Jeremiah 31: God’s Everlasting Love and the Promise of a New Covenant

Executive Summary ✨

Jeremiah 31 is a beacon of hope amidst the prophecies of judgment. This chapter proclaims God’s unwavering love for Israel, promising restoration and a new covenant, a transformative agreement written not on stone tablets, but on the hearts of His people. The prophecy paints a vivid picture of joy, feasting, and a return to the land. It emphasizes the personal relationship God desires with each individual, foreshadowing the coming of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This chapter serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and the eternal nature of His covenant. The **promise of a new covenant** is a central theme, underscoring God’s enduring commitment to His people and His plan for their salvation. This renewal extends beyond the physical realm, touching the very core of human existence and offering a path to reconciliation and eternal life. Check out our web design services.

Jeremiah 31 offers a powerful message of hope and restoration, reminding us of God’s unwavering love and His promise of a New Covenant. This chapter, rich in prophetic imagery, speaks to the heart of God’s plan for salvation and His desire for a personal relationship with each of us.

Commentary on Jeremiah 31

Jeremiah 31:1

Hebrew: בָּעֵת הַהִיא נְאֻם־יְהוָה אֶהְיֶה לֵאלֹהִים לְכֹל מִשְׁפְּחוֹת יִשְׂרָאֵל וְהֵמָּה יִהְיוּ־לִי לְעָם

KJV: At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

NKJV: “At the same time,” says the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.”

This verse marks a pivotal shift. The “at that time” refers to the period after the judgment prophesied earlier in Jeremiah. God declares a renewed relationship with all the families of Israel. The phrase “I will be their God, and they shall be My people” echoes the original covenant established with Abraham (Genesis 17:7) but hints at a deeper, more personal connection. This isn’t merely a national identity; it’s a familial bond, implying intimacy and care. This promise echoes the covenant found in Deuteronomy and Leviticus. The return from exile is also a symbol of the true return to God’s grace.

Spiritual Application: In our daily lives, let us remember that God desires a personal and intimate relationship with each of us. He wants to be our God, and He wants us to be His people. Seek Him in prayer and strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Jeremiah 31:2-6

Hebrew: כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה מָצָא חֵן בַּמִּדְבָּר עַם שְׂרִידֵי חֶרֶב הָלוֹךְ לְהַרְגִּיעוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל׃ מֵרָחוֹק יְהוָה נִרְאָה לִי וְאַהֲבַת עוֹלָם אֲהַבְתִּיךְ עַל־כֵּן מְשַׁכְתִּיךְ חָסֶד׃ עוֹד אֶבְנֵךְ וְנִבְנֵית בְּתוּלַת יִשְׂרָאֵל עוֹד תַּעְדִּי תֻפַּיִךְ וְיָצָאת בִּמְחוֹל מְשַׂחֲקִים׃ עוֹד תִּטְּעִי כְרָמִים בְּהָרֵי שֹׁמְרוֹן נָטְעוּ נֹטְעִים וְחִלֵּלוּ׃ כִּי־יֵשׁ יוֹם קָרְאוּ נֹצְרִים בְּהַר אֶפְרָיִם קוּמוּ וְנַעֲלֶה צִיּוֹן אֶל־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ׃

KJV: Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest. The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things. For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

NKJV: Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness—Israel, when I went to give him rest.” The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again adorn yourself with your timbrels, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice. You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; The planters shall plant and eat them. For there shall be a day when the watchmen will cry on Mount Ephraim, ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’”

These verses overflow with imagery of restoration and God’s enduring love. The “people who survived the sword” represent the remnant of Israel, those who have endured suffering and found grace even in the desolate wilderness. This wilderness experience, though harsh, is also a place of encounter with God, reminiscent of Israel’s journey after the Exodus. The declaration “I have loved you with an everlasting love” is a powerful affirmation of God’s unwavering commitment. He draws them back with “lovingkindness,” a concept (חֶסֶד, *chesed*) that encompasses mercy, loyalty, and steadfast love. The rebuilding of Israel, the joyful dances, and the planting of vines all symbolize a return to prosperity and peace. The call to ascend to Zion signifies a renewed worship and allegiance to God.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, commenting on this passage, highlights the concept of God’s eternal love as the foundation of salvation: “Η ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀίδιος ἐστί, καὶ διὰ ταύτην ἐκλήθημεν εἰς τὴν γνῶσιν αὐτοῦ” (The love of God is eternal, and through this we are called to the knowledge of Him). (*Commentary on Jeremiah*, PG 70, 1012).

