Jeremiah 31:19

KJV

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely after {H310} that I was turned {H7725}, I repented {H5162}; and after {H310} that I was instructed {H3045}, I smote {H5606} upon my thigh {H3409}: I was ashamed {H954}, yea, even confounded {H3637}, because I did bear {H5375} the reproach {H2781} of my youth {H5271}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I turned away; but later I repented. When I had been made to understand, I struck my thigh in shame and remorse, bearing the weight of the disgrace acquired when I was young.'

Berean Standard Bible

After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

American Standard Version

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:19 captures the heartfelt lament and profound repentance of Ephraim, representing the Northern Kingdom of Israel, as they acknowledge their long history of rebellion and spiritual wandering. This verse vividly portrays a process initiated by divine turning, leading to genuine contrition, expressed through physical gestures of deep remorse and an overwhelming sense of shame for the collective sins and spiritual immaturity that marked their national youth. It serves as a poignant confession that precedes God's compassionate response and the promise of restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31 is a pivotal chapter within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), which offers a stark contrast to the preceding chapters filled with pronouncements of judgment. After detailing the impending destruction and exile for Judah due to their unfaithfulness, Jeremiah shifts to a message of future hope and restoration for both the Northern Kingdom (Israel/Ephraim) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Verses 18-20 specifically focus on Ephraim's lament, portraying their deep sorrow and contrition for past rebellion, which sets the stage for God's tender and compassionate response, culminating in the promise of the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") later in the chapter. This verse is the emotional core of Ephraim's turning.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim (as it was the dominant tribe), had been conquered and exiled by Assyria centuries before Jeremiah's time (722 BCE). Their dispersion and spiritual decline were profound. Jeremiah's prophecy, delivered primarily to Judah before the Babylonian exile, extends hope for the eventual reunification and restoration of all twelve tribes. The "reproach of my youth" refers to Israel's long history of idolatry, covenant breaking, and spiritual immaturity from their very beginnings, stretching back to their time in the wilderness and the period of the judges. The act of "smiting upon [my] thigh" was a well-attested ancient Near Eastern gesture expressing intense grief, shock, self-reproach, or profound distress, similar to beating one's breast, signifying overwhelming sorrow and regret, as seen in [Ezekiel 21:12](/ezekiel/21-12 "Ezekiel 21:12 - Smite Upon Your Thigh").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to Jeremiah's message and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **divine initiative in repentance**: Ephraim's turning is presented as a response to God's prior work ("I was turned," implying God's drawing). This leads to **genuine human contrition**, characterized by deep shame and self-abasement, which is a necessary precursor to restoration. Secondly, it underscores the **consequences of sin and the burden of collective guilt**, as Ephraim acknowledges the "reproach of my youth," representing generations of unfaithfulness. Finally, the verse, within its broader context, emphasizes God's **unwavering faithfulness and compassionate love** for His wayward people, promising reconciliation and a future of blessing despite their past failures, a theme echoed throughout the "Book of Consolation" in [Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Consolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** H7725, a primitive root meaning "to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbial, again." In this context, the passive voice ("I was turned") is significant, implying that God's grace or intervention initiated Ephraim's spiritual turning, leading them back towards Him. This turning is not merely a change of direction but a profound spiritual reorientation.
* **instructed (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.)." Here, it carries the sense of being taught, disciplined, or made aware through experience or divine revelation. This instruction, often through suffering or consequences, brought Ephraim to a point of profound self-awareness regarding their sin.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** H2781, from חָרַף; meaning "contumely, disgrace, the pudenda; rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame." This word denotes deep humiliation, scorn, or disgrace. The "reproach of my youth" signifies the collective and historical shame resulting from Israel's persistent idolatry, disobedience, and spiritual immaturity from their earliest days as a nation, a burden of guilt that Ephraim now fully bears and confesses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely after that I was turned, I repented;":** This clause highlights the divine initiative in human repentance. The passive "I was turned" suggests that God's Spirit or His providential discipline was at work, drawing Ephraim back. This turning then led to active "repentance" (Hebrew: _nâcham_), which means to sigh, to be sorry, or to rue. It signifies a profound change of heart and mind, a sorrow for past actions that leads to a desire for a new direction.
* **"and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh:":** This part indicates that divine instruction or discipline (the result of "being instructed" or taught through experience) brought about a visible, visceral reaction. "Smiting upon my thigh" is an ancient, dramatic gesture of profound grief, shock, self-reproach, or extreme distress. It signifies a deep, physical manifestation of internal anguish and remorse over one's actions, a clear sign of genuine contrition.
* **"I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.":** This final clause emphasizes the overwhelming emotional state of Ephraim. The repetition and intensification ("ashamed, yea, even confounded") underscore the depth of their humiliation and bewilderment. They are not merely regretful but utterly mortified. The reason for this profound shame is the recognition that they have borne, or carried, the "reproach of my youth"—the long-standing pattern of sin, idolatry, and rebellion that characterized Israel from its formative years. This is a confession of collective, historical guilt and the profound dishonor it brought upon God and themselves.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:19 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) is given a voice and speaks as a single individual ("I was turned, I repented"). This allows for a deeply personal and relatable expression of national repentance. The phrase "I smote upon my thigh" is a powerful **Idiom** or **Gesture of Grief**, conveying intense, visceral sorrow and self-reproach that transcends mere words. The use of "ashamed, yea, even confounded" employs **Repetition** and **Intensification** to underscore the profound depth of Ephraim's humiliation and bewilderment. Furthermore, "the reproach of my youth" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, representing not just a single act but the entire cumulative history of Israel's unfaithfulness and its resulting disgrace, a heavy burden carried through generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:19 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of true repentance and God's restorative grace. It reveals that genuine turning to God often begins with His prior work in the heart, leading to a deep conviction of sin and a willingness to acknowledge past failures, even those stretching back generations. This confession of shame and the physical expression of remorse are not ends in themselves but necessary steps towards receiving divine comfort and restoration. The verse underscores that God does not desire superficial regret but a broken and contrite spirit, which He then honors with mercy and a pathway to renewed relationship, fulfilling His covenant promises.

* [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - A Broken and Contrite Heart")
* [Luke 15:17-18](/luke/15-17 "Luke 15:17-18 - The Prodigal Son's Repentance")
* [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:19 provides a timeless model for personal and communal repentance, demonstrating that the path to restoration begins with a humble recognition of our sin and a turning toward God. It reminds us that God's grace often precedes our turning, gently or firmly drawing us to acknowledge our brokenness. True repentance is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, often painful, emotional and spiritual reckoning with our past actions and their consequences, leading to genuine shame and contrition before a holy God. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives, both individually and corporately, for areas where we have borne the "reproach of our youth"—patterns of sin, spiritual immaturity, or generational brokenness. It offers immense hope, assuring us that such honest confession is the very doorway through which God's boundless mercy and restorative power flow, leading us from shame to reconciliation and renewed life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "turning" or "instructing" you in your life, leading you to a deeper awareness of your need for repentance?**
* **What "reproach of your youth" (past sins, habits, or generational patterns) might you need to acknowledge and bring before God with genuine shame and contrition?**
* **How does the idea of God initiating repentance impact your understanding of grace and human responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can you take to move from mere regret over sin to a profound, transformative repentance that leads to restoration?**

### FAQ

**Who is "Ephraim" in this verse, and why is he speaking?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 31:19, "Ephraim" represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Ephraim was the dominant tribe of the Northern Kingdom, and its name often served as a poetic or prophetic designation for the entire ten-tribe kingdom that had separated from Judah after Solomon's reign. Ephraim is speaking here as a personified entity, expressing the collective lament and repentance of this kingdom, which had been conquered and exiled by Assyria centuries before Jeremiah's prophecy. Jeremiah's message extends hope for their future restoration and reunification with Judah, as part of God's broader plan for His people, as detailed in [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The Restoration of Israel").

**What does "I smote upon my thigh" mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: "I smote upon my thigh" is an ancient Near Eastern idiom and a vivid physical gesture signifying intense grief, shock, profound sorrow, or self-reproach. It's an outward manifestation of deep internal anguish and remorse. Its significance lies in demonstrating the authenticity and depth of Ephraim's repentance. This wasn't a superficial regret but a visceral, overwhelming sense of having sinned profoundly against God, leading to a physical expression of distress and self-condemnation. Other biblical examples of similar gestures conveying extreme distress can be found in [Ezekiel 21:12](/ezekiel/21-12 "Ezekiel 21:12 - Smite Upon Your Thigh") and [Jeremiah 30:6](/jeremiah/30-6 "Jeremiah 30:6 - Every Man With His Hands on His Loins").

**What is "the reproach of my youth"?**

Answer: "The reproach of my youth" refers to the long history of Israel's (specifically the Northern Kingdom's) unfaithfulness, idolatry, and rebellion from the very beginning of their national existence. It encompasses the collective guilt, shame, and disgrace accumulated over generations of spiritual immaturity and disobedience to God's covenant. This includes their idolatry from the time of Jeroboam I (e.g., the golden calves at Dan and Bethel, as mentioned in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")), their pursuit of foreign gods, and their rejection of God's prophets. Ephraim's acknowledgment of this "reproach" signifies a profound and honest confrontation with their entire sinful past, recognizing it as a heavy burden of collective shame that they have borne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:19, with its poignant portrayal of Ephraim's repentance and God's compassionate response, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant he inaugurated. Ephraim's turning, initiated by God, foreshadows the Spirit-wrought conviction that leads individuals to repentance in the New Testament era, as the [Holy Spirit convicts the world concerning sin](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit Will Convict the World"). The shame and reproach borne by Ephraim for their national sin are ultimately taken away by Christ, who, as the [Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He bore the ultimate reproach and shame of humanity's sin on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The "new covenant" promised in [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), which is referenced and explained in [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant"), is established through Christ's blood, offering complete forgiveness and reconciliation, writing God's law on the hearts of believers and remembering their sins no more. Thus, the deep shame and sorrow expressed by Ephraim are met with the perfect and complete redemption found in Christ, who transforms our brokenness into new life and our reproach into righteousness.

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 3:25

We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.

Ezekiel 36:31

Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that [were] not good, and shall lothe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

Ezekiel 21:12

Cry and howl, son of man: for it shall be upon my people, it [shall be] upon all the princes of Israel: terrors by reason of the sword shall be upon my people: smite therefore upon [thy] thigh.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Deuteronomy 30:2

And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

Ezra 9:6

And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over [our] head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.

Leviticus 26:41

And [that] I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: