Old Testament

Jeremiah 29:28

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message from God to the exiles in Babylon.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

After all, he sent a message to us here in Babylon saying: This exile will be long. Build houses and settle in. Plant gardens and eat what they produce.'"

KJVKing James Version

For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah conveys a message from God to the exiles in Babylon. He emphasizes that their time in captivity will be prolonged, urging them to adapt to their new environment. Instead of despairing, they are encouraged to build homes, settle down, and cultivate gardens. This advice reflects a call to embrace their situation and make the best of it, suggesting that they should not only survive but thrive in their current circumstances. The message is one of hope and resilience, indicating that even in difficult times, life should continue, and they should find ways to sustain themselves and their families. This guidance serves as a reminder that God is still present and active in their lives, even in exile, and that they should look forward to the future with a sense of purpose and community.

Key themes

Related topics

exile, resilience, community

How to apply Jeremiah 29:28 to your life

In our own lives, we may face situations that feel like exile or captivity. This verse encourages us to make the best of our circumstances, to build our lives, and to find ways to thrive even when things are tough. Embrace your current situation and seek growth.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 29:28 mean?

Jeremiah 29:28 conveys God's message to the exiles in Babylon, indicating that their captivity will be lengthy. It encourages them to settle down, build homes, and cultivate gardens, promoting resilience and adaptation in their challenging circumstances.

What is the significance of building houses in Jeremiah 29:28?

Building houses in Jeremiah 29:28 symbolizes the need for the exiles to establish stability and a sense of community in a foreign land. It reflects God's encouragement for them to make the best of their situation and find ways to thrive despite their captivity.

What does the phrase 'plant gardens' mean in Jeremiah 29:28?

The phrase 'plant gardens' in Jeremiah 29:28 suggests that the exiles should actively engage in nurturing their environment and providing for themselves. It emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and finding ways to sustain life even in difficult times.

What is the overall message of Jeremiah 29:28?

The overall message of Jeremiah 29:28 is one of hope and resilience. It encourages the exiles to adapt to their circumstances, build their lives, and look forward to the future, reminding them that God is still present in their struggles.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.