Jeremiah 31 7

Jeremiah 31:7 kjv

For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.

Jeremiah 31:7 nkjv

For thus says the LORD: "Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, 'O LORD, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!'

Jeremiah 31:7 niv

This is what the LORD says: "Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, 'LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.'

Jeremiah 31:7 esv

For thus says the LORD: "Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, 'O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.'

Jeremiah 31:7 nlt

Now this is what the LORD says:
"Sing with joy for Israel.
Shout for the greatest of nations!
Shout out with praise and joy:
'Save your people, O LORD,
the remnant of Israel!'

Jeremiah 31 verses

Jeremiah 31 7 meaning

Jeremiah 31:7 conveys a divine command for exultant celebration and petition from God's people, even in their state of dispersion and suffering. It proclaims a future for Jacob (Israel) marked by joyful return from exile and restoration to a position of preeminence among the nations. Simultaneously, it instructs them to actively pray for this promised salvation, specifically for "the remnant of Israel," recognizing God's ownership and power to bring His word to pass. This verse serves as an anticipatory call to worship and an expression of hope rooted in God's faithful promises, urging an active faith in His forthcoming intervention.

Jeremiah 31 7 Context

Jeremiah 31:7 stands within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a pivotal section where Jeremiah’s prophecies shift from impending judgment to a resounding message of hope, restoration, and the future. Specifically, chapter 31 promises the reunification and return of both the Northern Kingdom (referred to as Ephraim or Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) from exile. The preceding verses (Jer 31:1-6) speak of God's enduring love for Israel, their rebuilding, and a joyful return to their land. Verse 7 acts as an immediate command rooted in this promise, calling the exiled and scattered people to celebrate this assured future.

Historically, the prophecy addresses a people already experiencing the aftermath of Assyrian deportation of the Northern Kingdom (722 BCE) and the beginning stages of Babylonian exile for the Southern Kingdom (from 605 BCE onwards, culminating in 586 BCE with the destruction of Jerusalem). In this context of profound national defeat and despair, Jeremiah’s words are revolutionary, promising a complete reversal of fortunes, not just for a remnant, but for all of Israel, elevated to a prominent position globally by the Lord their God. This message directly counters the idea that their defeat meant God's abandonment or weakness compared to foreign gods.

Jeremiah 31 7 Word analysis

• For thus says the Lord (כִּי כֹה אָמַר יְהוָה - ki khoh amar YHWH): This is a quintessential prophetic formula, underscoring the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncement. It emphasizes that the following commands and promises originate directly from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel.

• Sing aloud (רָנּוּ - rannu): A plural imperative command to produce a ringing cry or jubilant song, expressing great joy, exultation, or triumph. It suggests a public, expressive, and even boisterous form of worship, not a quiet contemplation. It's a proactive command for celebration in anticipation of God's acts.

• with gladness (בְּשִׂמְחָה - b'simcha): "With joy" or "in mirth." This adverbial phrase intensifies the command to sing, indicating the quality and sincerity of the emotional state that should accompany the sound. It highlights the profound inner joy accompanying the future restoration.

• for Jacob (לְיַעֲקֹב - l'Ya'aqov): Represents the entire nation of Israel, encompassing both the northern (Ephraim/Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms. This shows God's commitment to the whole of His covenant people, not just a portion.

• and shout (וְצַהֲלוּ - v'tzahalu): Another plural imperative, meaning "to shrill," "to cry out," or "to exult." Similar to rannu, but often implying a more sharp or penetrating sound, signifying fervent public celebration or triumph. It reinforces the open and unrestrained nature of the praise.

• for the chief of the nations (בְּרֹאשׁ הַגּוֹיִם - b'rosh haGoyim): A highly significant phrase. Rosh means "head," "top," or "chief," and Goyim refers to "nations" or "gentiles." This designation signals a complete reversal of Israel's current defeated and scattered state. It prophesies their restoration to a place of honor, prominence, and leadership among the world's peoples, fulfilling their original covenant calling to be a priestly kingdom and holy nation (Ex 19:5-6). It's not a mere political supremacy but a divinely ordained spiritual and exemplary position.

• proclaim (הַשְׁמִיעוּ - hashmi'u): Plural imperative meaning "make heard," "declare," or "cause to listen." It emphasizes the public and global dissemination of this message. The news of Israel's salvation is to be announced far and wide.

• praise (הַלְּלוּ - hallelu): Plural imperative of halal, meaning "to praise," "to laud," "to boast in." This command directs worship towards God for His promised faithfulness and mighty acts. It connects the proclamation directly to adoration.

• and say (וְאִמְרוּ - v'imru): Simple imperative, transitioning from broad praise and proclamation to a specific, urgent prayer.

• 'O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!' (הוֹשַׁע יְהוָה אֶת עַמְּךָ אֵת שְׁאֵרִית יִשְׂרָאֵל! - hoshia YHWH et am'kha et she'erit Yisrael!): This is the specific prayer God commands them to utter.

  • הוֹשַׁע (hoshia): Imperative form of yasha, "to save" or "deliver." It is an earnest petition for divine intervention.
  • יְהוָה אֶת עַמְּךָ (YHWH et am'kha): "Lord Your people." A clear declaration of God's ownership and covenant relationship, forming the basis for the petition.
  • אֵת שְׁאֵרִית יִשְׂרָאֵל (et she'erit Yisrael): "the remnant of Israel." This term identifies the specific focus of the prayer – those who have survived judgment, those who represent the true continuation of the covenant line. The concept of the "remnant" is crucial in biblical theology, referring to those God preserves by grace through whom He continues His plan of salvation. Here, it refers to both physical survivors of exile and the spiritually faithful.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations": This grouping combines jubilant, public worship with the specific object of that celebration – the entire nation of Israel, which will be restored to an elevated status. It signifies a preemptive celebration of God's future acts, commanded even while they are in distress, showing a profound exercise of faith.
  • "proclaim, praise, and say, 'O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!'": This command transitions from a general call to joyous celebration to a very specific set of actions: proclamation of good news, praise directed to God, and a heartfelt, direct petition for His intervention. It shows that human response involves both declaration of God's faithfulness and fervent prayer for its realization, focusing on those chosen by God for preservation and continuation.

Jeremiah 31 7 Bonus section

The triple imperative to "proclaim, praise, and say" emphasizes a comprehensive spiritual response that combines public declaration (proclamation), internal adoration (praise), and direct communication with God (prayer). This triad underscores that faith in God's future promises should manifest not just internally but externally, corporately, and proactively. The verse also implicitly challenges fatalism; despite dire circumstances, God expects an active, worshipful, and prayerful response, reminding His people of their enduring purpose and His ultimate sovereignty over all nations. It is a powerful affirmation that God's plans for Israel, the physical seed of Abraham, remain intact despite their historical failures and suffering, pointing toward a glorious future rooted in divine grace.

Jeremiah 31 7 Commentary

Jeremiah 31:7 encapsulates a profound message of redemptive hope and proactive faith, typical of the "Book of Consolation." God, through His prophet, does not merely promise restoration; He commands His people to act in anticipation of it. The calls to "sing aloud," "shout," "proclaim," and "praise" are not reactions to a finished work, but acts of faith, prescribed for a people still suffering or dispersed. They are told to rejoice for Jacob's future elevation as "the chief of the nations," a stunning reversal of their current defeated status. This title implies not just political or numerical superiority, but a covenantal role where Israel is set apart by God to be a witness and a blessing, reflecting God's glory to the world.

The climactic instruction, "O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!", transforms the passage into a powerful model of intercessory prayer. It highlights the divine-human partnership in bringing about God's will: God declares His purpose, and His people are called to pray for its fulfillment. The term "remnant of Israel" is key, denoting those who, by God's grace and often through severe testing, survive to carry forward His redemptive plan. This verse instills confidence in God's covenant faithfulness and unwavering love, even in the darkest hours. Practically, it encourages believers today to celebrate God's promises even before their visible fulfillment, to pray passionately for His people and the advance of His kingdom, and to cling to hope when circumstances seem bleak, knowing God's word will ultimately prevail.