Old Testament
Jeremiah 29:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Marry and have sons and daughters. Find wives for your sons and husbands for your daughters so they can have children too. Increase in number there and not decrease.
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Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.
What Jeremiah 29:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the exiled Israelites in Babylon to settle down and build families. They are encouraged to marry and have children, ensuring that their community grows rather than shrinks. This guidance emphasizes the importance of establishing roots and maintaining a sense of identity even in a foreign land. By finding spouses for their children, they are to create a lasting legacy and contribute to the population's increase. This reflects God's desire for His people to thrive, even in difficult circumstances, and to remain hopeful about their future. The call to increase in number signifies that they should not lose hope or diminish in spirit, but rather embrace their situation and work towards a better future. This verse serves as a reminder that life continues, and even in exile, there is a purpose and a plan for growth and prosperity.
How to apply Jeremiah 29:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to invest in our families and communities, even during challenging times. By nurturing relationships and fostering growth, we can create a supportive environment that thrives despite adversity. It reminds us to remain hopeful and proactive in building our future.
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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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 29:6
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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 29:6 mean for families today?
Jeremiah 29:6 emphasizes the importance of building families and communities, even in difficult circumstances. For families today, this verse encourages investing in relationships, nurturing children, and creating a supportive environment. It serves as a reminder that growth and hope can flourish even during challenging times, urging us to focus on the future and the legacy we leave behind.
How can we apply Jeremiah 29:6 in our lives?
To apply Jeremiah 29:6, focus on strengthening family bonds and fostering community connections. This can involve spending quality time with loved ones, encouraging children to build relationships, and actively participating in community activities. By doing so, you contribute to a thriving environment that promotes growth and resilience, reflecting the verse's call to increase in number and spirit.
Why did God instruct the Israelites to marry in exile?
God instructed the Israelites to marry in exile to ensure their survival and cultural identity in a foreign land. By building families, they would maintain their community and hope for the future. This guidance reflects God's desire for His people to thrive despite adversity, reminding them that life continues and they have a purpose even in difficult circumstances.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 29:6?
Jeremiah 29:6 encompasses several key themes, including family, growth, hope, community, exile, and legacy. It highlights the importance of establishing roots and nurturing relationships, even in challenging times. The verse encourages believers to remain hopeful and proactive, emphasizing that there is always a plan for growth and prosperity, regardless of one's circumstances.
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