BibleWord.ai› Bible› Jeremiah› Chapter 31› Verse 4

Jeremiah 31:4

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Jeremiah 31:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
Jeremiah 31:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Jeremiah 31

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1At that time, saith Jehovah, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.
2Thus saith Jehovah, The people that were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.
3Jehovah appeared of old unto me, [saying], Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
4Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.
5Again shalt thou plant vineyards upon the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy [the fruit thereof].
6For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the hills of Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto Jehovah our God.
7For thus saith Jehovah, Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Jehovah, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
← Jeremiah 31:3Jeremiah 31:5 →
← Full Chapter 31 Jeremiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Again, I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel, etc.] The same with “all the families of Israel”, (<243101>Jeremiah 31:1); who, when converted, will be espoused to Christ as a chaste virgin; have a sincere affection for him; unfeigned faith in him, and purely worship him; receiving the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and submitting to the ordinances of it; and then will the church, comparable to a building, consisting of lively stones, laid upon the foundation Christ, which is fallen down, and lies in ruins, be rebuilt, and none shall hinder it; and a glorious building it will be, and will continue so, when its stones are laid with fair colours; its foundations with…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will build . . . thou shalt be built--The combination of the active and passive to express the same fact implies the infallible certainty of its accomplishment. "Build," that is, establish in prosperity (Jer 33:7). adorned with . . . tabrets-- (Sa1 18:6). Or, "adorn thyself with thy timbrels"; used by damsels on occasions of public rejoicings (Exo 15:20; Jdg 11:34). Israel had cast away all instruments of joy in her exile (Psa 137:4). dances--holy joy, not carnal mirth.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“O virgin of Israel - i. e., the whole people (compare Jeremiah 14:17 note). return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“31:4 In their homeland, the Israelites had been guilty of “adultery” with false gods. The restored community would be like a virgin, as though the people had never forsaken the Lord. The happiness and joy of their celebrations would manifest this transformation.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“build: Jer 1:10, Jer 30:18, Jer 33:7; Psa 51:18, Psa 69:35; Amo 9:11; Act 15:16; Eph 2:20-22; Rev. 21:10-27 O: Jer 31:21, Jer 14:17, Jer 18:13; Kg2 19:21; Isa 37:22; Lam 1:15, Lam 2:13; Amo 5:2 again: Jer 31:13; Exo 15:20, Exo 15:21; Jdg 11:34; Sa1 18:6, Sa1 18:7; Psa 149:3, Psa 150:3-6; Luk 15:23; Rev 19:1-8 tabrets: or, timbrels Jeremiah 31:5”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Jeremiah 31 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification