Jeremiah 29:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The exiles must seek Babylon's welfare and pray for it, since their own peace depends on the city's peace.
The Context of Jeremiah 29:7
God instructs the exiles to seek peace for Babylon and to pray for the city.
What Does Jeremiah 29:7 Mean?
The exiles are called to work for the shalom (peace, wholeness, flourishing) of Babylon itself. This is radical: they must pray for and contribute to the welfare of the very power that conquered them. Their fates are intertwined with Babylon's fate.
This principle reveals a deep truth about community: individual peace is inseparable from collective peace. The exiles cannot isolate themselves into righteousness or purity; they must invest in the city's welfare and discover that their own flourishing depends on it. This becomes their spiritual practice in exile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 29:7
What does Jeremiah 29:7 mean?
The exiles must seek Babylon's welfare and pray for it, since their own peace depends on the city's peace.
What is the context of Jeremiah 29:7?
God instructs the exiles to seek peace for Babylon and to pray for the city.