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Jeremiah 31:3

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 31:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Jehovah appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Jehovah appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1At that time, saith Jehovah, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
2Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
3Jehovah appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
4Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
5Again shalt thou plant vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy [the fruit thereof].
6For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the hills of Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto Jehovah our God.
← Jeremiah 31:2Jeremiah 31:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, [saying], etc.] Either to the prophet, bidding him say to the church what follows, so Jarchi: or to Christ, who was from eternity with the Father; lay in his bosom; between whom the council of peace was; with whom the covenant was made; and whom God loved before the foundation of the world; and which is observed by him, for the comfort of his people, (<431724>John 17:24 15:9); so Cocceius; but rather they are the words of Israel, or the church, owning the above instances of God’s grace and goodness; and that he had greatly appeared to them, and for them, in former times; but then this was a great while ago; and besides, now he hid his face from them,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Israel gratefully acknowledges in reply God's past grace; but at the same time tacitly implies by the expression "of old," that God does not appear to her now. "God appeared to me of old, but now I am forsaken!" God replies, Nay, I love thee with the same love now as of old. My love was not a momentary impulse, but from "everlasting" in My counsels, and to "everlasting" in its continuance; hence originated the covenant whereby I gratuitously adopted thee (Mal 1:2; Rom 11:28-29). Margin translates, "from afar," which does not answer so well as "of old," to "in the wilderness" (Jer 31:2), which refers to the olden times of Israel's history. with loving kindness . . . drawn-- (Hos 11:4).…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Of old - From afar (margin). See Jeremiah 30:10. To the Jew God was enthroned in Zion, and thus when His mercy was shown unto the exiles in Assyria it came from a distant region 2Ch 6:20, 2 Chronicles 6:38. With lovingkindness ... - Rather, I have continued lovingkindness unto thee. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“31:3 Long ago, the Lord had revealed himself during the Exodus (see Exod 15:13; 20:6; 34:6-7; Num 14:18-19; Deut 5:10; 7:7, 10, 12-13; 10:15, 18).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“of old: Heb. from afar I have: Deu 7:7-9, Deu 10:15, Deu 33:3, Deu 33:26; Hos 11:1; Mal 1:2; Rom 9:13; Jo1 4:19 an: Psa 103:17; Isa 45:17, Isa 54:8, Isa 54:9; Rom 11:28, Rom 11:29; Th2 2:13-16; Ti2 1:9 with lovingkindness have I drawn: or, have I extended loving-kindness unto, Sol 1:4; Hos 11:4; Joh 6:44, Joh 6:45; Rom 8:30; Eph 1:3-5, Eph 2:4, Eph 2:5; Tit 3:3-6; Jam 1:18; Pe1 1:3 Jeremiah 31:4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification