Jeremiah 29:16
Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;
Jeremiah 29:16 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "Know that thus saith the LORD of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;" speaks of a message from the Lord to those in captivity, emphasizing that they are not forgotten. The reference to the king sitting upon the throne of David signifies authority and leadership, while mentioning all the people in the city conveys a sense of unity and community. The inclusion of those who did not go into captivity with the rest demonstrates the Lord's concern for all his people, whether they are near or far.
Overall, this verse conveys a message of reassurance and care from the Lord, reminding those in captivity that they are still under his watchful eye and that they have not been abandoned. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and community, acknowledging the bonds that tie people together even in times of hardship. Through this verse, the Lord is conveying a message of hope and comfort to his people, encouraging them to stay steadfast in their faith and trust in his divine plan.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message from the LORD to the king of Judah and the people of Jerusalem. The theological interpretation of this verse centers around the concept of divine authority and obedience to God's will. By addressing the king who sits on the throne of David, the LORD emphasizes the continuity of His covenant with the Davidic line and the responsibility of the ruler to govern according to God's principles. The mention of the people living in the city, as well as those who have not gone into captivity, underscores the idea that all inhabitants of Jerusalem are under the divine scrutiny and judgment of the LORD. The word "brethren" highlights the interconnectedness of the people and their shared fate. Through this message, the prophet reminds the audience of the importance of staying faithful to God's commandments and the consequences of disobedience. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the LORD's sovereignty and the need for obedience to His divine will.
Jeremiah 29:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
thus saith Jehovah concerning the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and concerning all the people that dwell in this city, your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;
World English Bible
thus says Yahweh concerning the king who sits on the throne of David, and concerning all the people who dwell in this city, your brothers who haven’t gone with you into captivity;
Douay-Rheims
For thus saith the Lord to the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and to all the people that dwell in this city, to your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore thus saith the Lord of the King, that sitteth vpon the throne of Dauid, and of all the people, that dwell in this citie, your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captiuitie: