Jeremiah 15:11
New International Version
The LORD said, “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will make your enemies plead with you in times of disaster and times of distress.

New Living Translation
The LORD replied, “I will take care of you, Jeremiah. Your enemies will ask you to plead on their behalf in times of trouble and distress.

English Standard Version
The LORD said, “Have I not set you free for their good? Have I not pleaded for you before the enemy in the time of trouble and in the time of distress?

Berean Standard Bible
The LORD said: “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress.

King James Bible
The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

New King James Version
The LORD said: “Surely it will be well with your remnant; Surely I will cause the enemy to intercede with you In the time of adversity and in the time of affliction.

New American Standard Bible
The LORD said, “I will certainly set you free for purposes of good; I will certainly make the enemy plead with you In a time of disaster and a time of distress.

NASB 1995
The LORD said, “Surely I will set you free for purposes of good; Surely I will cause the enemy to make supplication to you In a time of disaster and a time of distress.

NASB 1977
The LORD said, “Surely I will set you free for purposes of good; Surely I will cause the enemy to make supplication to you In a time of disaster and a time of distress.

Legacy Standard Bible
Yahweh said, “Surely I will set you free for purposes of good; Surely I will cause the enemy to intercede with you In a time of disaster and a time of distress.

Amplified Bible
The LORD said, “Surely [it will go well for Judah’s obedient remnant for] I will set you free for good purposes; Surely [Jeremiah] I will [intercede for you with the enemy and I will] cause the enemy to plead with you [for help] In a time of disaster and a time of distress.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD said: Haven’t I set you loose for your good? Haven’t I punished you in a time of trouble, in a time of distress with the enemy?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD said: I will certainly set you free and care for you. I will certainly intercede for you in a time of trouble, in your time of distress, with the enemy.

American Standard Version
Jehovah said, Verily I will strengthen thee for good; verily I will cause the enemy to make supplication unto thee in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

Contemporary English Version
Then the LORD replied, "I promise to protect you, and when disaster comes, even your enemies will beg you for help."

English Revised Version
The LORD said, Verily I will strengthen thee for good; verily I will cause the enemy to make supplication unto thee in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD said, "I will certainly rescue you for a good reason. I will certainly make your enemies plead with you in times of disaster and in times of distress.

Good News Translation
LORD, may all their curses come true if I have not served you well, if I have not pleaded with you on behalf of my enemies when they were in trouble and distress. (

International Standard Version
The LORD said, "Have I not set you free for a good purpose? Have I not intervened for you with your enemies in times of trouble and times of distress?

Majority Standard Bible
The LORD said: ?Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress.

NET Bible
The LORD said, "Jerusalem, I will surely send you away for your own good. I will surely bring the enemy upon you in a time of trouble and distress.

New Heart English Bible
The LORD said, "Most certainly I will strengthen you for good; most certainly I will cause the enemy to make petition to you in the time of evil and in the time of distress.

Webster's Bible Translation
The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to treat thee well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

World English Bible
Yahweh said, “Most certainly I will strengthen you for good. Most certainly I will cause the enemy to make supplication to you in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
YHWH said, “Did I not direct you for good? Did I not intercede for you in a time of evil, "" And in a time of adversity, with the enemy?

Young's Literal Translation
Jehovah said, Did I not direct thee for good? Did not I intercede for thee in a time of evil, And in a time of adversity, with the enemy?

Smith's Literal Translation
Jehovah said, If to do well to thy remnant; if not, I caused the enemy in the time of evil and in time of straits to supplicate to thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord saith to me: Assuredly it shall be well with thy remnant, assuredly I shall help thee in the time of affliction, and in the time of tribulation against the enemy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The Lord says: “Certainly, it will be well with your remnant. Certainly, I will run to meet you, in the time of affliction and in the time of tribulation, against the enemy.

New American Bible
Tell me, LORD, have I not served you for their good? Have I not interceded with you in time of misfortune and anguish?

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD said: Surely I have intervened in your life for good, surely I have imposed enemies on you in a time of trouble and in a time of distress.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The LORD said, Verily I shall not leave you at ease, but I will cause an enemy from the north to encounter you in the time of tribulation and in the time of evil;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
LORD JEHOVAH said: “I shall not leave you in goodness, but I shall make an enemy meet with you from the North in time of trouble, in time of evil
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The LORD said: 'Verily I will release thee for good; verily I will cause the enemy to make supplication unto thee in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Be it so, Lord, in their prosperity; surely I stood before thee in the time of their calamities, and in the time of their affliction, for their good against the enemy.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah's Woe
10Woe to me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and conflict in all the land. I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me. 11The LORD said: “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress. 12Can anyone smash iron—iron from the north—or bronze?…

Cross References
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 49:8
This is what the LORD says: “In the time of favor I will answer You, and in the day of salvation I will help You; I will keep You and appoint You to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land, to apportion its desolate inheritances,

Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will always guide you; He will satisfy you in a sun-scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Psalm 37:19
In the time of evil they will not be ashamed, and in the days of famine they will be satisfied.

Psalm 41:1-2
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble. / The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to give him over to the will of his foes.

Psalm 46:1
For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. / The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

Lamentations 3:25-26
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. / It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

2 Kings 25:27-30
On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month of the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Judah’s King Jehoiachin, in the year Evil-merodach became king of Babylon, he released King Jehoiachin of Judah from prison. / And he spoke kindly to Jehoiachin and set his throne above the thrones of the other kings who were with him in Babylon. / So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. ...

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.


Treasury of Scripture

The LORD said, Truly it shall be well with your remnant; truly I will cause the enemy to entreat you well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

Verily it.

Psalm 37:3-11
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed…

Ecclesiastes 8:12
Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

verily I.

Jeremiah 29:11-14
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 39:11,12
Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying, …

Jeremiah 40:2-6
And the captain of the guard took Jeremiah, and said unto him, The LORD thy God hath pronounced this evil upon this place…

cause the enemy to entreat thee.

Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

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Adversity Affliction Behalf Cause Deliver Direct Disaster Distress Enemies Enemy Entreat Entreated Evil Free Good Intercede Kindly Meet Plead Pleaded Purposes Release Remnant Strengthen Supplication Surely Time Times Treat Trouble Verily
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Adversity Affliction Behalf Cause Deliver Direct Disaster Distress Enemies Enemy Entreat Entreated Evil Free Good Intercede Kindly Meet Plead Pleaded Purposes Release Remnant Strengthen Supplication Surely Time Times Treat Trouble Verily
Jeremiah 15
1. The utter rejection and manifold judgments of the people.
10. Jeremiah, complaining of their spite, receives a promise for himself;
12. and a threatening for them.
15. He prays;
19. and receives a gracious promise.














The LORD said:
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Jeremiah, emphasizing the divine authority and certainty of the message. In the context of Jeremiah's ministry, God often spoke directly to him, providing guidance and reassurance amidst the prophet's challenges. This reflects the intimate relationship between God and His prophets, as seen throughout the Old Testament, such as with Moses (Exodus 3:4) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:9).

Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose;
God promises deliverance to Jeremiah, affirming His sovereign plan and purpose. This assurance of deliverance is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God often rescues His people for His purposes, as seen in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 6:6-7). The "good purpose" suggests that God's plans are ultimately for the benefit and fulfillment of His divine will, aligning with Romans 8:28, which speaks of God working all things for good for those who love Him.

surely I will intercede with your enemy
Here, God promises to act on Jeremiah's behalf, intervening with those who oppose him. This reflects the biblical theme of God as an advocate and protector of His people, similar to how He interceded for Israel against their enemies (Exodus 14:14). The concept of intercession also points to the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate intercessor for humanity (Hebrews 7:25).

in your time of trouble,
This phrase acknowledges the reality of Jeremiah's struggles and the opposition he faced. The "time of trouble" is a common biblical motif, representing periods of trial and testing, as seen in the lives of figures like David (Psalm 18:6) and Job (Job 30:26). It underscores the need for divine intervention and reliance on God's strength.

in your time of distress.
The repetition of "time of distress" emphasizes the severity of Jeremiah's situation and the urgency of God's promise. Distress is a condition frequently experienced by God's people, often leading to a deeper dependence on Him. This mirrors the experiences of the Israelites during their captivity and the psalmists' cries for deliverance (Psalm 107:6). It also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ, who provides peace and relief from spiritual distress (John 16:33).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A prophet called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Judah. He often faced opposition and persecution for his prophecies.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks to Jeremiah, assuring him of deliverance and divine intervention.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing impending judgment due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

4. Enemies of Judah
Nations and individuals who opposed Judah and Jeremiah, often used by God as instruments of judgment.

5. Time of Trouble/Distress
Periods of hardship and adversity faced by Jeremiah and the people of Judah, often as a result of their rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereign Purpose
God assures Jeremiah of deliverance for a "good purpose," highlighting His sovereign plan even amidst adversity. Believers can trust that God has a purpose for their trials.

Divine Intervention
The promise of God interceding with enemies emphasizes His active role in the lives of His people. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God is their advocate.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Jeremiah's experience teaches the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, even when facing opposition. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith.

Hope in Distress
The assurance of deliverance in times of distress offers hope. Christians can rely on God's promises and find peace in His faithfulness.

Prayer and Trust
The passage encourages believers to pray and trust in God's deliverance, knowing that He hears and responds to their cries for help.(11) Verily it shall be well with thy remnant.--The passage is obscure, and the reading uncertain; (1) Thy freedom shall be for good, or (2) I afflict thee for thy good, or (3) I strengthen thee for thy good, have been proposed as better renderings. The second seems to give the meaning most in harmony with the context. Jehovah comforts the despairing prophet by the promise that in due time there shall be a deliverance from the discords of his life, and that "all things shall work together for his good."

I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well.--The final adverb, which is not found in the Hebrew, obscures the sense, suggesting the English phrase of "treating well." Better, I will cause the enemy to be a suppliant to thee in time of evil. Partial fulfilments of the promise are found in Jeremiah 21:1; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 42:2.

Verse 11. - The Lord said. The prophets are usually so tenacious of the same formulae that even their slight deviations are noteworthy. "The Lord said," for "Thus saith the Lord," occurs only here and in Jeremiah 46:25 (where, however, the phrase has possibly been detached by mistake from the preceding verse). It shall be well with thy remnant; rather, I have loosed thee for (thy) good, or, thy loosing (shall be) for (thy good), according as we adopt the reading of the Hebrew text or that of the margin, which differs in form as slightly as it is possible to do. If we accept the historical setting proposed by Gratz for this paragraph, the reference will be to the "loosing" of Jeremiah from his chains mentioned in Jeremiah 40:4. The rendering given here is, however, only a probable one; it is in conformity with the Aramaic usage of the verb (the Targum uses it in this sense in Jeremiah 40:4), and is supported by its suitability to the context and, philologically, by the fact of the growing influence of Aramaic upon Hebrew. Gesenius, in his anxiety to keep close to the native use of the root, produces a rendering (of the Hebrew marginal reading) which does not suit the context, viz. "I afflict thee for (thy) good." Jeremiah does not complain of being afflicted by God, but that all the world is against him; Ewald, comparing a different Aramaic verb to that appealed to above, renders, "I strengthen thee," etc., which is adopted by Keil, but does not accord with the second half of the verse so well as the rendering adopted. The Authorized Version follows the Targum, the Vulgate, Aquila, Symmachus, Rashi, and Kimchi, assuming that sherith is contracted from sh'erith (as in 1 Chronicles 12:38), and that "remnant" is equivalent to "remnant of life." But, though the sense is not unacceptable (comp. Vers. 20, 21), the form of expression is unnatural; we should have expected akharith'ka, "thy latter end" (comp. Job 8:7). I will cause the enemy to entreat thee well. This expression is as difficult as the preceding, and our rendering of it will depend entirely on our view of the context. If "the enemy" means the Chaldeans, the Authorized Version will be substantially correct. Rashi has already mentioned the view that the phrase alludes to Nebnzar-adan's respectful inquiry as to the wishes of Jeremiah in Jeremiah 40:2-5. In this case, the literal rendering is, I will cause the enemy to meet thee (as a friend); comp. Isaiah 47:3; Isaiah 64:4. But if "the enemy" means the Jews, then we must render, 1 grill cause the enemy to supplicate thee, and illustrate the phrase by the repeated applications of Zedekiah to the prophet (Jeremiah 21:1, 2; Jeremiah 37:3; Jeremiah 38:14), and the similar appeal of the "captains of the forces," in Jeremiah 42:1-3.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said:
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Surely
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I will deliver you
שֵֽׁרִיתִ֖יךָ‪‬ (šê·rî·ṯî·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8325: Sharar -- father of one of David's heroes

for a good purpose;
לְט֑וֹב (lə·ṭō·wḇ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

surely I will
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

intercede
הִפְגַּ֣עְתִּֽי (hip̄·ga‘·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6293: To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity

with your enemy
הָאֹיֵֽב׃ (hā·’ō·yêḇ)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

in your time
בְּעֵ֥ת־ (bə·‘êṯ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

of trouble,
רָעָ֛ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

in your time
וּבְעֵ֥ת (ū·ḇə·‘êṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

of distress.
צָרָ֖ה (ṣā·rāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869: Tightness, a female rival


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 15:11 Yahweh said Most certainly I will strengthen (Jer.)
Jeremiah 15:10
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