Jeremiah 29:11
New Living Translation
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
For God speaks saying I know the plans I have for you “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Plans I have proclaimed that only I know
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 a hope and a future. ‘” — Jeremiah 29:11.Mar 31, 2021
A Hope and a Future
• March 31, 2021 Julie Smith News and Updates
“’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 a hope and a future.’” — Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most often-quoted verses in the Bible. You’ve seen it, haven’t you? God’s promise for prosperity and hope claimed as a life verse and emblazoned anywhere from pillows to mugs to social media captions.
But do you really know what this verse means?

“’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 a hope and a future.’” — Jeremiah 29:11
Here’s a great resource if you want to dive deeper into the context of biblical history and surrounding Scripture — but what it comes down to is this:
Jeremiah 29:11 is not a promise specifically to each of us. It is a powerful statement about our good God. In every corner of the world, God’s children will face trials. And while He will not necessarily deliver us from troubles, He will give the hope and strength to thrive as we live through them.
Despite daunting circumstances, and in the face of great challenges, God is in control. And He calls us into work with Him. Time and again, we’ve seen that God brings that promised hope and strength to people through people. People like you.

That’s why Jeremiah 29:11 is the theme verse of our Building Dreams Together virtual experience.
God’s “plans to prosper” likely don’t match our earthly definitions. His plans are far bigger, and they always further His good. Maybe His plans to prosper you are plans to pull you into His work. Plans that invite you to care for others in the most practical ways. Plans that bless you more deeply and richly than you could have ever imagined.
God is at work. Will you join Him?
What Does Jeremiah 29:11 Mean?
July 06, 2021

This article is part of the What Does It Mean? series.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.—Jeremiah 29:11
Understanding the Context
If you were to take a poll on the most well-known verse in Jeremiah, there is a good chance that Jeremiah 29:11 would rank near the top, if not at the very top. This verse is commonly found on bumper stickers, signs, cards, etc., placed there to encourage people to have hope for the future that God will work things out for them. But is that really what this well-known verse means?
The starting point for determining the meaning of any verse from the Bible is understanding the surrounding context. Jeremiah was a prophet who served during the final days before Judah was taken into exile by the Babylonians, and his ministry continued throughout much of the time that the Jews remained in exile. The book of Jeremiah is a collection of his prophetic oracles that God spoke to and through him throughout his ministry.
Jeremiah 29 records a letter that the prophet wrote to the exiles living in Babylon (Jer. 29:1–3). Some of the exiles had already been living in Babylon for nearly eight years, while others had just recently arrived. Jeremiah instructs them to get busy in establishing their new lives in Babylon by doing ordinary things like build houses, plant gardens, marry, and bear children; indeed, they are even to seek the welfare of Babylon while they are there (Jer. 29:4–7). They should ignore the so-called prophets who are claiming the exile will be brief because God has not spoken to them or sent them (Jer. 29:8–9). Rather than being brief, their exile will last seventy years. And only then will God fulfill his promise and bring them back to the land (Jer. 29:10).
What Is Good?
That brings us to verse Jeremiah 29:11. Look at it again. God promises to fulfill his plans of doing good for his people. What is the nature of that plan and that good? Verses Jer. 29:12–14 tell us. God will answer the prayers of his people. When they seek God they will find him. God will restore them from their exile to the land that he has promised them.
God still speaks to us today through a promise he made to the Jewish people while in exile.
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Therefore, in its original context, Jeremiah 29:11 is God’s promise to Jews living in exile in Babylon. So does that mean it does not apply to us as believers today? Understanding the larger context of the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation helps us see that the answer is yes, it does! As believers, God’s plan for us is to bring us into the new heavens and new earth that he has promised (Rev. 21–22). In the meantime, we live as exiles and sojourners here on this earth (1 Pet. 1:1; 2:11), waiting for the new creation in which righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13). Jesus invites us to ask God in prayer and it will be given to us, to seek him and we will find him (Matt, 7:7). God promises that he will work all things for the eternal good of his people (Rom. 8:28), even the suffering he ordains for us (Rom. 8:18).
Understood within the larger context of the Bible, God still speaks to us today through a promise he made to the Jewish people while in exile. Once we understand the nature of God’s plans for us as believers and the nature of the good he promises to do us, we can confidently apply the heart of this promise to our lives today.
Matthew S. Harmon is the author of Jeremiah: A 12-Week Study.

Matthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana. He was previously on staff with Cru for eight years and is the author of several books. He also co-hosts the Various and Sundry podcast. Matthew and his wife, Kate, live in Warsaw, Indiana, and have two sons.
John 16:33
New Living Translation
33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Jesus says for 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
For I know the paths ahead only I know so take heart
What Does John 16:33 Mean? ►
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
The Lord Jesus was to face the most challenging event in the history of the universe, for He Who had rested in the bosom of the Father and communed with Him throughout eternity, was to experience the most excruciating separation from His God and Father – an agonizing disconnection, which is beyond the comprehension of frail mortal man.
Yet He was able to communicate to His confused and fearful followers, both deep comfort, and the stark reality of what laid ahead. He has explained they would be scattered and scurry to their homes in fear – deserting their Lord and Master, whom they had come to trust as Jesus of Nazareth the Son of the Loving God. He warned them ahead of time so that when this unimaginable event occurred they would know the truth and the truth would set then free from fear and shame.
But this shocking and fearful announcement was counted with the most beautiful words of deep, deep comfort that our Saviour uttered on that eve of our Salvation – words of consolation and succour, words that were to bring reassurance and support; strength, hope and courage to generations who have trusted in Christ as Saviour. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
He has indeed overcome the world system; the power of the flesh and the wiles of the devil. He paid the price of sins committed and also broke the power of cancelled sin – that old sin nature, imputed from Adam to every member of the human race – save One. He broke the power of death and hell and in so doing He poured out the most astonishing cascade of the riches of God’s amazing grace, on all who would believe in His name.
But take heart! I have overcome the world are simple words from our gracious Saviour – but the grace and glory that flows from His words of deep, deep comfort, will resound throughout the eternal ages to come.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/john-16-33-b
What Does John 16:33 Mean? ►
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
So often the comforting statements of the Lord Jesus are designed to link a wonderful promise of God to deep concerns that may surface within the heart and mind of believers, as we journey through life, in an increasingly alien world. This was true for the disciples too. As the shadow of the cross grew closer, Christ’s little company of disciples became fearful of the antagonistic attitude of the religious leaders towards Jesus, which grew stronger as Calvary loomed ever closer.
But in His farewell discourse, Jesus took time to reassure His frightened little flock that His perfect peace would flood their heart and mind, if they would trust the words He had spoken to them and believe the things He had taught them. They had to know that in this fallen world system they would also have tribulation. People would be antagonistic towards them too, just as they were towards the Lord Jesus. “But take courage,” He said, “I have overcome the world.”
The loving Lord of eternity never deserts the feeble cries of His children, who call out to Him day and night. He understands the fears we face and the doubts that flood our minds, when all that is seemingly safe, secure, and stable is flung into disarray and deep disorder. “I have told you these things,” were his reassuring words to His little band of followers, “so that when the hour comes, you will remember what I told you. I didn’t need to tell you at the beginning, because I was with you”
His promise of peace is given to those who hear and believe His Word. His blessed peace rests in the heart of all that abide in His love. The Lord offers us His perfect peace which can be found IN HIM. “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God (GOOD!) Believe also in Me.”
We find His peace as we look to Him. We gain His peace as we trust His Word. We discover His peace as we believe His promises and take them to heart. “these things I have spoken to you so that IN ME, you may have peace.” We are POSITIONALLY in Christ through faith but we must also be PRACTICALLY in Christ, moment by moment. Never will we gain that peace which passes understanding unless we are in Him, in fellowship with Him, in sweet communion with Him, resting in the promises He has taught us in His Word.
