Jeremiah 31:22

KJV

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.

KJV (with Strong's)

How long wilt thou go about {H2559}, O thou backsliding {H7728} daughter {H1323}? for the LORD {H3068} hath created {H1254} a new thing {H2319} in the earth {H776}, A woman {H5347} shall compass {H5437} a man {H1397}.

Complete Jewish Bible

How long will you hesitate, you unruly daughter? For ADONAI has created something new on earth: a woman with the strengths of a man.

Berean Standard Bible

How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land— a woman will shelter a man.”

American Standard Version

How long wilt thou go hither and thither, O thou backsliding daughter? for Jehovah hath created a new thing in the earth: A woman shall encompass a man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:22 stands as a profound declaration within the "Book of Consolation," signaling a dramatic shift from Israel's persistent backsliding to God's sovereign and unprecedented intervention. This verse announces that the LORD will perform a "new thing" on earth, culminating in the enigmatic statement, "A woman shall compass a man," which signifies a radical reversal of expectations and a divine act of new creation, promising deep spiritual transformation and restoration for His wayward people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:22 is nestled within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a section distinct from the prophet's earlier pronouncements of judgment and exile. This block of scripture pivots to promises of future restoration, hope, and the re-gathering of Israel and Judah from their dispersion. The immediate verses preceding 31:22 speak of God's enduring love for Israel and His promise to rebuild them, while the verses following introduce the groundbreaking promise of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), where God will write His law on their hearts, ensuring a lasting and intimate relationship. Thus, 31:22 serves as a pivotal transition, highlighting the divine initiative that undergirds this promised renewal and transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE). The people of Judah, often personified as the "backsliding daughter," had repeatedly violated their covenant with the LORD through idolatry, injustice, and reliance on foreign alliances. This spiritual apostasy led to God's judgment and their eventual displacement from the land. Culturally, ancient Israel was a patriarchal society where the idea of a "woman compassing a man" would have been unusual, perhaps even counter-cultural, underscoring the radical nature of the "new thing" God was about to do. The verse speaks directly to the consequences of their historical unfaithfulness and God's surprising, redemptive response.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. First, it underscores **Divine Initiative and New Creation**, emphasizing that God is not merely reacting to human failure but actively bringing about something unprecedented and powerful. This resonates with other prophetic declarations of God's innovative work, such as [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "Isaiah 43:19 - Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing"). Second, it highlights **Restoration and Reversal**, suggesting a profound turnaround from Israel's historical pattern of unfaithfulness. The "new thing" implies a future where the dynamic between God and His people, or even within society, will be fundamentally altered, moving from constant pursuit by God to a genuine, internal turning of His people towards Him. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Transformation**, setting the stage for the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant and Restoration") that promises an internal, spiritual change, enabling Israel to truly "compass" the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **backsliding (Hebrew, _shôwbêb'_):** (H7728) This term vividly describes Israel's spiritual state, denoting one who is apostate or heathenish, characterized by a persistent turning away from God. It conveys a sense of rebellion, wandering, and unfaithfulness to the covenant, highlighting the deep spiritual malaise that necessitated divine intervention.
* **created (Hebrew, _bârâʼ'_):** (H1254) This primitive root signifies a divine act of creation, often implying creation *ex nihilo* or the bringing into existence of something entirely new and unique. When used of God, it emphasizes His sovereign power to originate and transform, indicating that the "new thing" is not merely an improvement or modification, but a radical, unprecedented work of God.
* **new thing (Hebrew, _châdâsh'_):** (H2319) Derived from a root meaning "to be new," this word emphasizes the freshness, uniqueness, and unprecedented nature of God's action. It signifies something utterly remarkable and distinct from past events, underscoring the radical departure from the cycles of Israel's sin and God's judgment.
* **compass (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** (H5437) This versatile root carries a range of meanings including "to revolve," "surround," "turn about," "seek," or "embrace." Its ambiguity in this context allows for various interpretations, from a spiritual turning back to God, to a miraculous conception, or even a societal reversal of roles, all pointing to a profound and unexpected shift.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter?":** This opening rhetorical question expresses God's exasperation and lament over Israel's spiritual indecision and persistent unfaithfulness. "Go about" (Hebrew: *châmaq*) implies wandering aimlessly, turning away from God's path, and seeking satisfaction or security elsewhere. "Backsliding daughter" is a poignant personification of Israel (or Judah), highlighting their covenant relationship with God as a father to a child, and their repeated apostasy.
* **"for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth":** This clause marks an abrupt and dramatic shift from rebuke to divine promise. The conjunction "for" introduces the reason for the end of Israel's wandering: God's sovereign, unprecedented intervention. The phrase "created a new thing" emphasizes that this is not a human effort or a natural progression, but a unique, miraculous act initiated by Yahweh (the LORD, H3068), transcending all previous patterns and expectations.
* **"A woman shall compass a man.":** This is the enigmatic core of the verse, offering the specific nature of the "new thing." The verb "compass" (Hebrew: *çâbab*) suggests surrounding, embracing, or turning about. The phrase has been interpreted in various ways: as Israel (the "woman") turning wholeheartedly to God (the "man" or the male remnant), as a prophecy of the virgin birth, or as a symbol of profound peace and security where the weaker (woman) protects the stronger (man). Regardless of the specific interpretation, it signifies a radical reversal or a unique, unprecedented event that defies conventional understanding.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:22 is rich with literary artistry. The prophet employs **Personification** by referring to Israel as a "backsliding daughter," imbuing the nation with human characteristics and highlighting the relational breach with God. A **Rhetorical Question**, "How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter?", is used not to elicit an answer but to underscore God's weariness with Israel's persistent unfaithfulness and to emphasize the urgency of the divine intervention. The most striking device is **Paradox** or **Enigma** in the phrase "A woman shall compass a man." This statement intentionally challenges conventional expectations and natural order, creating a sense of mystery and inviting deeper theological reflection on the unprecedented nature of God's "new thing." The declaration "for the LORD hath created a new thing" functions as a **Divine Fiat**, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and His power to bring about radical transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:22 profoundly articulates God's unwavering faithfulness and His astonishing capacity for radical redemption, even in the face of persistent human failure. The "new thing" God creates is a testament to His redemptive power, moving beyond mere forgiveness to a transformative act that fundamentally alters the relationship between humanity and the divine. This verse anticipates a profound spiritual renewal, where the pattern of human backsliding is broken by divine initiative, leading to a secure and steadfast relationship. It speaks to the heart of God's character as one who continually makes all things new, offering hope where human effort has failed and demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people.

* [Isaiah 43:18-19](/isaiah/43-18 "Isaiah 43:18-19 - Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:22 offers profound hope and a powerful reminder of God's redemptive nature for believers today. In moments when we feel like the "backsliding daughter," caught in cycles of spiritual wandering, indecision, or unfaithfulness, this verse assures us that God is not bound by our past failures. He possesses the power and desire to initiate something completely new within us and our circumstances. It challenges us to look beyond our limitations and trust in God's capacity to transform what seems unchangeable. The promise of God creating a "new thing" invites us to surrender our old patterns and embrace His radical work of renewal, believing that He can bring about profound spiritual transformation and a secure, steadfast relationship with Him, enabling us to truly "compass" Him with unwavering devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel like a "backsliding daughter/son," constantly wandering from God's path or struggling with spiritual indecision?**
* **How does the promise of God creating a "new thing" offer hope and encouragement in seemingly unchangeable personal situations or broader societal challenges?**
* **What might it mean for you, personally, to "compass" the Lord in a new way, embracing Him wholeheartedly and steadfastly, rather than constantly "going about"?**

### FAQ

**What does "go about" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 31:22, "go about" (Hebrew: *châmaq*) refers to Israel's spiritual indecision, aimless wandering, and persistent turning away from God. It describes their tendency to pursue idols, rely on foreign alliances, or seek satisfaction in things other than their covenant relationship with the LORD. It highlights their spiritual instability and unfaithfulness, constantly deviating from the path God had set for them.

**Is "A woman shall compass a man" a prophecy of the virgin birth?**

Answer: This is a significant and widely held Christian interpretation. While the immediate context of [Jeremiah 31](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - The New Covenant and Restoration") focuses on the restoration of Israel, the phrase "new thing" (Hebrew: *châdâsh*) is unique and unprecedented. The miraculous nature of the virgin birth, where a woman conceives and gives birth to a man without human male intervention, aligns powerfully with the idea of God creating something entirely new and outside natural order. Many scholars see it as a subtle prophetic hint, fulfilled ultimately in the New Testament with the conception of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit through the Virgin Mary, as described in [Luke 1:34-35](/luke/1-34 "Luke 1:34-35 - The Annunciation to Mary").

**How does this verse relate to the "New Covenant"?**

Answer: Jeremiah 31:22 is strategically placed within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), which culminates in the profound promise of the [New Covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). The "new thing" God creates is intrinsically linked to this covenant. The New Covenant promises an internal transformation where God will write His law on the hearts of His people, enabling them to truly know Him and obey Him from within. This internal change directly addresses Israel's "backsliding" and empowers them to "compass" or turn back to the Lord wholeheartedly, ending their spiritual wandering and establishing a secure, steadfast relationship that was previously unattainable under the Old Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:22 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "new thing" that the LORD created in the earth is supremely manifested in the Incarnation—the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus. Here, a "woman" (Mary) did indeed "compass a man" (Jesus) in a way utterly unprecedented and outside the natural order, conceived by the Holy Spirit without human male involvement, as foretold in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") and fulfilled in [Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus Christ"). Jesus, the perfect "man," is the embodiment of God's "new creation," through whom the promised [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") is inaugurated. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ reverses humanity's spiritual "backsliding," enabling a true and lasting relationship with God. He is the means by which we are made "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), and through Him, we are empowered to "compass" the Lord with genuine devotion, ending our spiritual wandering and living in the secure hope of His promise to make all things new ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

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 49:4

Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, [saying], Who shall come unto me?

Jeremiah 7:24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Luke 1:34

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Hosea 11:7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him].

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.