Jeremiah 46:27

KJV

But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid.

KJV (with Strong's)

But fear {H3372} not thou, O my servant {H5650} Jacob {H3290}, and be not dismayed {H2865}, O Israel {H3478}: for, behold, I will save {H3467} thee from afar off {H7350}, and thy seed {H2233} from the land {H776} of their captivity {H7628}; and Jacob {H3290} shall return {H7725}, and be in rest {H8252} and at ease {H7599}, and none shall make him afraid {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Yet don't be afraid, Ya'akov my servant; don't be distressed, Isra'el. For I will save you from faraway places, and your offspring from the lands where they are held captive. Ya'akov will return and be at peace, quiet, with no one to make him afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

But you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid.

American Standard Version

But fear not thou, O Jacob my servant, neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:27 serves as a profound divine assurance to the nation of Israel, offering a stark contrast to the preceding prophecies of judgment against foreign nations, particularly Egypt. Amidst the looming threat of Babylonian exile and the scattering of God's people, this verse delivers a powerful message of comfort, commanding Israel not to fear or be dismayed. It unequivocally promises their future salvation from distant lands of captivity, a physical return to their homeland, and a subsequent era of profound rest, ease, and security, where no adversary will cause them fear. This declaration underscores God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for the restoration of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:27 marks a significant shift in tone within the book of Jeremiah. Chapters 46-51 are primarily dedicated to prophecies against various foreign nations, detailing God's impending judgments upon them. Chapter 46 specifically focuses on the defeat of Egypt by Babylon. Within this larger section of international condemnations, verses 27 and 28 stand out as a tender, direct address to Israel, providing a beacon of hope and comfort. This strategic placement emphasizes God's distinct relationship with His covenant people, even as He exercises His sovereign judgment over the world. It reminds the reader that while judgment is universal, God's redemptive plan for Israel remains steadfast, offering a future beyond the immediate devastation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecies is the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period dominated by the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Judah, having oscillated between alliances with Egypt and Babylon, was ultimately subjected to Babylonian rule, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the exile of its people in stages (e.g., [2 Kings 24](/2_kings/24 "2 Kings 24 - First Deportation to Babylon"), [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Fall of Jerusalem and Final Deportation")). The "land of their captivity" explicitly refers to Babylon, where many Israelites would be taken. The promise of return "from afar off" speaks to the vast distance and the seemingly insurmountable challenge of returning from such a powerful empire. Culturally, the concept of "rest and ease" was deeply tied to the promises of the land and God's secure presence among His people, a stark contrast to the instability and fear experienced during periods of foreign domination and exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Comfort and Assurance**, as God directly addresses Israel with tender, encouraging words, "fear not... and be not dismayed." This demonstrates God's unwavering care for His chosen people, even in their darkest times of punishment and dispersion (cf. [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")). Secondly, the **Promise of Deliverance and Restoration** is central, explicitly foretelling the end of the Babylonian exile and the physical return of the Jewish people and their "seed" to their homeland (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future")). Thirdly, the theme of **Security and Peace** is vividly portrayed by the promise that "Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid," painting a picture of future tranquility and freedom from oppression (cf. [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Everyone Will Sit Under Their Own Vine and Fig Tree")). Finally, it powerfully underscores God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and the consequences of their sin, God remains true to His promises made to their patriarchs, ensuring their ultimate preservation and restoration (cf. [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "Genesis 28:15 - God's Promise to Jacob")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root means to fear, morally to revere, or causatively to frighten. In this context, the command "fear not" (אַל־תִּירָא) is a divine imperative, often preceding a promise of God's presence or intervention. It directly addresses Israel's natural human response to their dire circumstances (exile, national defeat) and calls them to trust in God's power and faithfulness rather than succumb to terror or dread.
* **Save (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning to be open, wide, or free, and by implication, to be safe. Causatively, it means to free or succor, implying deliverance, help, preservation, or rescue. Here, "I will save thee" (וְהוֹשַׁעְתִּיךָ) is a direct declaration of God's active, powerful intervention to bring about Israel's liberation from captivity, emphasizing His role as their deliverer and source of salvation.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _shâqaṭ'_):** A primitive root meaning to repose, usually figuratively. It conveys the idea of appeasement, quietness, or being at ease. When combined with "at ease" (שָׁאֲנָן), it paints a comprehensive picture of settled peace, security, and freedom from disturbance. This "rest" is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound state of well-being and divine protection, promised after their period of suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel:"** This opening clause delivers a direct, tender, and authoritative command from God to His people. The use of both "Jacob" and "Israel" is a common poetic parallelism, referring to the entire nation, emphasizing their covenant relationship with God ("my servant"). The double negative imperative ("fear not," "be not dismayed") forcefully counteracts the natural human response to their impending or ongoing suffering, calling them to trust in God's sovereign plan despite appearances.
* **"for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity;"** This clause provides the divine reason for the command not to fear. "For, behold" introduces a solemn divine promise. God explicitly states His intention to "save" them, not just from immediate danger, but "from afar off"—referring to their distant place of exile, Babylon. The inclusion of "thy seed" (posterity) extends the promise beyond the current generation to future generations, ensuring the continuity of the covenant people and their return from the "land of their captivity," a direct reference to the Babylonian exile.
* **"and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make [him] afraid."** This final clause describes the glorious outcome of God's saving act. "Jacob shall return" signifies the physical repatriation of the exiles to their homeland. The subsequent phrases, "be in rest and at ease," depict a state of profound peace, security, and prosperity, free from the anxieties and oppressions of foreign rule. The culminating promise, "none shall make him afraid," guarantees a future era of complete security and divine protection, where external threats and internal anxieties are banished, signifying a comprehensive restoration of well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:27 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of comfort and hope. **Direct Address** is prominent, as God speaks directly to "my servant Jacob" and "O Israel," creating an intimate and personal tone that underscores His enduring relationship with His people despite their unfaithfulness. **Parallelism** is evident in the paired commands "fear not" and "be not dismayed," as well as the dual address to "Jacob" and "Israel," which serves to reinforce the message and emphasize its comprehensive application to the entire nation. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting this promise of hope and restoration against the backdrop of the preceding prophecies of judgment against other nations, highlighting Israel's unique status as God's covenant people. Finally, the imagery of "rest and at ease" and "none shall make him afraid" functions as **Symbolism** for a future ideal state of peace, security, and divine favor, a prophetic vision of shalom that transcends mere political stability to encompass spiritual and existential well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His sovereign control over history. Even when His people face the consequences of their sin through exile and dispersion, God's ultimate plan for their salvation and restoration remains intact. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not the final word for His chosen people, but rather a disciplinary measure intended to lead to repentance and ultimately, renewal. The promise of "rest and ease" points to the eschatological hope of shalom, a comprehensive peace that God alone can provide, which transcends political stability to encompass spiritual and existential well-being. This passage affirms that God's love for Israel is enduring, and His promises are unbreakable, providing a foundation for hope even in the darkest of times.

* [Jeremiah 30:10](/jeremiah/30-10 "Jeremiah 30:10 - Similar Promise of Return and No Fear")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Assurance of Help and Strength")
* [Micah 4:4](/micah/4-4 "Micah 4:4 - Future Peace and Security")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 46:27 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating their own seasons of fear, uncertainty, or "captivity"—whether literal, emotional, or spiritual. Just as God addressed a dismayed Israel, He speaks to us today, reminding us not to succumb to anxiety or despair, for He is our ultimate Deliverer. This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereign power to save us, even when our circumstances seem "afar off" from any hope of resolution. It assures us that God's plan for our lives includes a future of "rest and ease," a profound peace that comes from His presence and protection, where no earthly threat can ultimately make us afraid. Our application lies in cultivating a deep-seated trust in God's faithfulness, remembering that His promises transcend our immediate struggles and point to a secure future in Him. This hope empowers us to face adversity with courage, knowing that our ultimate security rests in the hands of our faithful God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "captivity" or source of dismay in your life might God be calling you not to fear today?**
* **How does the promise of God's saving power "from afar off" encourage you when solutions seem distant or impossible?**
* **In what ways can you actively pursue "rest and ease" in God, even amidst current anxieties or challenges?**
* **How does this verse deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises, both historically and personally?**

### FAQ
**Why is this message of hope for Israel placed within a chapter of judgment against Egypt?**

Answer: The placement of Jeremiah 46:27 is highly significant. Chapters 46-51 consist of prophecies against foreign nations, with chapter 46 specifically detailing God's judgment on Egypt. By inserting this promise of hope for Israel amidst pronouncements of doom for other nations, God underscores His unique covenant relationship with His people. It serves as a powerful contrast, demonstrating that while God is sovereign over all nations and brings judgment upon them, His ultimate plan for Israel is one of restoration and salvation, not utter destruction. This highlights God's distinct faithfulness to His chosen people, even when they are disciplined.

**Does this promise of "rest and ease" apply only to the physical return from Babylonian exile?**

Answer: While the immediate historical fulfillment of Jeremiah 46:27 points to the physical return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity (as detailed in [Ezra](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild the Temple") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer")), the language used often carries broader, eschatological implications. The "rest and ease" and the assurance that "none shall make him afraid" speak to an ideal state of security and peace that transcends temporary political stability. The prophets often used promises of physical return as a foreshadowing of a more profound, spiritual, and ultimate restoration in the messianic age, pointing towards the complete peace and security found in God's eternal kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:27, with its profound promises of comfort, salvation, and ultimate rest for "my servant Jacob," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the immediate historical context points to Israel's return from Babylonian exile, the deeper spiritual realities foreshadowed here are perfectly realized in the person and work of the Messiah. Jesus himself is the true "servant" of God, the ultimate Israelite, through whom God's promises to His people are perfectly embodied and extended to all who believe. He is the one who truly delivers us "from afar off," not merely from physical captivity, but from the far greater captivity of sin and death, bringing us into His glorious kingdom (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")). The "rest and ease" promised to Jacob finds its perfect expression in Christ, who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for true rest for their souls (cf. [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). In Him, believers find a security where "none shall make him afraid," for Christ has conquered all enemies, including sin, death, and the devil, guaranteeing eternal safety and peace for His flock (cf. [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Eternal Security in Christ")). Thus, Jeremiah 46:27 is not just a historical promise, but a prophetic glimpse into the comprehensive salvation, peace, and security that God provides through His Son, Jesus Christ, for all who are part of His spiritual Israel (cf. [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

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

Isaiah 43:5

Fear not: for I [am] with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Jeremiah 30:10

¶ Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make [him] afraid.

Jeremiah 30:11

For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Isaiah 41:13

For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Jeremiah 50:19

And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead.