I write this post with fear and trembling. This verse is a favorite for a lot of people and I have had it memorized for many years.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
But looking at it in the context of the whole paragraph puts it in a new light.
Jeremiah 29:10-14 NIV This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD , “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD , “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
God is speaking here to Jeremiah regarding Israel. I don’t know if this necessarily means the premise is invalid but I think there is other Scripture that may be more appropriate like Habakkuk 3:17-19, Matthew 6:33-34, Romans 8:28, Romans 15:13 etc. We need to “be prepared to endure everything with patience while joyfully giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light” which may be subject matter for a future post. (Colossians 1:11-12)
During my hesitation to post this I came across this review of The Purpose Driven Life which gives further perspective. I try to stay away from direct criticism of others on this blog because I want to stick to Scripture and because there are a ton of other blogs for that stuff. But I think this quote is beneficial.
‘First we will examine promises Warren says apply to all Christians. One clear example of this is Jeremiah 29:11 which he uses multiple times in the book. On page 31 we read “Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose. God says “I know what I am planning for you…’I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future’.” When read in context we see that this verse is not written to apply to all Christians. It is a promise given specifically to the Israelite exiles. By Warren’s logic Jeremiah 44:27 should also apply to all Christians. It reads, “I am watching over them for harm and not for good, and all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt will meet their end by the word and by famine until they are completely gone.” A pastor once told me “that verse wouldn’t sell as many plaques at the Christian book stores.”’
http://www.discerningreader.com/review/the-purpose-driven-life/
Also see:
What Jeremiah 29:11 Is Not About
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran
A very important reminder, indeed: context is king. As it is so often put, a text without a context is merely a pretext!
What I think is the most important lesson this teaches is that people should stop looking for inspirational “promises of God” (i.e., mantras) in the Scriptures. For such things, they should consult the crass and shallow tripe put out by the likes of Depak Chopra and Joel Osteen. What they should look for in a passage like this, rather, is an application of its content that is true both to the historical context and the message of the book as a whole.
So, for instance, the point of passage like this is not God’s totally awesome and radtastically cool plan for, like, YOU, but rather God’s radical faithfulness to His people (which translates into deliverance) even in spite of their unfaithfulness to Him (which always results in judgment from which they need to be delivered)–a common theme running through the prophetic writings. Of course, this (calling as it does for radical obedience, that is faithfulness, to God) is much more sobering than the vacuous high that a contextless Jer. 29:11 produces, and thus such considerations are not nearly as popular.
The author at the “Discerning Reader” is quite right–Jer. 44:27 would not sell many plaques, or whatever other blasphemous trinketry is found in Christian bookstores these days. I have often thought that I should start my one Christian gifts company, specializing in such products as framed pictures of delightful baskets of kittens with inset Bible verses: perhaps Psalm 137:9 (“Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones”) or Hebrews 10:31 (“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God”).
Anyway, thanks for this, and sorry for the rant.
Thank you for ranting. I liked it better than mine and you articulated many of the same sentiments I have but in a more awesomer way than I could.
Would you say the Jeremiah 29:11 would be applied to those christians that are in the midest of a dark situation where it seems hopeless.
Hi William,
I think there are many more general Scripture passages like those found here. Hab 3:17-19 is nice is someone feels hopeless. Although it’s also specific to Israel it finds support in other Scripture.
Jeff
I agree that much scripture is taken out of context and that it is difficult to understand without that context, but here you have a pretty clear message. The problem, to me, seems to be one of perspective – God’s view of prosperity vs. ours and God’s plan vs. ours. It is similar to Paul’s “all things work together for good…” or any of a number of other “prosperity promises” so prevalent today. We overlook the simple fact that we are also promised suffering – and that it’s a good thing. Just because we don’t like it doesn’t make it bad, it may make it hard… but that’s different than bad.
It is too simplistic to pigeon-hole God as a celestial Santa Claus, expecting the tree to be surrounded by all the shiny, new things we want. That being said, many short change themselves by making God too small and powerless. Scripture is there to help us get to know Him, to teach others about Him, and, through that relationship, to find hope and a future – and, yes, perhaps even a little prosperity.Sorry to go on so long… Peace
Thanks Darren. That was a very good comment. Peace to you.
