Jeremiah 31:18

KJV

¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have surely {H8085} heard {H8085} Ephraim {H669} bemoaning {H5110} himself thus; Thou hast chastised {H3256} me, and I was chastised {H3256}, as a bullock {H5695} unaccustomed {H3808}{H3925} to the yoke: turn {H7725} thou me, and I shall be turned {H7725}; for thou art the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I hear Efrayim bemoaning himself: 'You disciplined me, and I took your discipline like a young ox not used to a yoke. Let me return, and I will return, for you are ADONAI, my God.

Berean Standard Bible

I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.

American Standard Version

I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art Jehovah my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:18 profoundly captures the lament of Ephraim, symbolizing the Northern Kingdom of Israel, as they acknowledge God's painful yet purposeful chastisement. This verse expresses a deep, divinely-instigated desire for genuine repentance and transformation, recognizing their past stubbornness likened to an untamed bullock. It culminates in a humble declaration of dependence on God's sovereign power to initiate and complete their spiritual turning, affirming His covenant relationship as "the LORD my God."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:18 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a section that marks a significant shift from the preceding prophecies of judgment to a glorious future of restoration and renewal for both the Northern Kingdom (Israel/Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Ephraim's lament here serves as a crucial theological bridge, illustrating the necessary brokenness and repentance that precede the promised divine restoration. It immediately sets the stage for the climactic prophecy of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") (Jeremiah 31:31-34), underscoring that true spiritual renewal is predicated on a contrite heart and God's enabling grace. The preceding verses in chapter 31 speak of God's enduring love for Israel ([Jeremiah 31:3](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3 - God's Everlasting Love")) and the joyful return of the exiles ([Jeremiah 31:8-9](/jeremiah/31-8-9 "Jeremiah 31:8-9 - The Return of the Exiles")), making Ephraim's lament a fitting and poignant response to this divine initiative of grace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Northern Kingdom of Israel, often personified as Ephraim due to its prominence, had been conquered and dispersed by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BC, centuries before Jeremiah's ministry to Judah. Unlike Judah, which faced impending Babylonian exile, Israel's return seemed a distant, almost impossible hope. The metaphor of a "bullock unaccustomed to the yoke" resonates deeply with ancient agricultural practices. Young oxen were trained to the yoke through a rigorous, often painful, and initially resistant process. This imagery vividly portrays Israel's historical stubbornness and persistent resistance to God's divine will and prophetic warnings, as evidenced throughout their history, for instance, in the period of the [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") or the division of the kingdom in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom"). The lament is a profound recognition of this long-standing rebellion and the necessity of divine discipline to break their untamed spirit and bring them into submission.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores **Divine Discipline**, revealing God's corrective hand not as punitive destruction but as a pedagogical tool for instruction and reform, aimed at bringing His people back to Himself. It highlights the theme of **Repentance and Transformation**, emphasizing that genuine turning to God is not merely a human act of will but profoundly requires a divine enabling, as expressed in the plea "turn thou me, and I shall be turned." The **Covenant Relationship** is reaffirmed as Ephraim acknowledges, "for thou art the LORD my God," indicating a renewed understanding of their unique and unbreakable bond with Yahweh despite their unfaithfulness. Finally, it foreshadows the grand theme of **Restoration and Hope**, as this lament of a chastised people sets the stage for the glorious promises of return, rebuilding, and spiritual renewal that define the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), culminating in the promise of a new, internal covenant where God's law is written on the heart, as described in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chastised (Hebrew, _yâçar'_):** H3256. This root signifies more than mere punishment; it implies discipline, instruction, training, and correction. God's chastening, though painful, is always purposeful, designed to educate and reform His people, guiding them back to the right path. It speaks to a loving, parental discipline rather than vindictive retribution, aiming for reformation.
* **unaccustomed (Hebrew, _lôʼ lâmad'_):** H3808 (not) + H3925 (to teach/accustomed). The phrase "unaccustomed to the yoke" uses the negative particle "loʼ" with the verb "lamad," meaning "to teach" or "to learn/be accustomed." Thus, it literally means "not taught" or "not accustomed." It vividly portrays Israel's historical resistance to divine instruction and their refusal to submit to God's authority, much like a young, untrained animal that fights against the harness meant to guide it.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725. This highly significant Hebrew verb means "to turn," "to return," or "to restore." Its repetition in "turn thou me, and I shall be turned" creates a powerful wordplay. The first instance, "turn thou me," is causative, indicating God's active role in initiating repentance. The second, "I shall be turned," is passive or reflexive, showing the human response and transformation enabled by divine grace. It underscores the theological truth that true repentance is a work of God within the human heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus];"**: This opening clause establishes God as the attentive and certain hearer of Ephraim's deep lament. "Ephraim" here is a synecdoche for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, symbolizing their collective sorrow and regret over their past disobedience and the severe consequences they have endured. The emphatic "surely heard" underscores the certainty and attentiveness of God's listening ear to their genuine contrition and brokenness.
* **"Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]:"**: Here, Ephraim acknowledges God's disciplinary hand. The repetition of "chastised" (active voice for God's action, passive voice for Ephraim's experience) underscores the reality and effectiveness of God's corrective discipline. The vivid simile of the "bullock unaccustomed to the yoke" powerfully illustrates Israel's historical stubbornness, their resistance to divine guidance, and the painful yet necessary process by which God, like a farmer breaking an untamed animal, brings them into submission. It implies that the discipline was essential due to their inherent wildness and unwillingness to yield to His will.
* **"turn thou me, and I shall be turned;"**: This is the theological heart of the lament and a profound prayer for divine enablement. Ephraim recognizes their own inability to truly repent and transform without God's supernatural intervention. The active "turn thou me" (God's initiating action) leads to the passive "I shall be turned" (human transformation as a result of divine grace). It's a humble surrender to God's sovereign grace, acknowledging that genuine spiritual change is both initiated and empowered by Him.
* **"for thou [art] the LORD my God."**: This concluding declaration affirms the covenant relationship. It is a humble, yet powerful, recognition of Yahweh's unique identity as their sovereign God and their renewed commitment to Him. It signifies a return to a right understanding of their identity as His people, utterly dependent on His grace and authority, and a foundational trust in His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant name and promises.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:18 is rich with **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, most notably the comparison of Ephraim to a "bullock unaccustomed to the yoke." This vivid agricultural metaphor effectively conveys Israel's historical stubbornness and resistance to God's will, as well as the necessity of divine discipline to break that resistance and bring them into submission. The verse also employs **Personification**, as Ephraim, representing the entire Northern Kingdom, is given a voice to lament and express profound repentance. The repetition of the root verb "turn" (**shûwb**) in "turn thou me, and I shall be turned" is a striking example of **Wordplay** (specifically, **polyptoton**), highlighting the interplay between divine initiative and human response in the process of repentance and conversion. This literary device emphasizes the theological truth that true spiritual turning is ultimately a work of God's grace. The entire verse functions as a **Lament**, a form of prayer or song expressing deep sorrow, regret, and a plea for help, which here transitions into a hopeful declaration of renewed trust and covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:18 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine discipline and true repentance. It teaches that God's chastisement, though painful, is an act of love designed to correct and restore His people, not to destroy them. More significantly, it reveals that genuine turning to God ("repentance") is not solely a human act of willpower but is divinely initiated and enabled. Ephraim's plea, "turn thou me, and I shall be turned," articulates the biblical truth that while humans are called to repent, the capacity and desire to do so are ultimately gifts from God. This highlights God's sovereign grace in drawing His people back to Himself and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant relationship, even when His people have been unfaithful. It sets the stage for the New Covenant, where God promises to write His law on their hearts, enabling obedience from within.

