Old Testament
Jeremiah 32:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Just as the LORD had said, my cousin Hanameel came to me in the courtyard of the guard and said, 'Please buy my field in Anathoth, in the territory of Benjamin. You have the right of inheritance and the right to redeem it — buy it for yourself.' That's when I knew for certain this was the LORD's word.
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So Hanameel mine uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.
What Jeremiah 32:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jeremiah recounts how his cousin Hanameel approached him while he was imprisoned. Hanameel asked Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth, which was part of their family inheritance. This request was significant because it confirmed God's promise to Jeremiah about the future restoration of Israel. The act of buying the field symbolized hope and faith in God's plan, even during a time of despair. Jeremiah recognized that this encounter was not coincidental but a direct fulfillment of God's word to him. The transaction represented a tangible act of faith, showing that despite the current circumstances, God was still in control and had a future for His people. This moment reinforced Jeremiah's trust in God's promises, highlighting the importance of obedience and faith in God's guidance, even when the situation seems bleak.
How to apply Jeremiah 32:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, even when circumstances seem dire. It reminds us to act in faith, making choices that align with God's will, and to recognize opportunities as confirmations of His guidance in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: Jeremiah Buys a Field (Jeremiah 32:1–15)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Jeremiah 32:8
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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 32:8 mean?
Jeremiah 32:8 describes how Jeremiah's cousin Hanameel asked him to buy a family field while he was imprisoned. This request confirmed God's promise to Jeremiah about Israel's future restoration and symbolized hope and faith in God's plan.
What is the significance of the field in Jeremiah 32:8?
The field in Jeremiah 32:8 represents a family inheritance and a tangible act of faith. Buying the field signified Jeremiah's trust in God's promises, even during a time of despair, and highlighted the importance of obedience to God's guidance.
What does the phrase 'right of inheritance' mean in Jeremiah 32:8?
The 'right of inheritance' in Jeremiah 32:8 refers to the legal right to claim family property. In this context, it emphasizes Jeremiah's responsibility to redeem the land as part of his family's legacy and God's plan for restoration.
How does Jeremiah 32:8 relate to faith?
Jeremiah 32:8 illustrates faith by showing how Jeremiah acted on God's word despite his imprisonment. The act of purchasing the field demonstrated his belief in God's promises and the hope for Israel's future.
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