Book of Jeremiah — New World Translation Study Guide
Section: Hebrew Scriptures · Chapters: 52 · Written by: Jeremiah · Approximate date: c. 626–586 BC · Theme: New Covenant
Summary of the Book of Jeremiah
Called the 'weeping prophet,' Jeremiah faithfully proclaimed Jehovah's judgment to a stubborn Judah, while also announcing the glorious promise of a new covenant — one written on the heart rather than on stone tablets.
Why the Book of Jeremiah Matters Today
Jeremiah modeled faithful endurance under intense persecution and personal isolation. He preached for over 40 years to a people who refused to listen, was imprisoned, thrown into a cistern, and watched Jerusalem's destruction — yet never abandoned his commission. For Witnesses facing rejection in field ministry, family opposition, or government ban, Jeremiah is essential reading. The book also contains the promise of a new covenant 'written on the heart' (Jeremiah 31:31–34), fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in chapter 29 — telling them to seek the peace of Babylon while remaining no part of it — defines how Witnesses live in the world today.
Key Verses in Jeremiah
- Jer 17:9
- Jer 29:11
- Jer 31:31–33
Notable Passages in Jeremiah
Jeremiah 17:9
The declaration that 'the heart is more treacherous than anything else' underlines the need for Jehovah's guidance rather than reliance on imperfect human inclinations.
Jeremiah 29:11
Jehovah's promise 'I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you — thoughts of peace, and not of calamity' assures his exiled people that his purposes for them are always good.
Jeremiah 31:31–33
Jehovah's promise of a new covenant 'written on the heart' rather than stone tablets points to the superior arrangement mediated by Jesus Christ.
Study Questions for Jeremiah
As you read the book of Jeremiah, reflect on these questions to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Jehovah's Word:
- What does Jeremiah 1:5 — 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you' — teach about Jehovah's foreknowledge and purpose for each person?
- How did Jeremiah remain faithful despite intense persecution, ridicule, and at times despair, and what can we learn from his example?
- What does Jehovah's promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34) teach about the superiority of the arrangement Jesus mediated?
- How did Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon (chapter 29) — telling them to seek the peace of the city — apply the principle of being 'no part of the world'?
- What does Jeremiah's purchase of a field (chapter 32) even as Jerusalem fell teach about confidence in Jehovah's promises for the future?
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah
- Who wrote the book of Jeremiah?
- Jeremiah the prophet wrote the book bearing his name, with his secretary Baruch recording much of it under Jeremiah's dictation. The book was completed around 580 BCE in Egypt.
- When was the book of Jeremiah written?
- Jeremiah was written between approximately 647 BCE and 580 BCE during Jeremiah's 67-year prophetic ministry from Josiah's reign through the early years of the Babylonian exile.
- What is the main theme of Jeremiah?
- Jeremiah faithfully delivered Jehovah's warnings of judgment to an unrepentant Judah and announced the new covenant Jehovah would make — written on the heart and mediated through Christ.
How to Study Jeremiah with JW Study
Track your progress through all 52 chapters of Jeremiah in the New World Translation, mark completed chapters as you read, save personal notes on key passages, and build a consistent daily Bible reading habit. Use it alongside JW Library and the publications available at wol.jw.org to deepen your understanding of Jehovah's Word.
Reading Plans That Include Jeremiah
The book of Jeremiah is covered in the following structured reading plans on NWT Progress. Each plan divides the reading evenly across a set number of days to help you stay consistent.
- NWT in 1 Year — Read the entire New World Translation, all 66 books, in 365 days. (365 days, 1189 chapters)
- Hebrew Scriptures in 1 Year — Read all 39 books of the Hebrew Scriptures over the course of a year. (365 days, 929 chapters)
- Major Prophets in 90 Days — Read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel in 90 days. (90 days, 183 chapters)
- Intensive: Bible in 90 Days — Cover all 66 books in 90 days with a steady, focused schedule. (90 days, 1189 chapters)
Related Bible Study Topics
Deepen your study of the Bible with these related topics from JW Study:
- Is Jesus God? — Understanding Jesus' identity as the Son of God — distinct from Jehovah
- Jesus and Michael the Archangel — Scriptural evidence that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel
- Holy Spirit — Person or Force? — The Bible shows the holy spirit is God's active force, not a third person
- Holy Spirit Is Not a Person — Key Verses — Scriptural proof that the holy spirit is God's active force, not a person
- The Trinity Is Not Biblical — Key Verses — Scripture consistently distinguishes the Father from the Son — the Trinity doctrine has no Bible basis
- The Angel of the Lord Is Michael — Key Verses — Scriptural evidence connecting the angel of Jehovah, Michael the archangel, and Jesus Christ
- What Is the Soul? — The Bible defines the soul as a living being — not an immortal inner entity
- What Happens When We Die? — Death is a state of unconscious sleep — not heaven, hell, or purgatory
- God's Kingdom — What Is It? — A real government in heaven that will rule over a paradise earth
- Why Does God Allow Suffering? — Understanding the issue of universal sovereignty and why Jehovah permits evil for now
- The Sanctity of Blood — Why Jehovah commands us to abstain from blood — and what this means today
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