Jeremiah 31:26

KJV

Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Upon this I awaked {H6974}, and beheld {H7200}; and my sleep {H8142} was sweet {H6149} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point I woke up and looked around, but I had enjoyed my sleep.

Berean Standard Bible

At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been most pleasant to me.

American Standard Version

Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:26 presents a deeply personal interjection from the prophet Jeremiah, immediately following a profound divine revelation concerning Israel's future restoration and the New Covenant. This verse captures his awakening from a vision, characterized by a profound sense of peace and contentment, signifying the immense comfort and spiritual nourishment he received from God's message of hope. It serves as a powerful testament to the transformative and reassuring power of divine truth, especially for a prophet accustomed to delivering messages of judgment and lament.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This brief, personal statement from Jeremiah serves as a pivotal moment within a larger section of profound hope and restoration in the book of Jeremiah. It immediately follows the detailed prophecy of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), arguably one of the most significant theological declarations in the Old Testament. Prior to this, [Jeremiah 31:1-25](/jeremiah/31 "Jeremiah 31 - Restoration and Hope") outlines God's enduring love for Israel, promising their return from exile, the rebuilding of their nation, and a renewed relationship with Him. The preceding verses paint a vivid picture of future joy, fertility, and spiritual renewal, a stark contrast to the messages of impending judgment and destruction that often dominate Jeremiah's prophecies. The prophet's personal response in verse 26 thus underscores the extraordinary nature and comforting impact of these specific divine revelations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last five kings before the Babylonian exile. His ministry was characterized by urgent warnings against idolatry, social injustice, and false prophets, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of its people to Babylon. This was a time of immense national despair, loss, and spiritual brokenness. In such a context, prophecies of restoration, like those found in [Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Consolation"), known as the "Book of Consolation," offered a radical counter-narrative to the prevailing gloom. Jeremiah's personal experience of "sweet sleep" after receiving these visions highlights the profound psychological and spiritual relief they provided, not just for the prophet but for a people facing utter devastation. The concept of dreams and visions as a primary mode of divine communication was well-established in ancient Israelite culture, making Jeremiah's awakening from such a revelatory experience deeply significant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 31:26 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of Jeremiah and biblical theology. Most prominently, it highlights **Divine Comfort and Peace**, demonstrating that God's word, especially His promises of restoration, can bring profound spiritual and emotional solace, even to those burdened by difficult ministry or circumstances. The "sweetness" of Jeremiah's sleep is a direct result of God's comforting message, contrasting with the prophet's usual lamentations (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament")). It also underscores **The Impact of God's Word**, showing that divine revelation is not merely intellectual information but a transformative power that can affect one's entire being, leading to deep rest and contentment. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Hope Amidst Despair**, a central message of the "Book of Consolation." For a prophet who often delivered harsh judgments, the vision of future restoration provided immense personal relief and hope, affirming God's ultimate faithfulness and mercy, even in the face of widespread sin and impending exile, echoing the enduring hope found in passages like [Lamentations 3:21-23](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-23 - God's Steadfast Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **awaked (Hebrew, _qûwts_):** This primitive root (H6974) signifies a sudden arousal from sleep, often implying a literal awakening. However, it can also carry a figurative sense of "arising" or "being awake" to a new reality. In Jeremiah 31:26, it denotes the prophet's transition from a state of profound, divinely-induced vision or dream back to conscious reality, emphasizing the clarity and distinctness of the revelation he had just received. The abruptness implied by the root suggests a powerful, undeniable experience, marking the end of the revelatory encounter.
* **beheld (Hebrew, _râʼâh_):** The verb (H7200) is a fundamental Hebrew word for "to see," but its scope is vast, encompassing literal sight, figurative understanding, perception, and even experiencing. When Jeremiah "beheld," it was not merely a passive observation but an active engagement with and comprehension of the divine truths unveiled to him. It implies a clear, discerning grasp of the vision's content, confirming its reality and significance in his mind. This seeing leads to a deep internal processing and affirmation of the revelation's authenticity.
* **sweet (Hebrew, _ʻârêb_):** This adjective (H6149) describes something as "agreeable," "pleasant," or "delightful." It goes beyond mere physical comfort to denote a deep sense of satisfaction and well-being. When applied to sleep, as here, it suggests a sleep that was not only restful but profoundly satisfying and refreshing, permeated by a sense of peace derived directly from the divine encounter. It speaks to the spiritual and emotional solace that the vision of God's future restoration brought to Jeremiah, a stark contrast to his usual burdens.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Upon this I awaked":** This phrase indicates Jeremiah's emergence from a state of deep, possibly divinely-induced, sleep or trance, immediately after receiving the profound prophecies of Israel's restoration and the New Covenant. The "this" refers directly to the preceding divine communication, highlighting the direct cause-and-effect relationship between the revelation and his awakening. It suggests a powerful, perhaps sudden, return to consciousness, with the divine message still fresh and impactful in his mind.
* **"and beheld":** Following his awakening, Jeremiah's act of "beholding" implies a clear perception and understanding of the vision or dream he had just experienced. It is not a casual glance but a conscious acknowledgment and internalization of the revealed truths. This signifies that the message was not fleeting but was firmly imprinted upon his mind, confirming its reality and importance. He saw, understood, and processed the divine word, integrating it into his prophetic consciousness.
* **"and my sleep was sweet unto me":** This is the culmination of the experience, revealing the profound impact of the divine revelation on Jeremiah's inner state. The "sweetness" of his sleep signifies deep peace, contentment, and spiritual refreshment. For a prophet often burdened by sorrow and judgment, this "sweet sleep" underscores the immense comfort and solace that God's promises of future hope and restoration brought to his soul, providing a rare moment of profound spiritual rest amidst his arduous ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:26, though brief, employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jeremiah's experience of "sweet sleep" stands in stark opposition to the general tone of lament and judgment that characterizes much of his prophetic ministry. This contrast emphasizes the extraordinary nature and comforting impact of the preceding prophecies of hope and restoration, particularly the New Covenant. The phrase "my sleep was sweet" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "sweet sleep" represents the deep spiritual peace and contentment that permeated Jeremiah's being, not just a physical state. It is a tangible manifestation of an internal, spiritual reality. Furthermore, the verse serves as an **Interjection** or a personal aside, breaking the flow of prophetic pronouncements to offer a glimpse into the prophet's subjective experience, thereby enhancing the authenticity and emotional weight of the preceding divine messages. The very act of "awakening and beholding" can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical transition but a spiritual awakening to a new understanding and hope, a clarity of vision after receiving profound truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:26 powerfully illustrates the transformative and comforting nature of God's revealed word. For Jeremiah, a prophet often steeped in sorrow and delivering messages of judgment, the vision of the New Covenant and Israel's restoration brought a profound sense of peace and spiritual refreshment, manifesting even in his physical state. This highlights that divine truth is not merely intellectual information but a life-giving force capable of bringing deep solace to the soul. It underscores God's character as one who provides comfort and hope even in the darkest times, affirming His ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises and His people. The "sweetness" experienced by Jeremiah foreshadows the deep peace and rest available to all who receive and embrace God's promises.

* [Psalm 4:8](/psalms/4-8 "Psalm 4:8 - Peaceful Sleep in God's Presence")
* [Proverbs 3:24](/proverbs/3-24 "Proverbs 3:24 - Secure Sleep for the Wise")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for the Steadfast Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah's experience in this verse offers a profound invitation for contemporary believers to engage with God's word in a way that truly nourishes the soul. In a world often filled with anxiety, despair, and relentless demands, the "sweet sleep" Jeremiah found reminds us that genuine peace and rest are ultimately found in God's promises. When we immerse ourselves in the truths of His faithfulness, His redemptive plans, and His unwavering love, it can transform our inner landscape, providing a deep sense of security and contentment that transcends our circumstances. This isn't about avoiding life's challenges, but about finding a spiritual anchor that allows us to navigate them with an inner calm, trusting in God's ultimate good will and sovereign control, just as Jeremiah found solace amidst the impending national catastrophe. The prophet's personal experience serves as a powerful testament to the restorative power of divine hope, urging us to seek and savor God's comforting presence in our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific promises of God bring you the most comfort and peace in your current circumstances?**
* **How does your engagement with Scripture contribute to your spiritual rest and well-being?**
* **In what ways can you more intentionally meditate on God's word to experience a "sweetness" of soul, even amidst life's difficulties?**
* **How does Jeremiah's personal response to divine revelation encourage you in your own walk of faith, especially when facing hardship or delivering difficult truths?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jeremiah's personal experience included here, breaking the prophetic flow?**

Answer: Jeremiah 31:26 serves as a crucial personal interjection that validates and emphasizes the profound impact of the preceding prophecies, particularly the announcement of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"). For a prophet known as the "weeping prophet" (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament")) who primarily delivered messages of judgment and lamentation, his experience of "sweet sleep" underscores the extraordinary nature and comforting power of these specific visions of hope and restoration. It authenticates the divine origin and deeply reassuring quality of the message, showing that even the prophet himself was profoundly moved and comforted by God's promise of a future filled with grace and renewal, contrasting sharply with the national despair of his time. This personal testimony adds a layer of emotional depth and credibility to the divine revelation.

**What does "my sleep was sweet unto me" truly mean beyond physical rest?**

Answer: While it certainly implies physical rest, the phrase "my sleep was sweet unto me" (Hebrew: _'areb_) carries a deeper spiritual and emotional significance. It conveys a profound sense of peace, contentment, and spiritual satisfaction that permeated Jeremiah's being as a direct result of the divine revelation he had just received. It indicates a soul at rest, free from the burdens and anxieties that typically weighed upon him. This "sweetness" is a testament to the soothing, restorative power of God's word and His promises of hope, particularly the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), which brought immense solace to the prophet in a time of national crisis. It speaks to a deep, inner tranquility that God alone can provide, a peace that transcends mere physical comfort.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of hope in Jeremiah?**

Answer: This verse is a microcosm of the broader theme of hope that permeates the "Book of Consolation" ([Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Consolation")). Jeremiah's personal experience of peace and "sweet sleep" after receiving visions of restoration (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:3-5](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3-5 - God's Enduring Love and Restoration")) serves as an authentic witness to the power of God's promises to bring hope even in the darkest times. It demonstrates that God's ultimate plan for His people is not one of perpetual judgment but of redemption, renewal, and a restored relationship. The prophet's personal comfort foreshadows the corporate comfort and restoration God promises for Israel, reinforcing the message that God's faithfulness endures beyond present suffering, offering a future and a hope, as famously stated in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Hope and a Future"). This verse provides a tangible, personal example of the hope that God's word can instill.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:26, with its depiction of the prophet's "sweet sleep" following the revelation of the New Covenant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Covenant, announced in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), is fully inaugurated through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, establishing a new and living way for humanity to enter into a direct, intimate relationship with God, where sins are truly forgiven and God's law is written on the heart ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Jeremiah's experience of peace and rest, a spiritual "sweet sleep," is a foreshadowing of the true rest and peace that Christ offers to all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His finished work on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the ultimate atonement that makes the New Covenant possible. The peace that Jeremiah experienced in a vision is now a living reality for believers, a peace that "transcends all understanding" ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) because it is rooted in Christ's accomplished work and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who seals us for the day of redemption ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Sealed with the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the "sweet sleep" of Jeremiah points to the profound spiritual rest and secure hope found only in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant, who brings true and lasting peace to the soul.

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 127:2

[It is] vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Zechariah 4:1

¶ And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep,

Zechariah 4:2

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all [of] gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which [are] upon the top thereof: