King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:14 in the King James Version says “And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LO...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 31:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

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.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD. This promise addresses both spiritual leaders and the entire community, using imagery of abundant provision. I will satiate translates ravah (רָוָה), meaning to saturate, drench, or abundantly satisfy—used of land soaked with rain (Isaiah 34:7) or thirst fully quenched (Proverbs 5:19). The soul of the priests emphasizes inner satisfaction, not merely external abundance. With fatness (deshen, דֶּשֶׁן) refers to the richest parts of sacrifices that priests received (Leviticus 3:16-17), symbolizing choicest blessings.

Under the old covenant, priests depended entirely on offerings for sustenance (Numbers 18:8-20). In exile, with temple destroyed and sacrifices ceased, priests lost their provision. God promises restoration where priests will again receive abundant portions. Yet deeper meaning emerges: their souls—not just bodies—will be satisfied, suggesting spiritual fulfillment beyond material provision.

My people shall be satisfied with my goodness uses sava (שָׂבַע, filled to satisfaction) and tuv (טוּב, goodness, prosperity, welfare). This satisfaction comes from my goodness—God's own character and blessing, not merely His gifts. This points to Christ who satisfies spiritual hunger and thirst (John 6:35), and to the New Covenant where all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9) who feast on God's abundant grace (Ephesians 1:3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

During the exile, the Levitical priesthood faced existential crisis. Without temple, land, or sacrificial system, their ordained function ceased. Jeremiah 33:17-22 promises the Levitical priesthood's continuation, which occurred when exiles rebuilt the temple (516 BC) and restored sacrifices. Yet this promise transcends historical return—it envisions the messianic age when God's people enjoy unmediated access to His presence. Hebrews 7-10 reveals Christ as the final High Priest whose sacrifice enables believers to enter God's presence and feast on His goodness eternally.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be 'satisfied with God's goodness' rather than merely receiving His gifts?
  2. How does this promise to satisfy priests' souls (not just bodies) point to spiritual fulfillment beyond material blessing?
  3. In what ways do New Covenant believers, as 'a royal priesthood,' experience satiation with God's goodness through Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְרִוֵּיתִ֛י1 of 10

“And I will satiate”

H7301

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

נֶ֥פֶשׁ2 of 10

“the soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים3 of 10

“of the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

דָּ֑שֶׁן4 of 10

“with fatness”

H1880

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

וְעַמִּ֛י5 of 10

“and my people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אֶת6 of 10
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

טוּבִ֥י7 of 10

“with my goodness”

H2898

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

יִשְׂבָּ֖עוּ8 of 10

“shall be satisfied”

H7646

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

נְאֻם9 of 10

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 31:14 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 31:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 31:251 Peter 2:9Jeremiah 33:9Revelation 7:16-17Revelation 5:10Song of Solomon 5:1

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