Jeremiah 49 39

Jeremiah 49:39 kjv

But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:39 nkjv

'But it shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring back the captives of Elam,' says the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:39 niv

"Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come," declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:39 esv

"But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam, declares the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:39 nlt

But I will restore the fortunes of Elam
in days to come.
I, the LORD, have spoken!"

Jeremiah 49 verses

Jeremiah 49 39 Meaning

This verse speaks of the judgment upon Elam, a pronouncement of divine wrath and scattering. God declares His intention to break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might. He also signifies the destruction of their attackers, indicating a divine judgment that spares no one connected to Elam's fall. The verse foretells a complete devastation and displacement for the people of Elam.

Jeremiah 49 39 Context

Jeremiah 49 is a series of prophetic judgments against various nations surrounding Israel, including Damascus, Kedar and Hazor, Elam, and Egypt. This particular chapter pronounces doom upon Elam, a powerful nation historically located in southwestern Iran. Elam was known for its military prowess, particularly its archery skills. The pronouncement in verse 39 signifies the complete downfall and dispersion of the Elamite people as a direct consequence of divine judgment. This fits within the broader prophetic theme of God judging the nations for their unrighteousness and actions against His people, often linked to the consequences of their alliances or their own independent might against God's sovereignty. The phrase "in the latter days" suggests a fulfillment that extends beyond immediate historical events, pointing to ultimate divine vindication and judgment.

Jeremiah 49 39 Word Analysis

• But (וְ – ve): A conjunction, here introducing a consequence or a contrast to what might have been expected; despite their strength, a different outcome will occur.
• it shall come to pass (הִנֵּה – hinneh): An interjection often signifying "Behold," "Lo," or "Now." It draws attention to the certainty and immediacy of the prophetic statement.
• in the latter days (בְּאַחֲרִית הַיָּמִים – b’aḥarít ha-yāmím): This phrase denotes a future time, often referring to eschatological events or the ultimate fulfillment of God's plans, though it can also refer to a later period in history.
• I will bring (אֲבִיא – avi): From the root בּוֹא (bo), meaning "to come," "to bring." God is the active agent bringing about the specified events.
• their calamities (אָסוֹן – ason): Disaster, destruction, ruin, mischief. This highlights the severe nature of the judgment.
• from all sides (מִסָּבִיב – misaviv): From every direction, indicating that no escape route will be available.
• and will scatter (וּפֵצִ֣יתִי – ufetziti): From the root פּוּץ (putz), meaning "to scatter," "to disperse." This signifies a widespread and thorough displacement.
• them (אֹתָם – otam): Refers back to the people of Elam.
• toward all winds (כָּל־רוּחַ – kol-ruaḥ): An idiom for complete and utter dispersion in every direction, signifying that no refuge can be found.
• and I will not leave (וְלֹא־אֶשְׁאִיר – v'lo esh'ir): A strong negation emphasizing the totality of the scattering.
• nation (גּוֹי – goy): A people, a nation. The implication is that even national identity will be obliterated through dispersal.
• where they are not scattered (אֶל־אֲשֶׁר לֹֽא־הֵם־פְּזוּרִים – el asher lo hem-pzurim): A doubled negative or emphasis on the comprehensiveness of the scattering; they will be found in no nation without being scattered within it.
• Yea (כִּ֣י – ki): Reinforces the preceding statement, adding emphasis.
• I will bring (בּוֹא – bo): Repeats the idea of bringing about the event.
• their ruin (בִּלְעָם – bil’am): Ruin, destruction, consumption. Similar to "calamities."
• upon them (עֲלֵיהֶם – aleihem): Directs the ruin specifically towards them.
• even my fierce anger (גַּם־חֲרוֹן אַפִּ֣י – gam-ḥaron afi): Emphasizes that the judgment is a direct expression of God's righteous anger and displeasure.
• declares the LORD (נְאֻם־יְהוָה – ne’um-YHWH): A standard prophetic formula, attesting that the words are spoken by God Himself, the LORD of Hosts.

Group Analysis:

• "break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might": This signifies the dismantling of their military power and primary source of strength, rendering them vulnerable.
• "calamities from all sides, and will scatter them toward all winds; and I will not leave nation where they are not scattered": This series of phrases paints a picture of absolute, comprehensive, and irreversible dispersion. It’s not just removal, but a shattering and scattering that eradicates any sense of belonging or cohesion.

Jeremiah 49 39 Bonus Section

The specific judgment on Elam in this chapter is one of a series of oracle pronouncements against various nations, as seen in Jeremiah 46-51. These judgments often serve a dual purpose: to warn surrounding nations of God's power and justice, and to bring comfort to Judah by demonstrating that God will hold their oppressors accountable. Elam, while not always directly antagonistic to Israel in the same way as Babylon or Assyria, was a significant power in the ancient Near East, and its mention signifies the broad scope of God's judgment. The "latter days" phrasing is significant as it places this judgment within the context of God's ultimate plan for history and the establishment of His kingdom, where all injustice and power misused will be finally judged and overthrown.

Jeremiah 49 39 Commentary

The prophecy against Elam in Jeremiah 49:39 underscores God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations. Elam, a powerful archer nation, relied on its military might, symbolized by its bow. God declares He will break this "bow," meaning their ability to wage war and defend themselves will be destroyed. This divine action is not arbitrary; it's a consequence of their involvement in activities displeasing to God, or simply part of His plan for judgment. The extent of the scattering – "toward all winds," "in every nation" – highlights the finality of this judgment, removing their collective identity and influence. It speaks to a scattering so thorough that nowhere will they be a unified people. The inclusion of "fierce anger" clarifies that this devastation stems from God's righteous opposition to sin and transgression. The verse reassures God's people that even powerful earthly forces are subject to divine decree and can be utterly brought down and dispersed according to His will.