King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 30:19 Mean?

Jeremiah 30:19 in the King James Version says “And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they sha...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.”

Jeremiah 30:19 · KJV

Context

17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

18

Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof. heap: or, little hill

19

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

20

Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.

21

And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving (וְיָצָא מֵהֶם תּוֹדָה, 've-yatsa mehem todah')—restoration produces worship. Thanksgiving (תּוֹדָה, 'todah') is the thank-offering that acknowledges God's deliverance. The voice of them that make merry (קוֹל מְשַׂחֲקִים, 'kol mesachakim', sound of laughing/celebrating) contrasts sharply with earlier laments.

I will multiply them (וְהִרְבִּיתִים, 've-hirbitim') echoes Abrahamic covenant promises (Gen 22:17). I will also glorify them (וְכִבַּדְתִּים, 've-khivadtim', make them heavy/weighty/honored) reverses their shame. This multiplication and glorification finds NT fulfillment in the church's exponential growth across all nations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-exilic returns saw population growth from the remnant. But the prophecy's full weight describes the ingathering of nations into God's people through Christ (Isa 60:22, Acts 2).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does thanksgiving characterize your response to God's restoration in your life?
  2. How has God turned your mourning into laughter and celebration?
  3. In what ways does the church's global growth fulfill this promise of multiplication?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְיָצָ֥א1 of 11

“And out of them shall proceed”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵהֶ֛ם2 of 11
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

תּוֹדָ֖ה3 of 11

“thanksgiving”

H8426

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

וְק֣וֹל4 of 11

“and the voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

מְשַׂחֲקִ֑ים5 of 11

“of them that make merry”

H7832

to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play

וְהִרְבִּתִים֙6 of 11

“and I will multiply”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וְלֹ֣א7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִמְעָ֔טוּ8 of 11

“them and they shall not be few”

H4591

properly, to pare off, i.e., lessen; intransitively, to be (or causatively, to make) small or few (or figuratively, ineffective)

וְהִכְבַּדְתִּ֖ים9 of 11

“I will also glorify”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

וְלֹ֥א10 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִצְעָֽרוּ׃11 of 11

“them and they shall not be small”

H6819

to be small, i.e., (figuratively) ignoble

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 30:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 30:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:22Isaiah 60:22Isaiah 51:11Isaiah 35:10Ezekiel 36:37Jeremiah 31:12-13

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