In Jeremiah 33:14, "perform" signifies God's active, certain, and decisive bringing to pass of His promises. It's not merely an intention but a resolute act of establishment and fulfillment, emphasizing the divine power and commitment to His word.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word means "good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun... (good, a good or good thing...); also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, most, pleasant, pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured)." Here, "good" describes the nature of God's promised action and its outcome—it is inherently beneficial, pleasant, prosperous, and aligned with His benevolent character, encompassing holistic well-being and blessing.
* **thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this noun derives from the root H1696 (dâbar, "to speak"). It means "a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, book, business, care, case, cause, commandment, concern(-ing), counsel, decree, deed, language, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, promise, report, request, saying, sentence, speech, talk, task, tidings, word, work." In this context, "that good thing" refers to the specific content and substance of God's spoken promises—His divine word that carries the power to bring about the reality it declares. It signifies the concrete, tangible outworking of His covenant commitments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase serves as an emphatic prophetic declaration, drawing immediate attention to the certainty and imminence of what is to follow. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) acts as an interjection, signaling a significant revelation. "The days come" indicates a future, divinely appointed time for the fulfillment of these promises, reinforcing that God's plans unfold according to His sovereign timeline. "Saith the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהוָה, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) is a common prophetic formula, authenticating the message as a direct utterance from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God, thereby guaranteeing its truth and authority.
* **"that I will perform that good thing"**: This is the core promise. "I will perform" (וַהֲקִמֹתִי, _va'haqimoti_) uses the verb _qûwm_ (H6965), emphasizing God's active, resolute, and certain execution of His word. It is not merely a passive intention but a powerful act of bringing into being. "That good thing" (הַדָּבָר הַטּוֹב, _haddâbâr haṭṭôwb_) refers to the sum total of God's beneficial, covenantal promises—the restoration, healing, and establishment of righteousness previously spoken of, encompassing all aspects of national and spiritual well-being.
* **"which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah."**: This clause specifies the recipients and the nature of the "good thing." It clarifies that the promises are not new but are the fulfillment of long-standing divine commitments. "Promised" (דִּבַּרְתִּי, _dibbarti_) links back to God's previous declarations, particularly those related to the Davidic covenant and the future of His people. The inclusion of both "the house of Israel" (the northern kingdom, long dispersed) and "the house of Judah" (the southern kingdom, currently in exile) signifies a comprehensive, unified restoration of all twelve tribes, emphasizing God's inclusive and enduring covenant with His entire people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of hope and certainty. The opening word, "Behold," functions as an **imperative** and an **attention-grabber**, immediately signaling the profound importance of the ensuing declaration. This creates a sense of urgency and divine authority. The phrase "the days come" is an example of **Foreshadowing**, pointing to a future, divinely appointed time when God's promises will materialize. It builds anticipation for the fulfillment. The repeated phrase "saith the LORD" is a classic prophetic **Formulaic Expression** or **Divine Oracle**, authenticating the message as direct speech from God Himself, thereby imbuing it with irrefutable authority and truth. The use of "that good thing" is a form of **Euphemism** or **Generalization**, referring to the vast, comprehensive scope of God's restoration plans without detailing every aspect, allowing it to encompass all the blessings of the new covenant. Finally, the mention of both "the house of Israel and to the house of Judah" is an example of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent the whole, emphasizing the complete and unified restoration of God's entire covenant people, encompassing both the dispersed northern tribes and the exiled southern kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:14 serves as a profound theological anchor, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite human failure and national judgment. It highlights the divine initiative in salvation and restoration, asserting that God's plans are not contingent upon human merit but upon His own faithful character. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding God's ultimate intention to establish a righteous kingdom through a Davidic heir, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New. It underscores the truth that God's word is not merely spoken but is potent and effective, always accomplishing its intended purpose, bringing about the "good thing" He has ordained for His people.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word will not return empty")
* [Romans 11:26-27](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26-27 - All Israel will be saved")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 33:14 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of uncertainty, despair, or perceived divine silence. It powerfully reminds us that God's promises are not subject to the shifting sands of human circumstances or the apparent bleakness of our present reality. Just as God pledged to bring about a "good thing" for a seemingly hopeless Israel and Judah, He remains faithful to His word concerning our lives and His overarching redemptive plan for the world. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep-seated hope rooted in God's immutable character, trusting that His declared intentions will infallibly come to pass. It challenges us to look beyond immediate difficulties and to fix our gaze on the sovereign Lord who performs His promises, ultimately bringing about His good and perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God to "perform that good thing" He has promised?**
* **How does the historical context of Judah's despair make God's promise in Jeremiah 33:14 even more impactful for your own challenges?**
* **What specific promises of God from Scripture can you cling to when circumstances seem to contradict His faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**What is "that good thing" God promised in Jeremiah 33:14?**

Answer: "That good thing" (Hebrew: _haddâbâr haṭṭôwb_) refers to the comprehensive fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel and Judah. While broad, the immediate context in [Jeremiah 33:15-16](/jeremiah/33-15 "Jeremiah 33:15-16 - The Righteous Branch") clarifies that it specifically includes the raising up of a "Branch of righteousness" from the line of David, who will execute justice and righteousness in the land. This points to the establishment of a righteous kingdom under a Davidic king, which encompasses spiritual renewal, the return from exile, the rebuilding of the nation, and the re-establishment of a faithful priesthood. Ultimately, it signifies the holistic restoration of God's people and their relationship with Him, culminating in the Messianic era.

**Does this promise apply to Christians today, or only to ancient Israel and Judah?**

Answer: While the immediate recipients of the promise were the "house of Israel and to the house of Judah" in their historical context of exile and dispersion, the theological principles and the ultimate fulfillment of this promise have profound implications for believers today. The "good thing" that God promised, particularly the "Branch of righteousness," is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are spiritual heirs of Abraham through faith (see [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs according to the promise")), and we participate in the New Covenant that God promised (as described in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Therefore, this verse assures us of God's unchanging faithfulness to His promises, particularly His promise of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life through Christ, and His ongoing work to establish His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:14, with its declaration of God's intention to "perform that good thing which I have promised," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "good thing" is immediately specified in the following verses as the raising up of a "Branch of righteousness" from David, who would execute justice and righteousness on earth (Jeremiah 33:15). This "Branch" is none other than Jesus, the Messiah, who is indeed the "Root of David" (as seen in [Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")). He perfectly embodies the righteousness that Israel and Judah failed to achieve, and through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He establishes the New Covenant promised by Jeremiah (compare [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") with [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant is Superior")). Jesus, as the true King from David's line, not only brings about the spiritual restoration and reconciliation of God's people but also inaugurates the eternal kingdom where justice and righteousness truly dwell. Thus, the ancient promise of a "good thing" is made real and accessible to all who believe in the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His redemptive plan through His Son.

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

Haggai 2:6

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];

Haggai 2:9

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

2 Corinthians 1:20

For all the promises of God in him [are] yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Jeremiah 29:10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

1 Chronicles 17:13

I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took [it] from [him] that was before thee: