King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:25 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:25 in the King James Version says “For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.”

Jeremiah 31:25 · KJV

Context

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.

24

And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they that go forth with flocks.

25

For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

26

Upon this I awaked, and beheld; and my sleep was sweet unto me.

27

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.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God promises to satisfy ('satiate') the weary and replenish the sorrowful. The Hebrew ravah (רָוָה) means to drench, saturate, or satisfy abundantly—not merely meeting minimal needs but providing overflowing abundance. This addresses both physical weariness (from exile's hardships) and spiritual weariness (from sin's burden and separation from God). God promises comprehensive restoration that touches every need.

Jesus echoes this promise: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28). He offers satisfaction to the spiritually thirsty: 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink' (John 7:37). The soul's deepest weariness comes from sin, guilt, and alienation from God; the ultimate satisfaction comes from knowing Christ and being reconciled to the Father.

This promise assures believers that God does not merely forgive and then leave us to struggle on our own. He satisfies, refreshes, restores. The Christian life is not perpetual exhaustion but includes seasons of refreshing from the Lord's presence (Acts 3:19). Though we experience trials, we have access to a peace and joy the world cannot give—the satisfaction of knowing and being known by God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The exiles were physically weary from displacement and hardship, and spiritually weary from sin's consequences and distance from temple worship. God's promise addressed both dimensions—they would return to their land and be restored to covenant relationship. For Christians, this finds fulfillment in Christ who satisfies our deepest spiritual longings and promises eventual physical resurrection and new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What causes spiritual weariness and sorrow, and how does God promise to satisfy and replenish us?
  2. How does Jesus fulfill this promise to satiate the weary and sorrowful?
  3. In what practical ways can believers experience God's refreshing and satisfaction during seasons of weariness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּ֥י1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִרְוֵ֖יתִי2 of 8

“For I have satiated”

H7301

to slake the thirst (occasionally of other appetites)

נֶ֥פֶשׁ3 of 8

“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

עֲיֵפָ֑ה4 of 8

“the weary”

H5889

languid

וְכָל5 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נֶ֥פֶשׁ6 of 8

“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

דָּאֲבָ֖ה7 of 8

“every sorrowful”

H1669

to pine

מִלֵּֽאתִי׃8 of 8

“and I have replenished”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

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 31:25 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 31:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:6Matthew 11:28John 4:14Psalms 107:9Jeremiah 31:142 Corinthians 7:6

Test Your Knowledge

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