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Jeremiah 29:11 — "For I Know the Plans I Have for You"

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

JEREMIAH 29:11
KJV

What Does Jeremiah 29:11 Mean?

This verse comes from a letter the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. After the destruction of Jerusalem, God's people were displaced and hopeless. Through Jeremiah, God reassures them that their exile is not the end — He has a plan to prosper them, not to harm them, and to give them a future filled with hope. The "plans" refer to God's sovereign design for the nation of Israel, promising restoration after 70 years of captivity.

Application: While originally addressed to Israel in exile, this verse speaks to anyone going through hardship. It assures us that God is sovereign over our circumstances and that difficult seasons are not permanent — He is always working toward our good.

Jeremiah 29:11 in Context

Jeremiah 29:9 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 29:10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Showing context from the King James Version (KJV)

Jeremiah 29:11 in 4 Translations

KJV

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

— Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)
BSB

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.”

— Jeremiah 29:11 (BSB)
WEB

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says the LORD, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.”

— Jeremiah 29:11 (WEB)
ASV

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.”

— Jeremiah 29:11 (ASV)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jeremiah 29:11 written to?

It was written by the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. It was part of a letter encouraging them to settle in, seek the welfare of the city, and trust God's plan for restoration.

Does Jeremiah 29:11 apply to us today?

While the original context is specific to Israel's exile, the principle it reveals — that God is sovereign, purposeful, and good — applies to all believers. It reminds us that God works through difficult seasons for our ultimate good.

What are the "plans" God refers to?

In the original context, the plans refer to the restoration of Israel from Babylonian exile after 70 years. More broadly, it points to God's sovereign design for His people — plans rooted in welfare, hope, and a future, not harm.

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