King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:13 in the King James Version says “Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, an...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 31:13 · KJV

JoyComfort

Context

11

For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.

12

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.

13

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.

14

And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.

15

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.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together. This prophetic vision depicts the restoration of joy to Israel after judgment and exile. The Hebrew word for "virgin" (betulah, בְּתוּלָה) represents young unmarried women, while the mention of "young men and old together" emphasizes the comprehensive, multi-generational nature of this restoration—the entire community will participate in celebration.

The verb "rejoice" (samach, שָׂמַח) and the phrase "in the dance" (b'machol, בְּמָחוֹל) convey exuberant, physical expressions of joy. Dancing was a legitimate form of worship and celebration in ancient Israel (Exodus 15:20, 2 Samuel 6:14). The transformation described—"I will turn their mourning into joy"—uses the Hebrew haphak (הָפַךְ), meaning to overturn or completely reverse, indicating God's sovereign power to transform circumstances.

The threefold promise of divine action—"turn," "comfort" (nacham, נָחַם), and "make them rejoice" (sus, שׂוּשׂ)—reveals God as the active agent of restoration. This passage finds ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who turns the sorrow of sin into the joy of salvation (John 16:20-22), and points forward to the eschatological joy of the redeemed in God's presence (Revelation 21:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy comes from Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), written during the darkest period of Judah's history as Babylonian conquest loomed (circa 587 BCE). The people were facing devastating loss—destruction of Jerusalem, temple desecration, and exile. Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet," had spent decades warning of judgment, yet here he proclaims hope beyond catastrophe.

The imagery of dancing would have resonated deeply with the exiled community who remembered joyful worship in Jerusalem but now sat by Babylon's rivers weeping (Psalm 137:1-4). For those who had experienced the trauma of siege, deportation, and cultural dislocation, the promise that all generations would rejoice together offered profound hope for national restoration.

This prophecy was partially fulfilled in the return from Babylonian exile under Ezra and Nehemiah (538 BCE onward), when the community did indeed experience renewed joy. However, its complete fulfillment awaits the messianic kingdom, when Christ will restore all things and God's people will experience eternal joy in His presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to transform mourning into joy challenge our response to personal or communal suffering?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's heart for restoration across all generations and age groups?
  3. How does Christ fulfill this promise of turning sorrow into joy, both now and in eternity?
  4. In what ways can the church today embody joyful worship that includes all ages and backgrounds?
  5. What obstacles prevent us from experiencing and expressing the transformative joy God promises to His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אָ֣ז1 of 13
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

וְשִׂמַּחְתִּ֖ים2 of 13

“rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּתוּלָה֙3 of 13

“Then shall the virgin”

H1330

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

בְּמָח֔וֹל4 of 13

“in the dance”

H4234

a (round) dance

וּבַחֻרִ֥ים5 of 13

“both young men”

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

וּזְקֵנִ֖ים6 of 13

“and old”

H2205

old

יַחְדָּ֑ו7 of 13

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

וְהָפַכְתִּ֨י8 of 13

“for I will turn”

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

אֶבְלָ֤ם9 of 13

“their mourning”

H60

lamentation

לְשָׂשׂוֹן֙10 of 13

“into joy”

H8342

cheerfulness; specifically, welcome

וְנִ֣חַמְתִּ֔ים11 of 13

“and will comfort”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

וְשִׂמַּחְתִּ֖ים12 of 13

“rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

מִיגוֹנָֽם׃13 of 13

“from their sorrow”

H3015

affliction

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 31:13 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 31:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 30:11Isaiah 61:3Isaiah 51:11Isaiah 51:3Jeremiah 31:4Psalms 149:3

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