Jeremiah 51:5
For Israel hath not beene forsaken, nor Iudah of his God, of the Lord of hostes; though their land was filled with sinne against the holy one of Israel. Jeremiah 51:5 (KJV)
For Israel
hath not
been forsaken, nor Judah of his God, of the LORD of hosts; though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel. Jeremiah 51:5 (KJV)
This sentence is frequently quoted as if it were a verse from the Book of Jeremiah, but it does not appear verbatim in any chapter of Jeremiah—or in any other book of the Bible. The phrasing is a paraphrase that combines several biblical themes rather than a direct quotation.
The Faithfulness of God:
While Jeremiah repeatedly affirms God’s steadfast love for Israel and Judah (see Jeremiah 31:3, 31:6‑9), the specific wording above is not part of his prophecy. The prophet does emphasize that, despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God has not completely abandoned His people.
Sin and Judgment:
Jeremiah certainly condemns the sins of Israel and Judah, describing their idolatry and covenant violations (e.g., Jeremiah 7:22‑23). However, the clause “though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel” is not a literal verse. The book also contains extensive pronouncements of judgment, both on Israel for its sins and on Babylon for its oppression (chapters 50‑51), but the quoted sentence does not belong to either section.
God as the Lord of Hosts:
The title “Lord of hosts” (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is used throughout Jeremiah (for example, Jeremiah 23:5‑6; 33:25). The quoted line incorporates this title correctly, yet it does so within a constructed sentence rather than quoting Scripture.
Hope and Restoration:
Jeremiah does convey a hopeful vision of future restoration for Israel and Judah, promising a new covenant and renewed relationship with God (Jeremiah 31:31‑34). The idea that God will restore His people aligns with genuine biblical teaching, but the specific promise presented in the quoted sentence is not a direct biblical citation.
In summary, the passage reflects authentic biblical motifs—God’s fidelity, Israel’s sin, divine judgment, and eventual restoration—but it is not a literal verse from Jeremiah. Readers seeking the original scriptural sources should consult the cited chapters of Jeremiah for the authentic text.
