Jeremiah 31 13

Jeremiah 31:13 kjv

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13 nkjv

"Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, And the young men and the old, together; For I will turn their mourning to joy, Will comfort them, And make them rejoice rather than sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13 niv

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13 esv

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13 nlt

The young women will dance for joy,
and the men ? old and young ? will join in the celebration.
I will turn their mourning into joy.
I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.

Jeremiah 31 verses

Jeremiah 31 13 Meaning

This verse paints a vivid picture of joyous celebration and restoration following a period of exile and sorrow. It speaks of a time when God's people will rejoice in the abundance and fertility of the land, particularly during the harvest season. The daughters will participate in joyful dancing, symbolizing renewed freedom and security, and the young men will find satisfaction in the provisions God bestows. It's a prophecy of abundant blessing, security, and revived spiritual and communal life.

Jeremiah 31 13 Context

Jeremiah 31 is part of the latter half of Jeremiah's prophecy, often referred to as the "Book of Comfort" or "Book of Consolation." This section of prophecy deals extensively with God's judgment on Judah for its sins, particularly idolatry and unfaithfulness, and the impending Babylonian exile. However, it also offers profound promises of future restoration, hope, and a new covenant. This specific verse, Jeremiah 31:13, emerges after prophecies detailing the judgment and destruction that will befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It stands in stark contrast to the sorrow and lamentations presented earlier, offering a glimpse into the redeemed future that God has planned for His people. The historical backdrop is Judah's unfaithfulness to God, leading to severe consequences, but the overarching message here is one of ultimate divine faithfulness and the restoration of His covenant people, looking forward to a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity, spiritually and materially.

Jeremiah 31 13 Word Analysis

• וְאָז (və’āz): "and then" - Connects this prophecy to previous declarations of judgment and restoration. It signifies a temporal shift to a future, blessed period.
• תָּגִיל (tagîl): "shall rejoice" (feminine singular) - Directly refers to the young women (בתולות, bəṯûlōṯ). It implies active, exuberant delight. The root (גל, gul) often suggests spinning or circling, aligning with the idea of joyful dancing.
• בַּתּוּלָה (baṯûlāh): "virgin" or "young woman" - Specifically points to the daughters of Israel. In the Old Testament, virgins often symbolize purity and innocence. Their joy in this future day signifies a renewed, pure communion with God and a return to joyful participation in communal life, free from the burdens of oppression or sorrow.
• וּבַחֻרִים (ûḇaḥûrîm): "and young men" - Also masculine plural of a word signifying youth or young men.
• יַחְדָּו (yaḥdāw): "together" - Emphasizes communal joy and unity. It is not isolated rejoicing but a collective experience shared by different groups within the community.
• וּרְנָּה (ûrĕnnāh): "and rejoicing" or "and gladness" - A noun form of the verb 'to cry out in joy'. It signifies vocal expression of happiness.
• מִשְׁתֶּה (mišteh): "feast" or "banquet" - Indicates a time of celebration, provision, and abundance, likely associated with a harvest or significant communal gathering. It implies sufficiency and celebration of God’s provision.
• כִּי־(kî-): "for" or "because" - Introduces the reason for the rejoicing.
• בְּחַסְדִּי (bəḥasdî): "with my kindness" or "in my kindness" - Refers to God’s steadfast love, covenant faithfulness, and mercy. This joy is not self-generated but a direct result of God's grace.
• וְנִחַמְתִּי (wĕniḥamṯî): "and I will comfort them" - God Himself speaks here, assuring them of His compassionate consolation and repenting (in the sense of changing His dealings from judgment to restoration) concerning them. This divine comfort is the ultimate source of their joy.

Word Groups Analysis:

• "rejoice... dancing" (תָּגִיל... בְּמָחֹל - tagîl bəmaḥōl): The combination speaks of an outward, active expression of deep-seated joy, common in celebration and worship.
• "young men and old together" (בַּחֻרִים וְגַם־זְקֵנִים יַחְדָּו - baḥûrîm wəgam-zəqēnîm yaḥdāw): This phrase underscores inclusivity and the pervasive nature of the restoration, affecting all generations and strata of society.
• "joy... feast" (רִנָּה... מִשְׁתֶּה - rinnāh mišteh): This pairing highlights both the vocal, emotional expression of happiness and the material, experiential satisfaction derived from God's blessings and provision.
• "my kindness, and I will comfort them" (בְּחַסְדִּי וְנִחַמְתִּי - bəḥasdî wəniḥamṯî): These words form the core of the assurance. God’s faithfulness (Hesed) is the cause, and His act of comforting (nichamti) is the means and demonstration of that faithfulness.

Jeremiah 31 13 Bonus Section

The imagery of the daughters rejoicing with dancing is particularly powerful. In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, dancing, especially among women, could be associated with fertility rites or celebratory events. However, within the covenant context of Israel, and especially in prophetic literature promising restoration, such depictions often represent a return to uninhibited praise and celebration under God’s blessing and protection. The contrast between the lamentations for lost loved ones and the future dance signifies the completeness of God’s reversal of fortune. This prophecy is foundational for understanding the nature of the New Covenant promised later in Jeremiah 31 (verses 31-34), where God's law will be written on their hearts, leading to an internal disposition of joyful obedience and intimate fellowship. The joy here is tied directly to God’s mercy and the fulfillment of His promises, indicating that true rejoicing originates from a right relationship with Him.

Jeremiah 31 13 Commentary

This verse promises a future of abundant joy and celebration for God's people, a direct result of His steadfast love and His act of comforting them. It highlights the transition from sorrow to gladness, a hallmark of God's redemptive work. The emphasis on virgins and young men dancing together, alongside the feast, illustrates a restored community, vibrant and secure. This isn't merely circumstantial happiness but a deep spiritual well-being stemming from God’s faithfulness and presence. It speaks of a renewal that affects both the individual and the collective, a complete restoration where life's necessities are met and communal celebrations are once again full of mirth. This picture anticipates the Messianic era, where spiritual fullness replaces sorrow and God’s grace ensures unending celebration. The comfort God provides eradicates the cause of former mourning, allowing pure joy to flourish, and this joy is communal, encompassing all ages.