Jeremiah 31:33
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jeremiah 31:33 · King James Version
Meaning
Jeremiah 31:33 predicts a new covenant that God will establish with the house of Israel. This covenant represents a profound shift in the relationship between God and his people. In this new covenant, God promises to place his law within the hearts of the Israelites, rather than simply expecting them to follow external rules and regulations. By writing his law on their hearts, God ensures that his people will internalize and embrace his commandments, leading to a deeper and more personal relationship with him. This covenant emphasizes the importance of a genuine, heartfelt connection with God, rather than just outward obedience. Through this new covenant, God reaffirms his role as their God and promises to be intimately involved in their lives, guiding and shaping them according to his will. The reciprocity in this covenant is highlighted by the declaration that the Israelites will be God's people, cementing the bond between them for eternity.
Theological Overview
One possible interpretation of this verse is that it represents the new covenant that God will make with the house of Israel. In this new covenant, God promises to write his law on the hearts of his people. This signifies a deep, internal transformation where God's laws are not merely external rules to be followed but are ingrained in the very essence of who his people are. This intimate relationship between God and his people is seen in the phrase "and will be their God, and they shall be my people." This covenant marks a shift from external obedience to a deep, personal relationship with God, where his people are guided by his laws out of love and a desire to follow his will. This verse emphasizes the importance of an inward transformation brought about by God's grace and highlights the close bond that exists between God and his people under the new covenant.
Jeremiah 31:33 in other translations
American Standard Version
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Jehovah: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
World English Bible
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:
Douay-Rheims
But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my law in their bowels, and I will write it in their heart: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But this shall be the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel, After those dayes, saith the Lord, I will put my Lawe in their inward partes, and write it in their hearts, and wil be their God, and they shalbe my people.