Spiritual Application: We can take heart from these verses, knowing that even in our darkest times, God’s love for us remains constant. Let us cling to His promise of restoration and trust that He will rebuild us, spiritually and emotionally, if we turn to Him with a sincere heart. Let us constantly seek Him in prayer.

Jeremiah 31:7-9

Hebrew: כִּי־כֹה אָמַר יְהוָה רָנּוּ לְיַעֲקֹב שִׂמְחָה וְצַהֲלוּ בְּרֹאשׁ הַגּוֹיִם הַשְׁמִיעוּ הַלְלוּ וְאִמְרוּ הוֹשִׁעַ יְהוָה אֶת־עַמְּךָ אֵת שְׁאֵרִית יִשְׂרָאֵל׃ הִנְנִי מֵבִיא אוֹתָם מֵאֶרֶץ צָפוֹן וְקִבַּצְתִּים מִיַּרְכְּתֵי־אָרֶץ בָּם עִוֵּר וּפִסֵּחַ הָרָה וְיֹלֵדֶת יַחְדָּו קָהָל גָּדוֹל יָשׁוּבוּ הֵנָּה׃ בִּבְכִי יָבֹאוּ וּבְתַחֲנוּנִים אוֹבִלֵם אוֹלִיכֵם אֶל־נַחֲלֵי מַיִם בְּדֶרֶךְ יָשָׁר לֹא יִכָּשְׁלוּ בָּהּ כִּי־הָיִיתִי לְיִשְׂרָאֵל לְאָב וְאֶפְרַיִם בְּכֹרִי הוּא׃

KJV: For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither. 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.

NKJV: For thus says the Lord: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’ ” Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child And the one who labors with child, together, A great throng shall return there. They shall come with weeping, And with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which they shall not stumble; For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn.”

This section calls for joyful celebration and praise, even amongst the nations. God promises to gather the scattered remnant of Israel from “the north country” and “the ends of the earth.” This gathering includes the vulnerable – the blind, the lame, pregnant women – highlighting God’s compassionate care for all. Their return will be marked by both weeping and supplications, indicating a deep sense of repentance and dependence on God. He will lead them “by the rivers of waters in a straight way,” ensuring their safety and providing for their needs. The declaration “I am a father to Israel” emphasizes the close, paternal relationship God has with His people, with Ephraim, representing the northern tribes, being designated as His “firstborn,” a position of honor and privilege. The restoration of Israel will be a miracle.

Spiritual Application: Just as God gathered the scattered remnant of Israel, He also seeks to gather us into His loving embrace. No matter our physical or spiritual condition, He welcomes us with open arms. Let us approach Him with humility and repentance, trusting in His guidance and provision.

Jeremiah 31:10-14

Hebrew: שִׁמְעוּ דְבַר־יְהוָה גּוֹיִם וְהַגִּידוּ בָאִיִּים מִמֶּרְחָק וְאִמְרוּ מְזָרֶה יִשְׂרָאֵל יְקַבְּצֶנּוּ וּשְׁמָרוֹ כְּרֹעֶה עֶדְרוֹ׃ כִּי־פָדָה יְהוָה אֶת־יַעֲקֹב וּגְאָלוֹ מִיַּד חָזָק מִמֶּנּוּ׃ וּבָאוּ וְרִנְּנוּ בִּמְרוֹם צִיּוֹן וְנָהֲרוּ אֶל־טוּב יְהוָה עַל־דָּגָן וְעַל־תִּירוֹשׁ וְעַל־בָּנִים וְעַל־צֹאן וּבָקָר וְהָיְתָה נַפְשָׁם כְּגַן רָוֶה וְלֹא־יוֹסִיפוּ לְדַאֲבָה עוֹד׃ אָז תִּשְׂמַח בְּתוּלָה בְּמָחוֹל וּבַחֻרִים וּזְקֵנִים יַחְדָּו וְהָפַכְתִּי אֶבְלָם לְשָׂשׂוֹן וְנִחַמְתִּים וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים מִיגוֹנָם׃ וְרִוֵּיתִי נֶפֶשׁ הַכֹּהֲנִים דָּשֶׁן וְעַמִּי אֶת־טוּבִי יִשְׂבָּעוּ נְאֻם־יְהוָה׃

KJV: Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.

