Jeremiah 31:5 Meaning Explained

Jeremiah 31:5

Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and shall enjoy the fruit.

English Standard Version (ESV)

This verse promises more than just replanting; it signifies a return to normalcy where the planters themselves will enjoy the fruits of their labor. The phrase "eat them as common things" points to a specific ancient law where fruit from newly planted vines had a period of waiting and consecration before it could be freely enjoyed, a rule that will no longer be interrupted by exile. This means their peace and possession will be so secure that they can finally benefit from their own hard work without fear.

What Jeremiah 31:5 means

After the devastating exile of the northern kingdom, God promises restoration not just for Judah but also for Samaria, the former capital of Israel. This passage envisions a future where displaced people will return to their lands and rebuild their lives, replanting vineyards on the very hills that once symbolized their downfall. The promise that planters will "enjoy the fruit" directly contrasts with curses where enemies would seize their crops, highlighting a return to peace and security where they can finally reap the rewards of their labor without fear.

Samaria's Restoration: A Wider Hope

Jeremiah's prophecy often focuses on Judah, but this verse reaches beyond Jerusalem. What does the mention of Samaria signify for God's people?

A Hope for All Israel

Jeremiah is prophesying during a time of immense turmoil. The Southern Kingdom of Judah is facing destruction, and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (with its capital, Samaria) has already been conquered and exiled by the Assyrians centuries earlier.

By specifically mentioning "the mountains of Samaria," Jeremiah expands the scope of God's promise beyond just Judah. It's a powerful message that God's restoration plan isn't limited to one region or tribe. It speaks of a future where all of Israel, north and south, will be regathered, replanted, and brought back into covenant relationship with Him.

The Sweetness of Earned Fruit

The phrase "eat them as common things" sounds a bit strange at first. What does this unusual wording reveal about the depth of God's promise?

More Than Just Eating

Under Mosaic Law, the fruit of a newly planted vineyard had a specific progression:

Years 1-3: Considered "uncircumcised" or unclean – not to be eaten.
Year 4: The fruit was "holy to the Lord" – dedicated to God.
Year 5: The fruit could finally be "profaned" or "common" – meaning it was released for the owner's personal use.

This verse promises that the planters will "eat them as common things." This means they won't just eat the fruit; they will enjoy it fully, in the fifth year, without it being confiscated or consecrated to God. It signifies a return to normalcy, peace, and security, where people can enjoy the full, unhindered fruits of their labor. It's a direct reversal of the curses where enemies would reap what they sowed (Deuteronomy 28:30, 39).

Historical context

Written: Likely during the late 7th or early 6th century BC, before the destruction of Jerusalem.
Author: Jeremiah, a prophet from Judah, traditionally understood as the sole author of the book bearing his name.
Location: Written from Jerusalem, referring to the mountains of Samaria in the northern kingdom of Israel.
Genre: Prophecy with elements of poetry; features vivid imagery and covenantal language.

Historical background

This promise to replant vineyards in Samaria speaks to a restoration far beyond a simple return from exile. It recalls the northern kingdom's destruction centuries earlier and implies a unified future for all Israel, where peace allows for the full enjoyment of God's blessings, even the immediate use of newly planted crops, a sign of profound security and divine favor.

722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, destroying its capital city, Samaria. Many Israelites are exiled, and their land is repopulated with foreigners, disrupting Israelite life and worship.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Judah
The Neo-Babylonian Empire deports large portions of the population of Judah, including the elite and skilled workers, after multiple invasions. This period marks a profound crisis for the Southern Kingdom, similar to what befell the north centuries earlier.
c. 538 BC
Persian Edict Allowing Return
Following the Babylonian defeat by the Persians, Cyrus the Great issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks the beginning of the return from exile.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Rededication

Cross-references

Leviticus 19:23-25

This passage explains the Old Testament law that newly planted vineyards were forbidden for the first three years, the fourth year's fruit was consecrated to God, and only in the fifth year could the fruit be eaten as 'common' or ordinary.

Deuteronomy 28:30

This verse presents the opposite scenario: a curse where a person plants a vineyard but another eats its fruit, highlighting the immense blessing promised in Jeremiah of enjoying the fruits of one's own labor.

Isaiah 65:21-22

This passage echoes the promise of security and fruitful labor, stating that those who build houses and plant vineyards will enjoy their produce, directly paralleling the security implied in Jeremiah's prophecy.

Amos 9:14

This verse offers a similar promise of restoration for Israel, stating they will plant vineyards and drink their wine, providing a prophetic parallel to the restoration of Samaria mentioned in Jeremiah.

Luke 19:41-42

While Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting its future destruction and missed opportunities, this contrasts with the hope and restoration promised to Samaria in Jeremiah, showing the stark difference between judgment and divine grace.

Scholarly commentary

Jeremiah 31:5: "Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things."

Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria - This was the regal city of the Israelites, as Jerusalem was of the Jews. Shall eat them as common things - By the law of Moses no man was permitted to eat of the fruit of his vineyard till the fifth year after planting. For the first three years it was considered uncircumcised, unclean, not fit to be…
clarke

Jeremiah 31:5: "Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things."

Samaria was the metropolis of the ten tribes, called so from Shemer, who owned the hill: Omri king of Israel bought it, and built Samaria upon it. Mountains in many places are judged the most convenient places for vineyards, being free from shades, and most exposed to the sun. God promiseth them a liberty to plant, and that they should enjoy their plantations…
poole

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What Jeremiah 31:5 means

Historical context

Written: Likely during the late 7th or early 6th century BC, before the destruction of Jerusalem.
Author: Jeremiah, a prophet from Judah, traditionally understood as the sole author of the book bearing his name.
Location: Written from Jerusalem, referring to the mountains of Samaria in the northern kingdom of Israel.
Genre: Prophecy with elements of poetry; features vivid imagery and covenantal language.

Historical background

722 BC

Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom

The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, destroying its capital city, Samaria. Many Israelites are exiled, and their land is repopulated with foreigners, disrupting Israelite life and worship.

c. 605 BC - 586 BC

Babylonian Exile of Judah

The Neo-Babylonian Empire deports large portions of the population of Judah, including the elite and skilled workers, after multiple invasions. This period marks a profound crisis for the Southern Kingdom, similar to what befell the north centuries earlier.

c. 538 BC

Persian Edict Allowing Return

Following the Babylonian defeat by the Persians, Cyrus the Great issues an edict allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This marks the beginning of the return from exile.

c. 516 BC

Second Temple Rededication