This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried(A) into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build(B) houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.(C) Also, seek(D) the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray(E) to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets(F) and diviners among you deceive(G) you. Do not listen to the dreams(H) you encourage them to have.(I) They are prophesying lies(J) to you in my name. I have not sent(K) them,” declares the Lord.

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years(L) are completed for Babylon, I will come to you(M) and fulfill my good promise(N) to bring you back(O) to this place. 11 For I know the plans(P) I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper(Q) you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.(R) 12 Then you will call(S) on me and come and pray(T) to me, and I will listen(U) to you. 13 You will seek(V) me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.(W) 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back(X) from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”(Y)

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 29:14 Or will restore your fortunes

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