Jeremiah 46:28

KJV

Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fear {H3372} thou not, O Jacob {H3290} my servant {H5650}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}: for I am with thee; for I will make {H6213} a full end {H3617} of all the nations {H1471} whither I have driven {H5080} thee: but I will not make {H6213} a full end {H3617} of thee, but correct {H3256} thee in measure {H4941}; yet will I not leave thee wholly {H5352} unpunished {H5352}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be afraid, Ya'akov my servant," says ADONAI, "for I am with you. I will finish off all the nations where I have scattered you. However, you I will not finish off, I will discipline you as you deserve, but not completely destroy you."

Berean Standard Bible

And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

American Standard Version

Fear not thou, O Jacob my servant, saith Jehovah; for I am with thee: for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee; but I will not make a full end of thee, but I will correct thee in measure, and will in no wise leave thee unpunished.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 46:28 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign distinction between His covenant people, Israel, and the surrounding nations. Amidst prophecies of widespread judgment and destruction upon Gentile empires, the Lord assures "Jacob my servant" of His enduring presence, promising that while He will bring a complete end to the nations that served as instruments of discipline, He will not utterly destroy Israel. Instead, He pledges to correct them with measured justice, ensuring their preservation even as they experience necessary chastisement for their unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 46:28 is strategically placed at the conclusion of a significant oracle against Egypt, which is the first in a series of prophecies against foreign nations (Jeremiah 46-51). This section contrasts sharply with the preceding chapters that focus on Judah's impending judgment and exile. The placement of this verse, following the detailed account of Egypt's defeat at Carchemish by Babylon, serves to highlight God's universal sovereignty. It transitions from the specific judgment on a foreign power to a comforting, yet sobering, word for God's own people. The repeated phrase "Fear thou not" echoes throughout Jeremiah and other prophetic books, often signaling a divine promise of presence and protection amidst overwhelming circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 46 is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a tumultuous period dominated by the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar. Judah, having aligned itself with Egypt, faced the consequences of this political maneuvering, ultimately leading to the Babylonian invasions and the exile of its people. Jeremiah's prophecies were delivered during this time of national crisis, when the people of Judah were either experiencing or anticipating severe hardship, including displacement and the destruction of Jerusalem. Culturally, "Jacob my servant" refers to the nation of Israel, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinct from the pagan nations around them who worshipped false gods and lacked such a divine covenant. This distinction is crucial for understanding why God's treatment of Israel differs from His treatment of other nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent in Jeremiah and throughout the Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the rise and fall of nations, using even powerful empires like Babylon as His instruments ([Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar, God's Servant")). Secondly, it highlights **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's promise not to make a "full end" of Jacob is rooted in His unbreakable covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the preservation of His chosen people despite their unfaithfulness ([Leviticus 26:44-45](/leviticus/26-44 "Leviticus 26:44-45 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")). Thirdly, the theme of **Redemptive Discipline** is prominent; God's correction is not arbitrary destruction but a measured, purposeful act intended to refine and restore His people, leading them to repentance and spiritual renewal ([Deuteronomy 8:5](/deuteronomy/8-5 "Deuteronomy 8:5 - God's Discipline Like a Father")). Finally, the assurance "I am with thee" reiterates the theme of **Divine Presence and Comfort**, a recurring motif offering solace in times of fear and uncertainty ([Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies to be afraid, to dread, or to revere. In the context of "Fear thou not," it functions as a divine imperative, a command to overcome terror and anxiety. It implies that despite the overwhelming circumstances (exile, judgment on nations), God's presence and promise should instill confidence and reverence, displacing fear. The command is not a dismissal of danger but an assurance that God's presence negates the ultimate power of that danger over His people.
* **Full end (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to complete" or "to consume," this term denotes utter destruction, complete consumption, or a final riddance. The deliberate contrast in the verse—God making a "full end" of the nations but *not* of Jacob—is crucial. It emphasizes the definitive and irreversible nature of the judgment on the nations that opposed God, while simultaneously highlighting the unique, enduring, and preserved status of Israel due to God's covenant.
* **Correct (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** This primitive root means to chastise, literally with blows or figuratively with words, and by extension, to instruct or reform. It speaks to a disciplinary action that is not merely punitive but remedial and pedagogical. God's correction of Jacob is a fatherly act, designed to teach, refine, and bring about spiritual restoration, rather than annihilation. This measured discipline ("in measure") underscores God's justice and His ultimate redemptive purpose for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee;"**: This opening clause is a direct divine address, a tender and authoritative command to Israel ("Jacob my servant") to cast off fear. The title "my servant" highlights Israel's unique relationship with God, chosen for a purpose. The assurance "for I am with thee" is the foundational reason for the command not to fear, promising God's active and sustaining presence amidst their trials and exile.
* **"for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee:"**: Here, God declares His absolute sovereignty over global history. The nations, including Babylon who exiled Israel, are merely instruments in His hand ("whither I have driven thee"). He promises their complete and utter destruction, signifying that their power and existence are temporary and subject to His ultimate judgment. This provides a stark contrast to Israel's fate.
* **"but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure;"**: This is the pivotal contrast. Despite Israel's sin and the severe discipline they face, God explicitly promises that their existence will not be utterly consumed like the other nations. Instead, their suffering is framed as divine "correction," administered "in measure." This implies a just, purposeful, and limited discipline, designed for their spiritual good and not for their annihilation.
* **"yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished."**: This final clause reiterates God's justice and holiness. While His discipline is measured and redemptive, it is still real and necessary. Israel's sin will not go unaddressed. This ensures that God's character as a righteous judge is upheld, even as His covenant faithfulness guarantees their ultimate preservation. It underlines that grace does not negate justice, but rather works through it for a higher purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 46:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's meaning. God explicitly contrasts the "full end" of the nations with His refusal to make a "full end" of Jacob, highlighting Israel's unique status and God's covenant faithfulness. This contrast is further emphasized by the **Repetition** of "full end" (Hebrew: *kâlâh*). The phrase "Fear thou not" functions as a **Divine Oracle** or **Assurance**, a common prophetic trope that immediately signals a message of comfort and divine presence. The address "O Jacob my servant" is a form of **Appellation**, reminding the audience of Israel's identity and their special relationship with God. The concept of God "driving" the nations and correcting Israel "in measure" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (driving, correcting) to God to convey His active involvement and sovereign control over historical events and individual lives. Finally, there is an underlying **Paradox** in the verse: God's love for His people necessitates their discipline, yet this discipline is simultaneously a guarantee of their preservation, not their destruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 46:28 powerfully articulates the intricate balance of God's justice and mercy, particularly within His covenant relationship with Israel. It underscores the theological truth that while God is sovereign over all nations and will bring judgment upon those who defy Him, His dealings with His chosen people are governed by an enduring covenant love that ensures their ultimate preservation and refinement, not their annihilation. This distinction reveals God's faithfulness to His promises, even when His people are unfaithful. The "correction in measure" signifies that divine discipline is always purposeful, rooted in love, and aimed at restoration, reflecting God's character as a just and loving Father. This verse serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of God's discipline as a sign of His love and commitment to His people's sanctification.

* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's Presence in Times of Trouble")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - The Purpose of the Lord's Discipline")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by fear, uncertainty, and the rise and fall of powers, Jeremiah 46:28 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers today. Just as God assured Jacob (Israel) of His presence and ultimate preservation amidst the destruction of formidable nations, so too does He promise His children today a steadfast presence and a secure future in Him. This verse calls us to trust in God's absolute sovereignty, recognizing that even when circumstances are overwhelming or when we experience hardship, He is actively at work, orchestrating events for His purposes. It challenges us to embrace divine discipline not as punishment for abandonment, but as a loving, measured correction from a Father who desires our growth and holiness. When we face personal trials, national crises, or global anxieties, we are invited to "Fear thou not," resting in the assurance that God is with us, His discipline is redemptive, and His ultimate plan for His people will never fail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific fears or anxieties in your life can you surrender to God, trusting in His promise, "I am with thee"?**
* **How does understanding God's "correction in measure" change your perspective on personal difficulties or periods of discipline?**
* **In what ways does God's sovereignty over nations, as declared in this verse, bring you comfort or challenge your worldview?**
* **How can you better recognize and respond to God's loving discipline in your own life, seeing it as a sign of His care rather than His condemnation?**

### FAQ
**Why does God discipline His people if He loves them?**

Answer: God disciplines His people precisely because He loves them, much like a good parent disciplines a beloved child. Jeremiah 46:28 states, "but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished." This "correction" (Hebrew: *yâçar*) is not arbitrary punishment but a purposeful act of training, instruction, and refinement. It's intended to lead His people away from sin, back to righteousness, and into deeper communion with Him. The Bible consistently teaches that divine discipline is a mark of sonship and a pathway to holiness, as seen in [Proverbs 3:11-12](/proverbs/3-11 "Proverbs 3:11-12 - Discipline of the Lord") and [Hebrews 12:6-11](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6-11 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"). It demonstrates God's commitment to our spiritual well-being and His desire for us to share in His holiness.

**How is Israel's fate different from that of the other nations mentioned in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The key distinction lies in God's covenant relationship with Israel. While God declares He will "make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee," He explicitly states, "but I will not make a full end of thee." This means that the destruction of other nations, like Egypt and Babylon, would be complete and irreversible, leading to their disappearance as distinct entities or their permanent subjugation. However, for Israel, despite facing severe judgment and exile due to their disobedience, God promises preservation. Their discipline is corrective, not annihilative. This unique treatment is rooted in God's irrevocable covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, ensuring their continued existence as a people and their ultimate restoration. [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - You Only Have I Known") highlights this unique relationship: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 46:28 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's perfect servant and the means of our preservation. The assurance "Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I [am] with thee" resonates deeply with the New Covenant. Jesus, the true "servant" of the Lord, perfectly fulfilled the role Israel failed to maintain ([Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, He secured the ultimate "full end" of the powers of sin and death that held humanity captive, triumphing over all the "nations" of darkness and evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). For those who are "in Christ," the promise "I will not make a full end of thee" becomes a glorious reality. While we, like ancient Israel, experience God's loving "correction in measure" for our sanctification ([Hebrews 12:7-11](/hebrews/12-7 "Hebrews 12:7-11 - God Disciplines Us For Our Good")), the ultimate "punishment" for our sins was borne by Christ on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin For Us")). Therefore, for believers, there is now "no condemnation" ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")), and we are assured of eternal preservation and God's constant presence through the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the very essence of "I am with thee" until the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' Promise of Presence")).

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

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

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.

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Jeremiah 10:24

O LORD, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.

Jeremiah 4:27

For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

Psalms 46:7

The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah.