King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:21 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:21 in the King James Version says “Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn ag...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 31:21 · KJV

Context

19

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.

20

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. are: Heb. sound

21

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.

22

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.

23

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.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse uses vivid imagery of marking a return path to call Israel to repentance and restoration. Set thee up waymarks (natzav tsiyunim, נַצְּבִי־לָךְ צִיֻּנִים) uses tsiyun, meaning road marker or monument—stones piled to mark trails. Make thee high heaps (tamrurim, תַּמְרוּרִים) refers to tall pillars or signposts visible from distance. These markers enable travelers to retrace steps on return journeys.

Set thine heart toward the highway shifts from external markers to internal orientation. The heart (lev, לֵב) represents will and affections. The highway (mesilah, מְסִלָּה) means a raised, prepared road—the main route. The way which thou wentest acknowledges Israel's journey into exile; the same path leads back. This implies that return is possible, not a different, unknown route.

Turn again, O virgin of Israel uses shuv (שׁוּב) twice for emphasis—the central verb meaning return, repent, restore. Virgin of Israel (בְּתוּלַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, betulat yisrael) is both tender (unmarried daughter) and ironic (given Israel's spiritual adultery). God still claims His bride, calling her back to covenant relationship. Turn again to these thy cities promises not just personal but communal, geographical restoration—rebuilt cities, renewed community.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Exiles faced the psychological challenge of imagining return after decades in Babylon. Many had never seen Judah; Babylon was home. God's call to 'set up waymarks' encouraged them to mentally and spiritually prepare for return, keeping alive the hope and intention to go back. Historically, when Cyrus issued his decree (538 BC), many Jews had assimilated and chose to remain in Babylon. This command separated those committed to covenant restoration from those comfortable in exile. The faithful remnant did return, rebuild, and await further fulfillment in Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual 'waymarks' help believers remember the path back to God when we've wandered into sin or spiritual exile?
  2. How does God's persistent call to 'turn again' demonstrate His patience and desire for His people's restoration?
  3. In what sense must we 'set our hearts toward the highway'—the known path of obedience—rather than seeking novel spiritual experiences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הַצִּ֧יבִי1 of 18

“Set thee up”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

לָ֣ךְ2 of 18
H0
צִיֻּנִ֗ים3 of 18

“waymarks”

H6725

a monumental or guiding pillar

שִׂ֤מִי4 of 18

“make”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לָךְ֙5 of 18
H0
תַּמְרוּרִ֔ים6 of 18

“thee high heaps”

H8564

an erection, i.e., pillar (probably for a guide-board)

שִׁ֣תִי7 of 18

“set”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לִבֵּ֔ךְ8 of 18

“thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לַֽמְסִלָּ֖ה9 of 18

“toward the highway”

H4546

a thoroughfare (as turnpiked), literally or figuratively; specifically a viaduct, a staircase

דֶּ֣רֶךְ10 of 18

“even the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הָלָ֑כְתְּי11 of 18

“which thou wentest”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שֻׁ֖בִי12 of 18

“turn again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

בְּתוּלַ֣ת13 of 18

“O virgin”

H1330

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל14 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

שֻׁ֖בִי15 of 18

“turn again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶל16 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עָרַ֥יִךְ17 of 18

“to these thy cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֵֽלֶּה׃18 of 18
H428

these or those

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 31:21 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 31:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 50:5Isaiah 62:10Isaiah 57:14Jeremiah 51:50Isaiah 48:20Psalms 84:5

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