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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall the virgin {H1330} rejoice {H8055} in the dance {H4234}, both young men {H970} and old {H2205} together {H3162}: for I will turn {H2015} their mourning {H60} into joy {H8342}, and will comfort {H5162} them, and make them rejoice {H8055} from their sorrow {H3015}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then the virgin will dance for joy, young men and old men together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, comfort and gladden them after their sorrow.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:13 is a vibrant prophetic promise of future restoration and profound joy for the people of Israel, particularly those returning from exile. It paints a vivid picture of communal celebration, where all generations participate in dancing and gladness, signifying God's compassionate intervention to transform their deep sorrow and mourning into comfort and rejoicing. This verse encapsulates the divine commitment to not only alleviate suffering but to actively infuse His people with overwhelming delight, marking a complete reversal of their fortunes through His faithful love and redemptive power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:13 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), a distinct section of Jeremiah's prophecy that dramatically shifts in tone from preceding chapters dominated by pronouncements of judgment and impending exile. This pivotal section signals a move from divine wrath against Judah's idolatry and disobedience to tender assurances of future restoration. Specifically, chapter 31 focuses on the re-gathering and renewal of both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom) from captivity, emphasizing God's enduring covenant love and His unwavering plan to restore His scattered people. The imagery of rejoicing and dancing follows earlier promises of return and renewal, such as the declaration in [Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Enduring Love") that God has loved His people with an everlasting love and will rebuild them, setting the stage for this joyous reversal of fortunes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah's prophecy is the looming or already enacted Babylonian exile, a catastrophic event that saw the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the forced deportation of the Judean population. This period was marked by immense national mourning, despair, and a profound sense of divine abandonment, as the people grappled with the consequences of their disobedience. Culturally, "mourning" involved specific, deeply ingrained rituals like weeping, lamenting, wearing sackcloth, and abstaining from joy, reflecting a deep communal grief over loss and national humiliation. In contrast, "dancing" (especially round dances) was a common and powerful expression of profound joy and celebration in ancient Israelite culture, often associated with religious festivals, military victories, or joyous occasions like weddings. The mention of "virgin," "young men," and "old" together underscores the comprehensive nature of this anticipated restoration, affecting all segments of society and uniting them in a shared experience of divine blessing and renewed communal life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Transformation**, showcasing God's sovereign power to radically alter circumstances, turning the deepest human sorrow into profound joy, as also seen in [Psalm 30:11](/psalms/30-11 "Psalm 30:11 - Turning Mourning into Dancing"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises despite Israel's unfaithfulness, a theme that culminates in the promise of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") later in the same chapter. Thirdly, the theme of **Communal Restoration** is prominent, as the joy is shared by all generations, signifying a holistic national renewal that transcends age and status. Finally, God's role as **Comforter and Redeemer** is central, portraying Him as actively involved in alleviating the suffering of His people and bringing them into a state of peace and delight, fulfilling His promise to bring them back to their land and restore their fortunes, as described in [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Restoration from Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **virgin (Hebrew, _bᵉthûwlâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to separate," this term refers to a young, unmarried woman, often implying purity or privacy. In a figurative sense, as used here, "the virgin" frequently symbolizes Israel or Judah, depicting them in a state of renewed purity and faithfulness before God after a period of spiritual defilement and judgment. It suggests a fresh start, a restoration to an unblemished state in God's eyes, signifying a return to covenant fidelity.
* **rejoice (Hebrew, _sâmach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to brighten up," to be "blithe or gleesome." It denotes a deep, heartfelt gladness, often expressed outwardly through celebration, singing, or, as in this verse, dancing. The repetition of this word (implied by "rejoice" and "make them rejoice" from the same root) underscores the intensity and pervasiveness of the joy that God promises to bring, moving beyond mere relief to active, exuberant delight.
* **mourning (Hebrew, _ʼêbel'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lament," this word signifies deep sorrow, grief, or lamentation, typically associated with death or great national calamity. It encapsulates the profound distress and despair experienced by Israel during their exile and suffering. The promise to "turn their mourning into joy" highlights a complete, divinely orchestrated reversal of their emotional and spiritual state, from deep lament to profound gladness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance":** This clause introduces the future state of exuberant joy and celebration. "The virgin" symbolically represents Israel/Judah, now restored to a state of purity and favor with God after the period of judgment and exile. Her rejoicing is expressed through "the dance" (Hebrew, _mâchôwl'_), a communal and physical manifestation of profound gladness, indicating a complete transformation from their previous state of sorrow and lamentation.
* **"both young men and old together":** This phrase emphasizes the universality and inclusivity of the coming joy. The promised restoration and its accompanying delight are not limited to a select group but encompass all generations, from the energetic youth (Hebrew, _bâchûwr'_) to the venerable elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_). The word "together" (Hebrew, _yachad'_) highlights unity, solidarity, and a shared experience of divine blessing, erasing the divisions and isolation brought by suffering.
* **"for I will turn their mourning into joy":** This is the divine rationale and explicit promise for the radical transformation. God explicitly states His active, sovereign role ("I will turn," Hebrew, _hâphak'_). "Mourning" (Hebrew, _ʼêbel'_) signifies the deep grief and lamentation experienced during exile and judgment. This will be radically "turned" or "overturned" into "joy" (Hebrew, _sâsôwn'_), a cheerfulness and gladness that is a direct, undeniable result of God's powerful intervention and redemptive work.
* **"and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.":** This final clause reiterates and amplifies God's compassionate action, reinforcing the completeness of the reversal. He promises to "comfort" (Hebrew, _nâcham'_), meaning to console, bring relief from distress, and provide solace. The phrase "make them rejoice from their sorrow" (Hebrew, _yâgôwn'_) reinforces the complete reversal of their previous state. "Sorrow" here emphasizes the affliction and grief that will be replaced by God-given delight, signifying not just the absence of pain but the active, transformative presence of divine joy and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:13 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and dynamic picture of communal celebration with "the virgin," "young men," and "old" dancing in unison. This sensory detail evokes a powerful sense of restored community, vibrant life, and unbridled gladness, contrasting sharply with the prior state of despair. The verse employs striking **Contrast**, juxtaposing the states of "mourning" and "sorrow" with "joy" and "rejoice." This antithesis highlights the dramatic and complete nature of God's transformative work, emphasizing the radical shift from profound despair and lamentation to abundant delight. The repetition of the concept of "rejoice" (from the root _sâmach_) and the underlying theme of joy throughout the verse serves as **Emphasis**, underscoring the central theme of God's active role in bringing pervasive and intense gladness to the restored community. Furthermore, the personification of Israel as "the virgin" is a powerful form of **Symbolism**, representing the nation in a state of renewed purity, covenant fidelity, and a fresh, unblemished relationship with God after a period of judgment and spiritual defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:13 powerfully articulates the biblical theme of divine restoration and God's profoundly compassionate nature. It assures us that God is not only capable of bringing judgment but is also deeply committed to healing, comforting, and transforming the suffering of His people into profound and lasting joy. This promise extends beyond a mere cessation of pain; it speaks to an active, divine infusion of delight, a testament to God's redemptive power and His desire for His creation to flourish in His presence. The communal aspect of the rejoicing underscores that God's restoration is holistic, affecting individuals and the collective body, uniting them in shared gladness and renewed fellowship with Him. It is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people have been unfaithful.

* [Isaiah 61:3](/isaiah/61-3 "Isaiah 61:3 - Garment of Praise for Spirit of Heaviness")
* [Psalm 126:5-6](/psalms/126-5-6 "Psalm 126:5-6 - Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy")
* [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:13 offers profound spiritual nourishment for contemporary believers, reminding us that our God is one who actively intervenes to transform sorrow into joy. In a world often marked by grief, anxiety, and despair, this verse serves as a powerful anchor of hope, calling us to trust in God's sovereign power to reverse seemingly irreversible situations, whether personal or communal. It encourages us to bring our lamentations and deepest sorrows before Him, confident that He is the ultimate Comforter who delights in making His people rejoice. We are invited to envision a future where all tears are wiped away, and to live with a hopeful expectation of God's restorative work, even amidst present difficulties, knowing that true and lasting joy is a divine gift that He is eager to bestow. This verse challenges us to cultivate a posture of hopeful anticipation, even as we navigate the realities of a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "mourning" or "sorrow" in your life or community are you praying for God to "turn into joy," and how might you participate in that transformation?**
* **How does the promise of God's active comfort and His power to turn sorrow into joy reshape your perspective on current difficulties and future uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can you, as part of God's people, actively participate in or prepare for the communal "rejoicing" that God promises, both now and in the future?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the virgin" in this verse?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 31:13, "the virgin" (Hebrew: _bᵉthûwlâh'_) is a symbolic representation of Israel or Judah. Throughout prophetic literature, Israel is often depicted as a virgin or a bride, symbolizing her covenant relationship with God. In this context, after a period of spiritual unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment (exile), the return to a "virgin" state signifies a renewed purity, a fresh start, and a restoration of her unblemished relationship with God. It emphasizes God's redemptive work in cleansing and re-establishing His people in His favor, highlighting the profound spiritual transformation and renewal promised in the broader context of [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant and Restoration").

**Does this verse imply that all suffering will immediately cease for believers?**

Answer: While Jeremiah 31:13 promises a profound transformation from mourning to joy, it is a prophetic declaration with both immediate and ultimate fulfillments. For the exiles, it promised a literal return and restoration to their land, ending their national mourning. For believers today, it assures us of God's power to comfort and bring joy even *within* suffering, and it points to an ultimate, complete cessation of sorrow in the eschatological future. The Bible acknowledges that believers will still experience suffering in this fallen world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")), but it also promises God's unfailing presence, comfort, and the eventual wiping away of every tear in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Therefore, it is a promise of divine comfort and joy that begins now in our spiritual experience and culminates in the perfect, eternal joy of God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. While initially a promise of restoration for physical Israel, the spiritual realities it describes—the transformation of mourning into joy, comfort from sorrow, and universal rejoicing—are perfectly embodied and actualized in Christ's redemptive work. He is the true Comforter, the one who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His atoning sacrifice, He inaugurates the new covenant promised in [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"). Through faith in Him, believers are reconciled to God, experiencing a spiritual return from exile (from sin and death) to a renewed, pure relationship. The "mourning" for sin and the "sorrow" of a broken world are transformed into the "joy" of salvation and the "rejoicing" of the Holy Spirit living within us ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")). Ultimately, the promise of a complete and universal joy, where all generations unite in celebration, points forward to the glorious return of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, as promised in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People") and [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Sorrow").

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

Psalms 30:11

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Isaiah 61:3

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Jeremiah 31:4

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

Nehemiah 12:27

¶ And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, [with] cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Esther 9:22

As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.