Jeremiah 31:13 - Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance; 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.

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 31:13

What does "Jeremiah 31:13" mean?


Jeremiah 31:13, "Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance; 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," is a beautiful and hopeful verse within a larger context of restoration and renewal for Israel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance; the young men and the old together": This paints a picture of widespread joy and celebration. The "virgin" (young woman) represents the future generation and renewed hope. The inclusion of "young men and the old together" signifies that this joy will encompass all ages and demographics of the community. The dance symbolizes uninhibited happiness and freedom. It signifies the community's unity and renewed vigor.

"for I will turn their mourning into joy": This highlights God's active role in changing their circumstances. The "mourning" refers to the deep sorrow and despair experienced by the Israelites due to exile, destruction, and loss. God promises to transform this sorrow into joy, indicating a complete reversal of their fortunes.

"and will comfort them": This emphasizes God's compassion and care for his people. Comfort is a direct response to their suffering and implies that God will be present to ease their pain and provide solace.

"and make them rejoice from their sorrow": This reinforces the depth of the transformation. It's not just about suppressing sorrow, but about creating genuine rejoicing that springs directly from having overcome their past hardships. It is a joy born from resilience and divine intervention.

Overall Meaning:

The verse is a powerful promise of restoration and hope for the exiled Israelites. It speaks of a time when their deep sorrow and suffering will be replaced by widespread joy, celebration, and comfort, all orchestrated by God's loving intervention. The verse emphasizes:

Restoration: God will bring Israel back to their land and restore their fortunes.
Renewal: The entire community, regardless of age or status, will participate in the joy and celebration.
Comfort: God will be present to heal their emotional wounds and provide solace.
Transformation: Their sorrow will be transformed into genuine rejoicing, born from overcoming their past hardships.

Context within Jeremiah:

This verse is part of Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a section focused on God's promises of future restoration for Israel and Judah after their exile. It's a message of hope and encouragement amidst the prophecies of judgment that characterize much of the book. The verse is not just a feel-good saying; it's a promise rooted in God's covenant with his people.