NKJV: “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, And ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, Streaming to the goodness of the Lord—For wheat and wine and oil, For the young of the flock and the herd; Their souls shall be like a well-watered garden, And they shall sorrow no more at all. “Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, And the young men and old, together; For I will turn their mourning to joy, Will comfort them, And make them rejoice rather than sorrow. I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord.”

This passage is a call to the nations to acknowledge God’s power and faithfulness. He who scattered Israel will also gather them, protecting them like a shepherd protects his flock. The Lord has redeemed Jacob, ransoming him from a power stronger than himself, a possible reference to Babylon. The people will return to Zion with singing and joy, overflowing with the goodness of the Lord, symbolized by abundance of crops, wine, oil, and livestock. Their souls will be “like a well-watered garden,” flourishing and free from sorrow. All ages will rejoice together, as God turns mourning into joy and comforts them in their sorrow. Even the priests will be satiated with abundance, and all the people will be satisfied with God’s goodness.

Spiritual Application: We can learn from these verses that God is both powerful and compassionate. He is able to deliver us from our enemies, both physical and spiritual, and He desires to fill our lives with joy and abundance. Let us trust in His promises and seek His goodness in all things.

Jeremiah 31:15-17

Hebrew: כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה קוֹל בְּרָמָה נִשְׁמָע נְהִי בְּכִי תַמְרוּרִים רָחֵל מְבַכָּה עַל־בָּנֶיהָ מֵאֲנָה לְהִנָּחֵם עַל־בָּנֶיהָ כִּי אֵינֶנּוּ׃ כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה מִנְעִי קוֹלֵךְ מִבֶּכִי וְעֵינַיִךְ מִדִּמְעָה כִּי־יֵשׁ שָׂכָר לִפְעֻלָּתֵךְ נְאֻם־יְהוָה וְשָׁבוּ מֵאֶרֶץ אוֹיֵב׃ וְיֵשׁ תִּקְוָה לְאַחֲרִיתֵךְ נְאֻם־יְהוָה וְשָׁבוּ בָנִים לִגְבוּלָם׃

KJV: Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

NKJV: Thus says the Lord: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.” Thus says the Lord: “Refrain your voice from weeping, And your eyes from tears; For your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord, And they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the Lord, That your children shall come back to their own border.”

This section evokes a powerful image of mourning and loss. Rachel, the matriarch of Israel, weeps inconsolably for her children, who have been taken into exile. The voice is heard in Ramah, a location associated with the exile of the northern kingdom. However, God comforts Rachel, urging her to refrain from weeping, for her “work shall be rewarded.” Her children will return from the land of the enemy, and there is hope for the future. This verse is quoted in Matthew 2:18 in connection with the Massacre of the Innocents by Herod, connecting Rachel’s sorrow to the suffering of the Messiah’s followers. There is still an end to all suffering because the Redeemer lives.

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that God understands our sorrow and grief. He does not dismiss our pain, but He offers comfort and hope. Even in the midst of our darkest moments, we can trust that God has a plan for our lives and that He will ultimately bring us through.

Jeremiah 31:18-20

Hebrew: שָׁמוֹעַ שָׁמַעְתִּי אֶפְרַיִם מִתְנוֹדֵד שָׁלוֹם יִסַּרְתַּנִי וְאֵאָסֵר כְּעֵגֶל לֹא־לִמֻּד הֲשִׁיבֵנִי וְאָשׁוּבָה כִּי־אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהָי׃ כִּי־אַחֲרֵי שׁוּבִי נִחַמְתִּי וְאַחֲרֵי הִוָּדְעִי סָפַקְתִּי עַל־יָרֵךְ בֹּשְׁתִּי וְגַם־נִכְלַמְתִּי כִּי־נָשָׂאתִי חֶרְפַּת נְעוּרָי׃ הֲבֵן יַקִּיר לִי אֶפְרַיִם אִם יֶלֶד שַׁעֲשׁוּעִים כִּי־מִדֵּי דַבְּרִי בּוֹ זָכֹר אֶזְכְּרֶנּוּ עוֹד עַל־כֵּן הָמוּ מֵעַי לוֹ רַחֵם אֲרַחֲמֶנּוּ נְאֻם־יְהוָה׃

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. 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. Is Ephraim my dear son? is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.

NKJV: “I have surely heard Ephraim pleading: ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, For You are the Lord my God. Surely, after my turning, I repented; And after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes, even humiliated, Because I bore the reproach of my youth.’ ” “Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a pleasant child? For though I spoke against him, I earnestly remember him still; Therefore My heart yearns for him; I will surely have mercy on him, says the Lord.”

Here, Ephraim, representing the northern kingdom, expresses remorse and repentance. He acknowledges God’s chastisement and recognizes his own stubbornness, comparing himself to an untrained bull. He pleads for restoration, knowing that only God can turn him back to righteousness. After turning back, he repents deeply, striking his thigh in shame and humiliation, acknowledging the reproach of his youthful sins. God responds with compassion and tenderness, asking rhetorically, “Is Ephraim my dear son?” He affirms that despite speaking against him, He still remembers him and His heart yearns for him. God promises to have mercy on him.

Spiritual Application: We can learn from Ephraim’s example that true repentance involves acknowledging our sins, turning away from them, and seeking God’s forgiveness. Even when we have strayed far from God, He is always ready to receive us back with open arms. Let us not be afraid to confess our sins and ask for His mercy.

Jeremiah 31:21-26: The New Covenant

Hebrew: הַצִּיבִי לָךְ צִיֻּנִים שִׂמִי לָךְ תַּמְרוּרִים שִׁיתִי לִבֵּךְ לַמְסִלָּה דֶּרֶךְ הָלָכְתְּי שׁוּבִי בְּתוּלַת יִשְׂרָאֵל שֻׁבִי אֶל־עָרַיִךְ אֵלֶּה׃ עַד־מָתַי תִּתְחַמָּקִין הַבַּת הַשֹּׁבֵבָה כִּי־בָרָא יְהוָה חֲדָשָׁה בָּאָרֶץ נְקֵבָה תְּסוֹבֵב גָּבֶר׃ כֹּה־אָמַר יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל עוֹד יֹאמְרוּ אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה בְּאֶרֶץ יְהוּדָה וּבְעָרָיו בְּשׁוּבִי אֶת־שְׁבוּתָם יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה נְוֵה־צֶדֶק הַר הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃ וְיָשְׁבוּ בָהּ יְהוּדָה וְכָל־עָרָיו יַחְדָּו אִכָּרִים וְנָסְעוּ בָעֵדֶר׃ כִּי־הִרְוֵיתִי נֶפֶשׁ עֲיֵפָה וְכָל־נֶפֶשׁ דְּאָבָה מִלֵּאתִי׃ עַל־זֹאת הֱקִיצֹתִי וָאֶרְאֶה וּשְׁנָתִי עָרְבָה לִּי׃

KJV: Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities. 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. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness. And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks. For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul. Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

NKJV: “Set up signposts, Make landmarks; Set your heart toward the highway, The way in which you went. Turn back, O virgin of Israel, Turn back to these your cities. How long will you gad about, O you backsliding daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing in the earth—A woman shall encompass a man.” Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “As yet they will use this speech in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I bring back their captivity: ‘The Lord bless you, O home of justice, and mountain of holiness!’ And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all its cities together, farmers and those going out with flocks. For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” After this I awoke and looked around, and my sleep was sweet to me.

This passage signals a call to return and renewal. Israel is urged to set up signposts and landmarks, marking the way back to her cities. The phrase “How long will you gad about, O you backsliding daughter?” indicates a weariness with their wandering and a need for stability. The enigmatic statement “the Lord has created a new thing in the earth—A woman shall encompass a man” has been interpreted in various ways. Some see it as a reference to the virgin birth of Christ, where a woman (Mary) miraculously conceives a man (Jesus). Others interpret it as a symbol of Israel’s strength and protection, where she will encircle and protect her men. When God restores their captivity, the land will be blessed, and people will dwell together in peace and prosperity. God will satiate the weary soul and replenish every sorrowful soul. The prophet awakes from this vision with a sense of peace and contentment. This new covenant is a sign of hope.

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus, in *Against Heresies*, sees the “new thing” as a prophecy of the Incarnation: “Et ideo novum praedicavit quod mulier circumdabit virum, ut sciamus non ex semine viri sed ex Spiritu Sancto et ex Maria Virgine generationem Domini” (And therefore he prophesied the new thing, that a woman shall encompass a man, that we may know that the generation of the Lord was not from the seed of a man but from the Holy Spirit and from Mary the Virgin). (*Against Heresies* 4.25.1)

Spiritual Application: This passage invites us to examine our own lives and ask ourselves if we are wandering aimlessly or if we are firmly rooted in our faith. Let us seek God’s guidance and direction, and let us trust in His promise to provide for our needs and to fill our lives with peace and joy.

Jeremiah 31:27-30: The Personal Covenant

Hebrew: הִנֵּה יָמִים בָּאִים נְאֻם־יְהוָה וְזָרַעְתִּי אֶת־בֵּית־יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת־בֵּית־יְהוּדָה זֶרַע אָדָם וְזֶרַע בְּהֵמָה׃ וְהָיָה כַּאֲשֶׁר שָׁקַדְתִּי עֲלֵיהֶם לִנְתוֹשׁ וְלִנְתוֹץ וְלַהֲרֹס וּלְהַאֲבִיד וּלְהָרַע כֵּן אֶשְׁקֹד עֲלֵיהֶם לִבְנוֹת וְלִנְטוֹעַ נְאֻם־יְהוָה׃ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם לֹא־יֹאמְרוּ עוֹד אָבוֹת אָכְלוּ בֹסֶר וְשִׁנֵּי בָנִים תִּקְהֶינָה׃ כִּי אִם־אִישׁ בַּעֲוֹנוֹ יָמוּת כָּל־הָאָדָם הָאֹכֵל הַבֹּסֶר תִּקְהֶינָה שִׁנָּיו׃

KJV: Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast. And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the LORD. In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.

NKJV: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to throw down, to destroy, and to afflict, so I will watch over them to build and to plant, says the Lord. In those days they shall say no more: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ But every one shall die for his own iniquity; every man who eats the sour grapes, his teeth shall be set on edge.

God promises a time of growth and prosperity for both Israel and Judah, sowing them with “the seed of man and the seed of beast,” signifying abundant population and agricultural productivity. Just as He had previously watched over them to destroy and afflict, He will now watch over them to build and to plant. This signifies a complete reversal of their fortunes. The proverb “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” will no longer be used. This proverb reflected the belief that children suffer for the sins of their parents. God declares that each person will be responsible for their own iniquity. The emphasis here is on individual accountability before God, a departure from the collective responsibility that characterized the old covenant. Responsibility for sin is on the individual, and the individual is responsible for turning back to God.

Spiritual Application: This passage emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility for our actions. We cannot blame our parents or our circumstances for our sins. We must take ownership of our choices and seek God’s forgiveness. Let us strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him, knowing that we will be held accountable for our actions.

Jeremiah 31:31-34: The New Covenant Defined 💡

Hebrew: הִנֵּה יָמִים בָּאִים נְאֻם־יְהוָה וְכָרַתִּי אֶת־בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאֶת־בֵּית יְהוּדָה בְּרִית חֲדָשָׁה׃ לֹא כַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר כָּרַתִּי אֶת־אֲבוֹתָם בְּיוֹם הֶחֱזִיקִי בְיָדָם לְהוֹצִיאָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם אֲשֶׁר־הֵמָּה הֵפֵרוּ אֶת־בְּרִיתִי וְאָנֹכ