Old Testament
Jeremiah 29:1
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This is the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles, and to the priests, prophets, and all the people that Nebuchadnezzar had taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon.
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Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;
What Jeremiah 29:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we learn that Jeremiah, a prophet of God, wrote a letter to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. These exiles were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar and included elders, priests, and prophets from Jerusalem. The letter serves as a communication from Jeremiah to those who were displaced, providing guidance and encouragement during a difficult time. It highlights the importance of maintaining faith and community even in exile. Jeremiah's message is significant because it addresses the concerns of the people who felt lost and abandoned in a foreign land. The letter is part of a larger context where God reassures His people of His plans for their future, emphasizing hope and restoration despite their current circumstances. This sets the stage for the themes of perseverance and divine promise that will unfold in the following chapters.
How to apply Jeremiah 29:1 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of staying connected with our community during tough times. Just as Jeremiah reached out to the exiles, we should support one another through communication and encouragement, fostering hope and resilience in challenging situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: A Letter to the Exiles (Jeremiah 29:1–14)
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Jeremiah

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 29:1 mean?
Jeremiah 29:1 describes a letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, addressing the elders, priests, and prophets who were taken captive. The letter serves to provide guidance and encouragement during their time of displacement.
Who were the recipients of the letter in Jeremiah 29:1?
The recipients of the letter in Jeremiah 29:1 included the surviving elders, priests, prophets, and all the people who were taken captive from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 29:1?
Jeremiah 29:1 highlights themes of exile, prophecy, communication, hope, restoration, community, and faith, as it addresses the struggles of the Jewish people in captivity.
How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 29:1 today?
We can apply the message of Jeremiah 29:1 by staying connected with our community during difficult times, offering support and encouragement to one another, and fostering resilience and hope.
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