Jeremiah 31:13

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.

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}.

"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.

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.

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

Jeremiah 31:13 is a vivid prophetic declaration of future restoration and joy for the people of Israel, following a period of immense suffering and exile. This verse is part of Jeremiah's "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33), which shifts from prophecies of judgment to profound promises of God's faithfulness and ultimate restoration.

Context

The prophet Jeremiah lived during a tumultuous period, witnessing the decline and eventual destruction of Judah and the Babylonian exile. Much of his book details the coming judgment due to Israel's idolatry and disobedience. However, Jeremiah 31 marks a significant turn, offering hope and outlining God's plan to bring His people back from captivity and establish a renewed relationship with them. The imagery of "the virgin" typically refers to Israel or Judah, often depicted as a pure bride, signifying their purity and renewed status before God after repentance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Transformation: The central promise is God's ability to radically change circumstances. He declares, "I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow." This highlights God's active intervention to alleviate suffering.
  • Universal Joy and Celebration: The phrase "the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together" paints a picture of widespread, communal celebration. It signifies that the restoration will be complete and affect all segments of society, from the youngest to the oldest, uniting them in gladness.
  • God as Comforter: The verse emphasizes God's personal and compassionate role in comforting His people. This promise of comfort is a recurring theme in the prophetic books, demonstrating God's tender care for His suffering children.
  • Restoration of Relationship: Underlying this joy is the promise of a restored covenant relationship with God, often linked to the "new covenant" mentioned later in Jeremiah 31, where God's law would be written on their hearts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rejoice" (ืฉึธื‚ืžึทื—, samach) implies a deep, heartfelt gladness, often expressed through celebration and dancing. The contrast between "mourning" (ืึตื‘ึถืœ, evel) and "sorrow" (ื™ึธื’ื•ึนืŸ, yagon) with this profound joy underscores the completeness of God's restorative work. It's not merely a cessation of sadness, but a positive, active experience of delight and comfort provided directly by God.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 31:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak.
  • He has the power to transform our deepest sorrows into genuine joy and comfort. Psalm 30:11 also speaks of God turning mourning into dancing.
  • Even in times of personal or collective distress, there is a divine promise of ultimate healing and restoration. This hope finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who promises to wipe away every tear in the new creation (Revelation 21:4).

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring love and His capacity to bring about joy and healing even after periods of profound grief.

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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

    ยถ 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.