Jeremiah 29 5

Jeremiah 29:5 kjv

Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them;

Jeremiah 29:5 nkjv

Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit.

Jeremiah 29:5 niv

"Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.

Jeremiah 29:5 esv

Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.

Jeremiah 29:5 nlt

"Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.

Jeremiah 29 verses

Jeremiah 29 5 Meaning

This verse speaks about settling down in Babylon and building homes, rather than expecting an immediate return to Jerusalem. It emphasizes seeking the welfare of the city to which they have been exiled, as their own prosperity is linked to it.

Jeremiah 29 5 Context

This verse is part of a letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon during the first deportation (around 605 BC). They were being told by false prophets that their exile would be short-lived and they would soon return to Jerusalem. Jeremiah, however, communicates God's word that their exile would be long, lasting 70 years. Therefore, they were instructed to settle down, establish lives, and seek the peace and prosperity of Babylon, as their own well-being was intertwined with that of their captor nation. This instruction was challenging, as it meant living within an oppressive system and being away from their homeland and the Temple.

Jeremiah 29 5 Word Analysis

• 'and' (וְ): A conjunctive particle, linking clauses and indicating sequence or addition. Here it connects the building of houses with seeking the welfare of the city.
• 'ye' (אַתֶּם): Second person plural pronoun. Emphasizes that this instruction is directed to the entire community of exiles.
• 'build' (בְּנוּ): Imperative, plural form of the verb "to build" (בָּנָה). A command to construct durable homes, indicating a long-term presence.
• 'houses' (בָּתִּים): Plural of "house" (בַּיִת). Refers to dwellings and the establishment of a settled domestic life.
• 'and' (וְ): Again, a conjunction linking the preceding action to the following one.
• 'dwell' (שְׁבוּ): Imperative, plural form of the verb "to dwell" or "to inhabit" (שָׁכַן). Reinforces the command to settle and reside in Babylon.
• 'and' (וְ): Another conjunctive particle.
• 'plant' (טְּעוּ): Imperative, plural form of the verb "to plant" (טָעָה, though the root is often seen as connected to planting; alternatively related to 'planting oneself'). Suggests establishing roots, agriculture, and investing in the land for future yield.
• 'gardens' (גַּנּוֹת): Plural of "garden" (גַּן). Implies cultivating food and perhaps also some form of aesthetic enjoyment of the land.
• 'and' (וְ): Conjunction.
• 'eat' (תֹּאכְלוּ): Future tense, second person plural, verb "to eat" (אָכַל). Refers to consuming the produce of the gardens, signifying provision and sustenance from their labor.
• 'its' (שָׂלְמָהּ): Possessive pronoun, referring back to the city. The construct form of "peace/welfare" (שָׁלוֹם).
• 'fruit' (פְּרִי): Singular noun, "fruit" (פְּרִי). Implies enjoying the results of their labor, the produce of the land.
• 'and' (וְ): Conjunction.
• 'seek' (דְרשׁוּ): Imperative, plural form of the verb "to seek" or "to inquire" (דָּרַשׁ). A command to actively pursue the welfare of Babylon.
• 'seek' (דְרשׁוּ): Repetition for emphasis.
• 'the peace' (שְׁלֹם): From the same root (שָׁלוֹם), meaning peace, welfare, prosperity, wholeness, well-being. This is the object of their seeking.
• 'of' (ל): Preposition indicating possession or relation.
• 'it' (עִיר): "City" (עִיר). The direct object of "seek," referring specifically to Babylon.
• 'for' (כִּי): Causal conjunction, introducing the reason for seeking Babylon's peace.
• 'in' (בְּ): Preposition indicating location or means.
• 'its' (שְׁלֹמָהּ): Possessive pronoun again, linked to "peace/welfare."
• 'peace' (שָׁלְמָהּ): The welfare or peace of the city itself.
• 'shall' (תִּהְיֶה): Future tense, third person feminine singular, verb "to be" (הָיָה). Referring to the "city."
• 'ye' (לָכֶם): Second person plural pronoun, "to you." Indicates the beneficiary.

Word Group Analysis

• 'Build ye houses, and dwell in them; plant ye gardens, and eat the fruit of them': This entire phrase presents a call to establish normalcy and continuity. It's a radical instruction against despair and a directive to engage constructively with their temporary circumstances. It moves from physical dwelling to securing sustenance, symbolizing a commitment to life and future amidst exile.
• 'Seek ye the peace of it': This is the core ethical and spiritual directive. "Peace" (shalom) here isn't merely absence of conflict but comprehensive well-being – social, economic, and spiritual. The exiles are to actively contribute to the welfare of their host city.
• 'for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace': This establishes a causal and interdependent relationship. The well-being of the exiles is inextricably linked to the well-being of Babylon. This promotes a posture of integration rather than separation, and responsibility rather than passive suffering.

Jeremiah 29 5 Bonus Section

The 70-year timeframe for the exile is derived from a parallel prophecy in Jeremiah 25:11-12, linking it to God's judgment and eventual restoration of Judah, which began with Nebuchadnezzar's victory. The command to "seek the peace" (shalom) of the city is significant because "shalom" is a multifaceted word encompassing peace, prosperity, health, and completeness. This meant praying for Babylon, engaging in its economy, and generally contributing to its flourishing. This was in stark contrast to some nationalistic tendencies that might have fostered hostility or passive resistance. The diaspora, starting with this Babylonian exile, became a context for Jewish witness and interaction with other cultures, demonstrating how God's people can live faithfully and even prosper outside their covenant homeland.

Jeremiah 29 5 Commentary

This is a challenging prophetic directive. The exiles, displaced and grieving, were being told to plant roots in enemy territory. The expectation of a quick return (fed by false prophets) was dashed. Jeremiah's message, a radical application of covenant faithfulness in a foreign land, urged practical integration. They were to become functional members of Babylonian society, contributing to its welfare. This not only reflected God's sovereignty over all nations but also a deeper understanding of 'shalom'—true peace is not isolated but found in contributing to the holistic well-being of the community, even an ungodly one. The promise is that their own flourishing is bound to the flourishing of the place where God has placed them. This anticipates the New Testament teaching on submitting to governing authorities and praying for them (Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tim 2:1-2), seeing God's hand even in difficult national circumstances.

Practical Usage Examples:

• Christians working in difficult or ethically compromised work environments are called to be excellent stewards and contributors, seeking the good of their workplace even while maintaining biblical integrity.
• Believers living as minorities in different cultural contexts are encouraged to engage positively with their communities and seek the welfare of their neighbors.
• When facing systemic injustice, instead of only agitating for immediate change without considering the stability and good of the existing structures (unless those structures are irredeemably evil and must be resisted), there's a call to work for broader societal well-being that ultimately benefits all.