September 13, 2019
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most popular verses out of the entire Bible. You have probably seen it stamped everywhere from shirts to mugs, notebooks, and keychains- you name it. But it’s also one of the most misinterpreted verses.
In order to understand a verse properly, we need to study it from within the right context. We need to consider the circumstances surrounding it and the reason(s) why it was written. Furthermore, we must read the verses before and after to get a better understanding.
This is what we will do with Jeremiah 29:11. Let’s dive in!
How Jeremiah 29:11 is Commonly (Mis)used
Jeremiah 29:11 is often used as encouragement for school graduates, for those transversing hard times, and for those who fear the unknown. It is applied in numerous other circumstances and in different ways but typically it is utilized as a word of encouragement.
This verse is applied to imply that God will make you succeed, protect you from evil, and turn all the bad in your life into good. I agree with this interpretation to a certain extent. At first glance, this is what it seems to be saying. However, when read and studied in its proper context we get a different picture.
Before I get into the correct interpretation of this verse I need to address a point that makes a big difference.
Different Bible Versions
The version you’re using may phrase Jeremiah 29:11 differently than the original transcript and thus may cause your understanding to differ from what the text is actually saying.
I personally only use the KJV because I believe it to be the most accurate translation of the Scriptures. No, I’m not attacking other translations nor am I trying to offend those who prefer another version. But this is the prime reason why I use the KJV only.
Read how the most popular versions phrase Jeremiah 29:11 and notice the differences.
KJV: “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end.“
NIV: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
ESV: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
NASB: “For I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
NLT: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
CSB: “For I know the plans I have for you- this is the Lord’s declaration-plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
I was shocked when I read some of these.
The NIV uses the word “prosper” where the KJV mentions “peace.” I have a problem with this and you should too because prosper and peace are not even close in meaning. No wonder many who read this verse automatically think that God is saying that He will give them success and prosperity.
The ESV, NASB, and CSB say “welfare” and “well-being” respectively. While the NLT says “for good.” All these words have similar meanings and can be interpreted to say that God is working it out for your good.
What does the original text say?
What we think it says or whichever translation we prefer means nothing if we don’t have the original Hebrew text.
The original text in Hebrew says “peace”, not prosperity or welfare. Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace, which I’m pretty sure most of you already knew. It comes from the root word “shalam” which means, “to be in a covenant of peace, be at peace.” In essence, shalom makes reference to a state of completion, to be completed in peace.
There is a world of difference between having peace and having prosperity or well-being. Peace comes through different situations- some we couldn’t deem as good. We can have peace in the worst of times. Peace doesn’t mean your situation will change or that God will take away suffering.
We need to remove the preconceived notion that peace always means lack of turmoil or poverty.
I’ve met very poor families who had more peace in their lives than millionaires. And if history serves us right, there have been individuals who have had peace in times of war.
Correct Interpretation of Jeremiah 29:11
In order to understand and use Jeremiah 29:11 correctly, we have to study the verses before and after. But I recommend you read chapter 29 entirely to get a better grasp.
I will briefly summarize it here for sake of space and time but you should definitely read the whole chapter on your own.
The Babylonians had just sacked Israel and were taking the Jews captive. This was the Lord’s judgment toward Israel for her sins and godlessness. The people refused to turn back to God (much like us today), He was long-suffering- waited for years. But they continued in their disobedience so YAH punished them by allowing Babylon to take them away as captives.
Yet, YAH who is so good even when we don’t deserve it, gave them a promise and instructions. Israel was to remain in captivity for 70 years but after the time was up, the people would be allowed to return to Jerusalem. This is where we get to verse 11- YAH promised them a time of peace, security from evil, and a new beginning.
If we continue reading, we see that YAH instructs them to seek Him through prayer. He promised that all those who sought Him whole-heartedly would find Him and would listen to their prayers.
First, this chapter is for a specific people at a specific time.
God was addressing Israel at the start of their 70- year captivity. Secondly, they had to wait 70 years for this promise! Some didn’t even get to see it! How many of us are willing to wait that long? Most of us can’t even wait 1 week! We want God to answer our prayers immediately.
Third, they had to endure captivity first. Have you ever been taken captive? Probably not, it’s not a pleasant experience I’m sure. Fourth, in captivity, they had to obey God and not worship idols. Which was a test in itself, just ask Daniel and his friends (they lived during this captivity).
Fifth, God asked them to diligently seek Him in prayer. How many of us spend hours daily on our faces seeking the presence of God?
Unless all these points apply to you and you stay pure and faithful unto God, Jeremiah 29:11 does not apply to you. And it’s not easy believism either but a promise with obedience.
Jeremiah 29:11 is not saying that God will prosper you or give you success or take away all your hardships.
Jeremiah 29:11 is actually an encouragement through times of trouble. God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises is a great encouragement for those who are going through a dark valley. Does it mean that God will rescue you from that dark valley? Many times yes, other times no. But He is asking us to seek Him through it and He WILL listen and give you peace.
You will never be alone. That is His promise.
Read my other posts in the commonly misquoted verses series:
What is Phillipian 4:13 Really Saying?
Examining the Meaning of Romans 8:28