It is as we rest in Him and abide in His love that the peace of God, which passes human comprehension, will flood our hearts and quiet our minds. The incarnate WORD of God, gave us a very clear message that He has gained the victory over Satan and this world system. He gave us a peep into the wonderful things that God has prepared for those that love Him.
The Incarnate Word, gave a Spoken Word which is recorded in the Written Word. The comforting words of Jesus were given for a reason, to sustain us in times of doubt, to strengthen us in times of weakness, to support us in times of suffering, to light up this gloomy world in times of darkness and to raise us up when we falter and fall.
Before He was led to Pilate and crucified on a wooden cross, the Lord Jesus was able to make the most astounding claim. “I have overcome the world.” Jesus not only overcame sin by living a sinless life, He overcame sin on behalf of ALL who would trust in His sacrificial offering on the cross. Jesus not only overcame death when He rose from the dead, He overcame death on behalf of ALL who have been born from above and are clothed in His righteousness. Because HE overcame, we too are overcomers through faith in Him.
These words were spoken to warn of the many tribulations and trials that inevitably stalk the paths of all God’s blood-bought children, and to encourage each child of God, knowing that Christ has won the victory on our account, so that no matter what may happen, we are safe in the arms of Jesus.
But they were also to proclaim the greatest truth that could fall on the ears of dying, sinful humanity. I have triumphed
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/john-16-33
What does John 16:33 mean?
Christ’s words, recorded here, are among the most cherished in the gospel of John. This statement combines teaching, remembrance, warning, and encouragement. Becoming a Christian does not guarantee an easy life. In fact, Jesus has made it clear that following Him can lead to persecution (John 16:1–4). The joy held by born-again believers comes from knowing that Christ has already obtained ultimate victory, and nothing in this world can undo that (Romans 8:38–39). That Christ made it clear, in advance, that hard times will come (John 15:20–21) should reassure believers: these situations do not take God by surprise.
Several times during the Last Supper, Jesus has pointed out that He is deliberately giving advance warning (John 13:19; 14:25; 16:4). His explicit purpose for this is encouragement; rather than reacting in fear or confusion, Christians should be aware that those experiences are part of God’s greater plan. The book of Hebrews, especially chapter 11, celebrates heroes of the faith who chose to “hold fast” and trust in God. That trust, Scripture shows, was well-placed, even if fulfillment of God’s promises didn’t come until after those believers had passed into eternity.
The “peace” Jesus speaks of is not worldly comfort, or even happiness. This is the confident “rest” (Matthew 11:28–30) believers experience when they set aside anxiety (Matthew 6:25–34), and trust God to work out His will.
As is common in both ancient literature and biblical prophecy, Jesus speaks of something guaranteed by God as if it has already happened. Prior to this Last Supper (John 13:1–5), Christ overcame the temptations of a human life (Hebrews 4:15) and the direct lures of Satan (Matthew 4:1–11). The greater victory, however, will come after His arrest (John 18:1–3) and crucifixion (John 19:18), when He is raised from the dead (John 20:19).
This final statement of confidence leads into one of the holiest portions of the Bible: Christ’s High Priestly Prayer in chapter 17.
Context Summary
John 16:25–33 completes Christ’s combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God’s knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression “take heart” implies courage: knowing Christ’s victory overshadows all those troubles.
Chapter Summary
Throughout His teaching in the Last Supper (John 13:1–5), Jesus has often brought up the fact that He’s giving His followers advance warnings (John 13:19; 14:25). His intent is to provide encouragement—persecution as a result of their faith is inevitable. In keeping with that reassurance, Jesus again promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. He explains that after a time of deep sorrow, His followers will experience great joy and clarity. This concludes with a beloved promise that Christ has “overcome the world.
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