Old Testament
Jeremiah 29:2
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(This was after King Jeconiah, the queen, the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters and smiths had departed from Jerusalem;)
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(After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;)
What Jeremiah 29:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Jeremiah 29:2 refers to a specific historical moment when King Jeconiah and other important figures from Judah were taken away from Jerusalem. This event occurred during the Babylonian exile, a time of great distress for the Jewish people. The mention of the queen, eunuchs, princes, carpenters, and smiths highlights the significant loss of leadership and skilled labor in Jerusalem. These individuals were crucial for the functioning and rebuilding of the city. The verse sets the stage for the messages that follow in Jeremiah's letter to the exiles, emphasizing the importance of understanding their situation and God's plans for them. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God, as the exile was a result of the people's unfaithfulness. This context helps readers grasp the depth of the challenges faced by the exiles and the hope that God would eventually restore them.
How to apply Jeremiah 29:2 to your life
Understanding the context of exile can help us appreciate the importance of community and leadership in our lives. When facing challenges, we should seek to remain faithful and trust in God's plans for restoration, even in difficult circumstances. This encourages resilience and hope.
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 29:2 mean?
Jeremiah 29:2 refers to the time when King Jeconiah and other key figures were taken from Jerusalem during the Babylonian exile. This verse highlights the significant loss of leadership and skilled workers, setting the context for Jeremiah's message to the exiles.
What is the significance of Jeconiah in Jeremiah 29:2?
Jeconiah, also known as Jehoiachin, was the king of Judah who was exiled to Babylon. His mention in Jeremiah 29:2 emphasizes the political and social upheaval faced by the Jewish people during their exile.
What does the term 'exile' mean in Jeremiah 29:2?
In Jeremiah 29:2, 'exile' refers to the forced removal of the Jewish people from their homeland to Babylon. This event marked a period of suffering and loss for the community, as they were separated from their city and way of life.
Why are carpenters and smiths mentioned in Jeremiah 29:2?
Carpenters and smiths are mentioned in Jeremiah 29:2 to illustrate the loss of skilled labor in Jerusalem. Their absence would have significant implications for rebuilding and maintaining the city during and after the exile.
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