Jeff
i agree that it’s important not to take the Bible out of context as if it’s a big fortune cookie, but i also believe that there are times that God will use His living Word to encourage you in times of need. i had some really bad news this week and drove home asking Him, “Lord, i only want your will in my life, but i don’t know what you want me to do in this situation. are you really there? do you have a plan for me?” as soon as i got home, the phone rang and it was a friend who told me to read the verse. when i read it, it was a revelation for me. i understood for the first time in 32 years of going through this difficult journey that even when God tells you “no” or “not yet”, He is still working out His perfect will in my life. Through this paragraph in Jeremiah, i got it that the “no” and “not yet” is just as important in a lifelong walk with God as the “yes” and “right now”, and as a result, i feel joyful about the situation that all of my family and friends think is devastating.
again, i agree that we have to take the Bible in context, but we can not discredit those times when God can use Hid word as He sees fit to encourage.
and i like the reference to Habakkuk….as a matter of fact, as i drove home asking God for direction, i began by telling Him that i am so grateful for His sovereignty and i rejoice even though this situation is difficult. my prayer was eerily similar to the Habakkuk passage. and no one can convince me that God did not use the Jeremiah verse to help me understand why He doesn’t always give you the answer you hope for. He is always, however, faithful to fulfill His perfect will and plan in our lives when we seek Him. And i am not one of those nuts who just opens their Bible for today’s “fortune cookie message”. I get it….i totally get it.
I’m wondering if the context in Jeremiah 29:10-14 includes a timeless principle about God’s perspective versus our own. The people of Israel despaired. They could see what was in front of them, and it was short sited and depressing. God’s word spoken into that situation is for them to remember that even though they don’t see the plans He has for them, He knows the plans…and that brings comfort to the God-follower. So though we don’t have a cookie cutter promise that tells us “it’s all good,” we can benefit from realizing God sees the big picture as opposed to our limited picture. And since He’s trustworthy and sovereign, that brings comfort to us today. What do you think?
Hi Finley,
Not that I’m an expert in OT interpretation but I like what you have to say. Since I wrote this post I’ve been softening a bit and being a little more open about it being a general principle but at the same time I still think it’s largely misinterpreted.
I think your second to last sentence sums things up well.
Jeff
“Plans to give you hope and a future”…Promise to every Believer. That is what Jesus died for.
Good point Ingrid.
For some people, future involves suffering which isn’t what people envision when they use Jeremiah 29:11 as a platitude.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
Jeff
Context is critical, but can be equally misleading if the chosen context is too narrow. Anything other than the full panoply of God’s word and our knowledge of other truths about him, his nature and disposition towards us, may potentially lead to too narrow an understanding.
So what do we know?
· We know that God is omniscient. Psalm 139:1-4 for example, or Hebrews 4:13;
· We know that God has plans for us. Ephesians 1:11 makes this very clear;
· We know that all things work for good…. (Roman 8:28)
I think there are two main issues here.
1. Firstly, so many Old Testament verses have double meanings. They have a direct application to the circumstances of the day, but they have a parallel and no less valid meaning when interpreted in a new covenant context (I say new, but the new covenant was always there underlying the old). Just as God promised never to leave or forsake Joshua in Deut 31:6, so this is repeated for the benefit of all his children in Hebrews 13:5. But the key difference is that his promises to us are spiritual in nature, not physical. Hebrews 13:6 goes on to ask “What can man do to me?” Well, in a physical sense the answer must be “some pretty horrific stuff” – from the earliest martyrs onwards. So the promise can’t be about physical safety and well-being and is, I think, clearly about our spiritual condition.
2. God’s promises are so often conditional – two-way covenants. I think the other real problem with “fortune-cookie hunters” as they’ve been dubbed, is that the conditionality gets glossed over. A classic example is Romans 8:28 – “…..of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It’s very easy to blithely say you love him. But test your love against the standard in Deut 6:5 & Matt 22:37 and be brutally honest with yourself and God. That standard is absolute, unconditional, complete and utter. God’s promises are conditional and I think there may often be a pro-tanto blessing depending on the degree to which we satisfy the condition.
In light of these points, Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” is a wonderful reassurance of God’s love for us, his plans for us and the security we can know if we rest in that. But in the broadest context, we take it for granted at our peril. Unless, and only to the extent that, we put God and his will for our lives at the absolute centre of everything we think, say and do, can we look to his promises with complete confidence for our spiritual well-being and safety. Proverbs 3:6 sums this up – “in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Thanks Archie.
Jeff
hey. i totally agree with holly. yes i agree with ‘not to take things out of context’ that can become too airy-fairy but don’t discredit a scripture just because it was in a context 2000 years ago. it is still relevant today. as 2 Tim 3:16 says “all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. All scripture is profitable in instruction (among other things…) so whilst Jeremiah 29:11 can be taken out of context and lose some its meaning. It can still be used and apply to situations occuring today.
Hi livin,
Context here would refer to the context of the Bible text not the cultural context. I would agree that Scripture is certainly relevant today.
