King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:4 in the King James Version says “Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. tabrets: or, timbrels”

Jeremiah 31:4 · KJV

Context

2

Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.

3

The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. of: Heb. from afar with lovingkindness: have I extended lovingkindness unto thee

4

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. tabrets: or, timbrels

5

Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things. eat: Heb. profane them

6

For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel—the double emphasis עוֹד אֶבְנֵךְ וְנִבְנֵית (od evnekh v'nivneit, 'again I will build you and you shall be built') combines divine action with resultant state. God as builder (cf. Psalm 127:1) reverses His role as demolisher (Jeremiah 1:10). The title virgin of Israel (בְּתוּלַת יִשְׂרָאֵל, betulat Yisrael) paradoxically addresses a nation whose spiritual adultery filled Jeremiah's earlier oracles (chapters 2-3). Grace restores virginity, a foreshadowing of Christ making His bride 'without spot or wrinkle' (Ephesians 5:27).

Thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances—the תֻּפִּים (tuppim, tambourines) and מְחוֹל (mechol, circle dances) recall Miriam celebrating exodus (Exodus 15:20). Restoration means return to joy, not mere survival. God's salvation aims at dancing daughters, not merely breathing exiles.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Chapter 31, the 'Book of Consolation,' promises restoration after the 70 years' captivity (written circa 587 BC). The imagery reverses judgment oracles: where God demolished (1:10), He now builds; where harlotry defiled (chapter 3), virginity is restored. These prophecies found initial fulfillment in the post-exilic return (538 BC onward) but reach ultimate fulfillment in Christ's new covenant (31:31-34).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to restore Israel's 'virginity' despite her spiritual adultery shape your understanding of grace?
  2. What does the emphasis on dancing and tambourines teach about God's restoration goals—is He satisfied with mere forgiveness or does He aim at joy?
  3. Where in your life has God acted as builder after seasons when He demolished false securities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
ע֤וֹד1 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

וְֽנִבְנֵ֔ית2 of 11

“Again I will build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְֽנִבְנֵ֔ית3 of 11

“Again I will build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בְּתוּלַ֖ת4 of 11

“O virgin”

H1330

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל5 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

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

ע֚וֹד6 of 11
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

תַּעְדִּ֣י7 of 11

“thou shalt again be adorned”

H5710

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

תֻפַּ֔יִךְ8 of 11

“with thy tabrets”

H8596

a tambourine

וְיָצָ֖את9 of 11

“and shalt go forth”

H3318

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

בִּמְח֥וֹל10 of 11

“in the dances”

H4234

a (round) dance

מְשַׂחֲקִֽים׃11 of 11

“of them that make merry”

H7832

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

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 31:4 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 31:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 33:7Jeremiah 31:13Amos 5:2Revelation 21:10-27Acts 15:16Psalms 149:3

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