Jeremiah 42:10 Meaning and Explanation
“If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God offers blessing and restoration if the people stay in Judah.
The Context of Jeremiah 42:10
God promises blessing and restoration if the people remain in the land.
What Does Jeremiah 42:10 Mean?
God's first option is stay in Judah and receive restoration. The verbs 'build' and 'plant' are active, constructive—they suggest God's commitment to rebuild what has been destroyed. 'Not pull you down' and 'not pluck you up' are negations of destruction, emphasizing security and stability. This is an offer of divine favor, not merely survival but renewal.
The final phrase—'for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you'—is striking. God is not saying He acted unjustly; rather, He expresses a change of stance. The judgments have fallen; the punishment is complete. God's 'repentance' here means His turning from judgment to mercy, from destruction to restoration. This is an invitation to partnership in rebuilding.
Jeremiah 42:10 in the Original Language
nāḥam (נָחַם), 'repent' — to turn from one course of action to another; to shift from judgment to compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 42:10
What does Jeremiah 42:10 mean?
God offers blessing and restoration if the people stay in Judah.
What is the context of Jeremiah 42:10?
God promises blessing and restoration if the people remain in the land.