Jeremiah 31:34 - They will no longer each teach his neighbor, and every man teach his brother, saying, ‘Know Yahweh;’ for they will all know me, from their least to their greatest,” says Yahweh: “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 31:34

What does "Jeremiah 31:34" mean?


This verse, Jeremiah 31:34, is a key part of Jeremiah's prophecy about the New Covenant. It paints a picture of a dramatically different relationship between God and his people, characterized by:

Direct and Universal Knowledge of God: "They will no longer each teach his neighbor, and every man teach his brother, saying, ‘Know Yahweh;’ for they will all know me, from their least to their greatest." This doesn't mean formal religious instruction will cease entirely. Instead, it suggests a shift where everyone, regardless of social status or background, will have a personal and experiential knowledge of God. This knowledge won't solely rely on learning from others; it will be something ingrained and accessible to all.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: "for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." This is the foundation upon which the universal knowledge of God rests. God's complete forgiveness removes the barrier of sin that previously separated people from him. With sin dealt with, people can experience God's presence and know Him intimately.

In summary, the verse signifies:

A New Covenant: This verse is central to the promise of the New Covenant, which contrasts with the Old Covenant that was broken by the people of Israel. The New Covenant is characterized by inward transformation and a direct relationship with God.
Inward Transformation: The verse suggests that knowledge of God will no longer be primarily external (through laws, rituals, and teachers) but will be internal, a matter of the heart. People will "know" God in the sense of experiencing His presence and will.
Universal Accessibility: The knowledge of God is not limited to a select few; it's available to everyone, "from the least to the greatest."
Radical Forgiveness: The forgiveness of sins is the basis for this new relationship. God's promise to "remember their sin no more" underscores the completeness of the forgiveness offered.

Connection to the New Testament:

Christians see this prophecy as being fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. Jesus' sacrifice provides the forgiveness of sins that makes the direct and personal knowledge of God possible through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells believers, giving them a deeper understanding of God and enabling them to live in obedience to Him.

In essence, Jeremiah 31:34 is a powerful vision of a transformed relationship between God and humanity, where forgiveness leads to direct knowledge and intimacy with God for all.