* [Deuteronomy 8:5](/deuteronomy/8-5 "Deuteronomy 8:5 - God's Discipline as a Father")
* [Lamentations 5:21](/lamentations/5-21 "Lamentations 5:21 - A Prayer for Restoration")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God at Work Within You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:18 provides a timeless blueprint for understanding and responding to God's corrective discipline in our lives. When we experience hardship, consequences for our actions, or a profound sense of spiritual brokenness, this verse invites us to recognize God's loving hand at work. Like Ephraim, we are often "unaccustomed to the yoke," resisting God's guidance and fighting against His will. This passage calls us to humble ourselves, acknowledge our stubbornness, and confess our deep need for divine intervention. True repentance is not merely feeling sorry for our sins; it is a turning away from them and a turning towards God, a profound transformation that we cannot fully accomplish on our own. Our prayer should echo Ephraim's: "Turn thou me, and I shall be turned," acknowledging that God's grace is the essential catalyst for genuine change and spiritual renewal. This posture of dependence fosters a deeper trust in God's faithfulness and His unwavering desire to restore us to a right relationship with Him, no matter how far we may have strayed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like a "bullock unaccustomed to the yoke," resisting God's guidance or discipline?**
* **How have you experienced God's "chastisement" as an act of loving correction rather than mere punishment?**
* **What does the prayer "turn thou me, and I shall be turned" reveal about your own capacity for spiritual transformation and your dependence on God?**
* **How does acknowledging God as "the LORD my God" deepen your trust and commitment to Him, especially in times of brokenness or repentance?**

### FAQ
**What does "a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke" mean in this context?**

Answer: This vivid metaphor describes Ephraim (representing Israel) as a young, untrained ox that resists the yoke, which is essential for guiding it in plowing or other agricultural work. Spiritually, it signifies Israel's historical stubbornness, their resistance to God's commands, and their unwillingness to submit to His divine will and guidance. Just as a bullock must be "broken in" through discipline to become useful, Israel needed God's chastisement to humble them and bring them into obedience. This imagery highlights the necessity of God's corrective hand to overcome their inherent rebellion and prepare them for a life of fruitful service under His authority, as seen in the broader narrative of their disobedience throughout books like [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges") and [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel").

**Does "turn thou me, and I shall be turned" imply that humans have no role in repentance?**

Answer: No, it does not imply that humans are entirely passive. Instead, it highlights the synergistic nature of repentance, where divine grace enables human response. The first part, "turn thou me," emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and power to draw, convict, and empower the human heart to repent. Without this divine enablement, true, lasting repentance is impossible. The second part, "and I shall be turned," indicates the human response and transformation that occurs as a result of God's work. It acknowledges human responsibility to yield to God's turning grace. This theological truth is echoed in the New Testament, where passages like [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him") speak of God drawing people to Himself, while verses like [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted") call for human repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:18, with Ephraim's lament and plea for divine turning, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "chastisement" that Israel experienced for their stubbornness foreshadows the perfect discipline and ultimate reconciliation achieved through Christ. He is the one who perfectly submitted to the Father's will, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The "turning" (Hebrew _shûwb_) that Ephraim desperately sought is fully realized in the New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only bore the chastisement for our sins but also empowers us to truly "turn" from our rebellion and return to God. The Holy Spirit, promised in the New Covenant, writes God's law on our hearts, enabling us to obey and desire Him from within ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on the Heart"); [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Thus, the cry "turn thou me, and I shall be turned" becomes a reality for all who are united with Christ, as He grants both the desire and the power to live in submission to "the LORD our God" ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God at Work Within You")). In Him, the stubborn bullock is transformed into a willing servant, walking in the freedom and power of God's grace.

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

Jeremiah 31:9

They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.

Psalms 80:3

Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Jeremiah 3:21

A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping [and] supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, [and] they have forgotten the LORD their God.

Jeremiah 3:22

Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.

Job 5:17

¶ Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Isaiah 9:13

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 50:4

In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God.