Scripture in Context: Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (NIV).

This week's Scripture in Context focuses on another popular verse. I have used the NIV purposely because it seems to be the most popular translation I have heard quoted.

The Common Interpretation 

The majority of interpretations I have encountered understand this verse to be a promise from God to bring forth His plan and purpose for the individual's life. In other words, "God has a wonderful plan for your life because this verse says so. Just hang in there!"

The context of this verse is far different than God's plan for a person's life. It actually begins in verse 4 and continues past verse 11. Therefore, we need to consider then entire context rather than just a single verse.

The Context

This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Yes, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the LORD. This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

The context is actually God's promise to those who were carried off into the Babylonian exile. The promise for the hope and the future that is spoken of is not a promise of fulfilling God's plan for their lives, but rather for God's promise to His people to bring them back to Israel after the seventy year chastisement for their sins was completed.

The Application

The application is for God's people under His chastisement. God's chastisement would not last forever and He would still be faithful to them despite the seemingly difficult circumstances. When God chastises it if for the good of His people, not to bring them harm. When they call upon the Lord in repentance He shows Himself faithful and restores them to a right relationship.