Jeff
I just wana know if you believe that God is able to prosper His children? what I meant is not only spiritually but also financially or materially? because sometimes,with many promises of God in the scriptures,that inspires many Christians, there are also many Christians that say, “Oh,God does not really mean that” or “you are out of context”
Does Jesus death and resurrection is only for our spiritual well being? or also for our physical well being? are you a christian who does not believe in healing? or does not believe that God wants a good life for His children? (I am not saying a storm free,but storm proof)
I just wonder, what this verse means to you, by the way, this is one of my favorites: Psalm 103:5 He fills my life with good things so that I stay young and strong like the
eagle.
Certainly God is able to prosper His children.
1 Timothy 6:17
I’m not sure how much Jesus’ death and resurrection has to do specifically with that. God has been doing that from the beginning.
Gen 26.22
Jer 1.8
1 Sam 2.7
Job 22.23
many in Proverbs
Jeff
A scripture taken out of context is a pretext for error. This is something I was taught.
I wish I was taught that from the beginning.
Jeff
Wow, there are some great comments to this blog, I love to hear the personal interpretations of scripture from other men and women of God. Thanks for the post Jeff – I understand the fear and trembling, I have looked hard at both sides of this “battle” and I think that we all benefit from a closer look at where our own hearts are at when commenting on others interpretations, whatever they may be. I know I do
I think the key words in this passage are “…to give you an expected end” (vs 11 – KJV). The context is as written to the Jews of the first captivity, but I think it is safe to say that Israel in the OT is an example of us as believers today.
Just as the children of Israel did – we murmur against God, sit in unbelief as the Lord’s providence is evidenced by our living conditions, food availability, access to the gospel etc. yet we take it all for granted, as they did. There are so many parallels, it is undeniable that we are to read about them and realize that we are also Gods chosen, and the promises then also have an application for us today. And if that isnt enough read Galatians 3:29
As Ingrid stated above the parallel here is our salvation, which has been paid for at the cross.
The conflict comes in on the prosperity part. Not because some Christians take this verse and apply it to themselves as a basis for their future gain – which by the way is supported in scripture – But because some other Christians react to that interpretation as instant blasphemy, very vocally (and unlovingly) stereotyping these people who believe this way as shallow and pleasure seekers.
I disagree with Esteban – I think there is nothing wrong with looking for “inspirational promises of God”, in fact, we should look for them all and speak them all in our prayers to align our prayers with Gods Word! Not as a “mantra” but as an agreement to Gods eternal unchanging Word.
What we cannot do is stand on that truth without standing on the rest of it, because, as someone else already stated Gods ways are above ours and He has more for us than just what we think is good now.
Its a shame that some pick and choose the parts of the Bible they want to believe, but its also a shame that because some pick and choose, the messages of increase and prosperity in God’s word are written off by some others as something from Santa Claus or as any less significant than the truth from the Creator of the universe.
I dont think we should throw out the epistles because we arent members of the church at Rome or Thessalonica or Ephesus. The book of Galatians fully addresses the believers position as a fellow heir to the promises of God to Abraham. The focus is justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but there is no condition that limits it from any promise of increase or prosperity either.
The “see what I can get” mentality is more of a heart issue than anything else, which is Gods business – to deal with us individually. You can stand on Jeremiah 29:11 with or without your heart right before God…I pray that God would search my heart and continue to renew my mind concerning scriptures whose differing interpretations can divide believers instead of build and encourage.
Thanks for the nice comment Javis. I agree with most of what you say.
I’m with Esteban on this one, possibly because I know him and other things he’s said about that matter. Go into almost any general Christian bookstore in the U.S. and you’ll find all sorts trinkets and plaques that have one verse taken out of a passage that’s to make someone feel that life is nice and comfy with butterflies and humming birds all around. I’m exaggerating but that’s the sentiment much of a time and a lot of the time those verses shouldn’t be by themselves.
But I like you’re balanced view and than you for stopping by and taking the time to write. That one was really worth reading.
Jeff
I love this verse and have loved it for years, but I understand that not all Christians are prospered financially (the way many of us would like to interpret the verse). If that were the case, wouldn’t all Christians be rich? What about those who live in third world countries, have little or nothing and suffer daily for the sake of Christ? I know there are Christians who are stronger in their faith than I am, have less than I do, and deserve more. I also believe that it is not God’s plan to prosper us all in the same way. In looking up the word “prosper” in my Bible dictionary, the first meaning I come to is “to help on one’s way or journey”. Although in context (verses 7-8), I think Jeremiah is speaking of prospering the exiles in a physical or material way, by reading “to help on one’s way or journey”, not only does verse apply to every Christian, but it gives us more hope for our futures.
Helen, I really like what you have to say. Not because I’m an expert and can dissect every statement but you really thought out and have come to understand what this passage means and then you use it for encouragement the way it was meant to be (Romans 15:4). That was a nice addition to this post. Thank you.
Jeff