Jeremiah 31:12

KJV

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore they shall come {H935} and sing {H7442} in the height {H4791} of Zion {H6726}, and shall flow together {H5102} to the goodness {H2898} of the LORD {H3068}, for wheat {H1715}, and for wine {H8492}, and for oil {H3323}, and for the young {H1121} of the flock {H6629} and of the herd {H1241}: and their soul {H5315} shall be as a watered {H7302} garden {H1588}; and they shall not sorrow {H1669} any more {H3254} at all.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will come and sing on the heights of Tziyon, streaming to the goodness of Adonai, to the grain, the wine, the olive oil, and the young of the flock and the herd. They themselves will be like a well-watered garden, never to languish again.

Berean Standard Bible

They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will be radiant over the bounty of the LORD— the grain, new wine, and oil, and the young of the flocks and herds. Their life will be like a well-watered garden, and never again will they languish.

American Standard Version

And they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow unto the goodness of Jehovah, to the grain, and to the new wine, and to the oil, and to the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:12 paints a vivid picture of future restoration and abundant blessing for the repentant people of Israel. Following a period of judgment and exile, this verse anticipates their joyful return to Zion, where they will experience God's overflowing goodness in both material provision—symbolized by wheat, wine, oil, and livestock—and profound spiritual refreshment. Their souls will be revitalized, likened to a lush, well-watered garden, signifying deep contentment and an ultimate cessation of all sorrow, marking a new era of peace and flourishing under God's renewed covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:12 is a radiant gem within the "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), a pivotal section in the prophet Jeremiah's otherwise somber pronouncements of judgment. While much of Jeremiah details the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah due to their unfaithfulness, chapters 30-33 pivot dramatically to promises of future hope, restoration, and a new covenant. This verse immediately follows assurances of God's enduring love for Israel ([Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love")) and the promise of their return from distant lands ([Jeremiah 31:8](/jeremiah/31-8 "Jeremiah 31:8 - Return from Exile")). It serves as a concrete manifestation of the blessings associated with this promised restoration, detailing the physical and spiritual prosperity that awaits the reunited remnant of Israel and Judah. The imagery of singing, flowing together, and a watered garden reinforces the profound shift from desolation to flourishing.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). Judah faced political instability, idolatry, and ultimately, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BCE, followed by forced deportation to Babylon. For a people whose identity was deeply tied to their land, Temple, and Davidic monarchy, exile was a catastrophic experience of loss, shame, and spiritual desolation. In this context, the promise of returning to "Zion" (Jerusalem), enjoying agricultural abundance (wheat, wine, oil, livestock—staples of their economy and symbols of blessing in an agrarian society), and having their "soul... as a watered garden" would have resonated powerfully. It spoke directly to their deepest fears of perpetual barrenness and sorrow, offering a vision of restoration that encompassed every aspect of life, from physical sustenance to spiritual well-being, contrasting sharply with the famine and scarcity experienced during the siege and exile.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration**, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness. It highlights God's power to reverse judgment and bring about a glorious future. Another key theme is **Abundant Provision**, where God not only brings His people home but lavishes them with material blessings, symbolizing a return to the prosperity of the Promised Land. This is directly linked to the **New Covenant** theme introduced later in the chapter ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), where a transformed heart enables a deeper relationship with God, leading to inner peace and flourishing. The imagery of the "watered garden" powerfully conveys **Spiritual Refreshment and Wholeness**, a state of deep contentment and vitality that contrasts sharply with the spiritual dryness and sorrow of exile. Finally, the promise of "not sorrow any more at all" speaks to the ultimate **Cessation of Suffering**, a messianic hope that finds its culmination in God's eternal kingdom, where He will wipe away every tear ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flow together (Hebrew, _nâhar'_):** H5102, from a primitive root meaning "to sparkle," "to be cheerful," and "to flow" or "assemble." This word evokes the image of a river, suggesting a continuous, joyful, and abundant movement. Here, it describes the people streaming together to God's goodness, implying a vibrant, collective, and eager pilgrimage, much like a river flows steadily and powerfully. It carries connotations of being "lightened," hinting at the joy and relief accompanying their return and access to divine blessings.
* **Garden (Hebrew, _gan'_):** H1588, from a root meaning "to fence." A garden in the ancient Near East was a protected, cultivated space, often a place of beauty, sustenance, and delight, contrasting with the wild, untamed desert. It signifies order, provision, and flourishing. The imagery of a garden is deeply rooted in biblical thought, from Eden to the garden tomb, often symbolizing life, communion, and prosperity.
* **Watered (Hebrew, _râveh'_):** H7302, from a root meaning "to be sated (with drink)." This word goes beyond merely "watered"; it implies being thoroughly saturated, abundantly supplied, and refreshed to the point of complete satisfaction. When applied to a garden, it suggests lushness, vitality, and continuous fruitfulness, not just temporary relief from thirst. When applied to the soul, it speaks of deep, enduring spiritual nourishment and contentment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion":** This clause signifies the physical return of the exiles to Jerusalem (Zion), but more importantly, it emphasizes the joyful, celebratory, and worshipful nature of their return. "Singing" indicates profound gratitude and exultation, while "the height of Zion" points to the sacred, elevated status of Jerusalem as God's dwelling place, the spiritual center of their nation.
* **"and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd":** This describes the collective movement of the restored people, eagerly drawing near to God as the source of all blessing. "Goodness of the LORD" encompasses His benevolent character and the tangible benefits He bestows. The subsequent list—wheat (staple grain), wine (joy, celebration), oil (anointing, light, sustenance), and livestock (wealth, sustenance)—represents comprehensive material abundance and agricultural prosperity, signifying a complete reversal of the scarcity and famine experienced during judgment.
* **"and their soul shall be as a watered garden":** This powerful metaphor shifts from physical blessings to profound spiritual and emotional well-being. A "watered garden" in an arid land symbolizes continuous life, vitality, beauty, and fruitfulness. Applied to the "soul" (Hebrew _nephesh_, encompassing the whole person—mind, will, emotions, life force), it conveys deep inner satisfaction, refreshment, and flourishing, indicating a state of thriving spiritual health and contentment.
* **"and they shall not sorrow any more at all":** This climactic promise declares a definitive end to the pain, grief, and suffering that had plagued the nation due to sin, judgment, and exile. The emphatic "any more at all" underscores the permanence and totality of this cessation of sorrow, pointing to a future state of lasting peace, comfort, and joy, free from the burdens of the past.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:12 is rich with powerful **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a restored community. The image of people "singing in the height of Zion" evokes a scene of jubilant worship and pilgrimage. The phrase "flow together to the goodness of the LORD" uses a dynamic image of collective movement, like a river, emphasizing unity and eagerness. The most prominent device is the **Metaphor** "their soul shall be as a watered garden." This comparison vividly conveys spiritual refreshment, vitality, and flourishing, contrasting sharply with the dryness and desolation that characterized their exile. The agricultural products—wheat, wine, oil, flock, herd—function as **Symbols** of comprehensive material blessing and prosperity, representing God's abundant provision. Finally, the declaration "they shall not sorrow any more at all" employs a degree of **Hyperbole** or emphatic language to underscore the absolute and complete nature of the promised relief from suffering, pointing to an ultimate, eschatological fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's redemptive character, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His covenant people even after their rebellion and subsequent judgment. It reveals that divine discipline is not punitive in the ultimate sense but restorative, designed to lead to repentance and a renewed relationship. The lavish blessings promised—both material and spiritual—underscore the comprehensive nature of God's grace, where true flourishing encompasses every aspect of human existence. It foreshadows a future where God's presence brings not just provision but deep, abiding joy and an end to the consequences of sin, affirming His ultimate victory over suffering and desolation. This vision of restoration is not merely a return to a past state but an elevation to a new, more glorious reality under His benevolent rule.

* [Isaiah 58:11](/isaiah/58-11 "Isaiah 58:11 - The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places")
* [Ezekiel 36:35](/ezekiel/36-35 "Ezekiel 36:35 - The desolate land will become like the garden of Eden")
* [Psalm 36:8](/psalms/36-8 "Psalm 36:8 - They feast on the abundance of your house")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:12 offers a profound wellspring of hope for believers navigating periods of hardship, spiritual dryness, or the consequences of past mistakes. It reminds us that God's ultimate intention for His people is not judgment but restoration, not sorrow but joy, not barrenness but abundant flourishing. When we feel overwhelmed by life's trials, this verse calls us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the faithful character of God, who promises to bring beauty from ashes and turn mourning into dancing. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of anticipation for God's goodness, knowing that He desires to satisfy our deepest longings and refresh our souls. Just as the exiles longed for Zion, we are to fix our gaze on the ultimate source of our spiritual nourishment, trusting that communion with God through His Word and Spirit can transform our inner landscape into a "watered garden," even amidst the deserts of this world. This promise encourages us to live with gratitude for every provision, physical and spiritual, recognizing them as tangible expressions of God's enduring love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "singing in the height of Zion" encourage you to express joy and worship, even in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need God's "goodness" to "flow together" for provision, and how does this verse inspire your prayer for those needs?**
* **What does it mean for your "soul" to be "as a watered garden" in your daily experience, and what practices help cultivate this spiritual vitality?**
* **How does the promise of "not sorrow any more at all" shape your perspective on present suffering and your hope for the future?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of Consolation" within Jeremiah, and why is Jeremiah 31:12 part of it?**

Answer: The "Book of Consolation" refers to Jeremiah chapters 30-33, a distinct section within the prophet's writings that shifts dramatically from pronouncements of judgment and impending exile to powerful messages of hope, restoration, and a new covenant for Israel and Judah. Jeremiah 31:12 is a quintessential part of this section because it vividly describes the positive outcomes of this promised restoration: a joyful return to Zion, abundant material provision, profound spiritual refreshment, and the definitive end of sorrow. It serves as a concrete illustration of the comprehensive blessings that God intends for His repentant people, contrasting sharply with the desolation and suffering detailed in earlier chapters and reinforcing the theme of God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises.

**Does the promise of "wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd" imply that God's blessings are primarily material?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 31:12 explicitly mentions material blessings, it's crucial to understand them within the broader context of biblical theology. In ancient Israel, agricultural abundance was often a tangible sign of God's favor and covenant faithfulness, especially in a land where provision was directly tied to obedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")). These provisions symbolize a holistic restoration that encompasses physical well-being, economic security, and the flourishing of the community. However, the verse immediately balances this with the spiritual promise, "and their soul shall be as a watered garden," indicating that God's goodness extends far beyond mere physical sustenance to include deep inner peace, spiritual vitality, and emotional wholeness. Therefore, the material blessings are not the ultimate end but rather a visible manifestation of God's comprehensive care and the flourishing that results from a restored relationship with Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant established through His atoning work. The joyful return to Zion, described in this verse, foreshadows the spiritual pilgrimage of believers to the heavenly Jerusalem, the true "height of Zion," where Christ reigns ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). The "goodness of the LORD" to which the people flow is fully embodied in Christ, through whom all spiritual blessings are poured out ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). While the Old Covenant promised earthly abundance, Christ offers an eternal, spiritual abundance that far surpasses physical provisions, providing the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the "living water" ([John 4:10-14](/john/4-10 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus, the Living Water")) that satisfies the soul. The powerful imagery of the "soul shall be as a watered garden" speaks directly to the spiritual regeneration and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who continually refreshes and produces fruit in the lives of believers, transforming them into vibrant, flourishing disciples ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Most significantly, the promise that "they shall not sorrow any more at all" finds its complete and final realization in Christ's victory over sin and death, which ultimately eradicates all pain and tears for those who are in Him, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God will dwell with His people forever ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")). Thus, the hope of Jeremiah 31:12 is not merely for a restored nation but for a redeemed humanity, eternally satisfied and joyful in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 35:10

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 58:11

And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

Joel 3:18

¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.

Isaiah 65:19

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

Ezekiel 17:23

In the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it: and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing; in the shadow of the branches thereof shall they dwell.

Isaiah 60:20

Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Jeremiah 33:9

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.