Jeremiah 31:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:16 mean?

Jeremiah 31:16 records God’s message telling the people to stop weeping, because their efforts and suffering will be rewarded, and those who were taken away will return from the land of their enemies. The verse offers comfort, promising that loss and hardship are not the end, but that restoration is coming.

In this verse, the LORD (God) speaks through the prophet Jeremiah to comfort those grieving over the exile of Israel, especially mothers mourning their lost children. The situation is one of deep sorrow after many Israelites have been taken captive by enemy nations. God’s words assure them that their pain is seen, their faithful endurance matters, and there is hope for their loved ones to come home.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:16

• "Refrain" (חָשַׁךְ, ḥāshakh): This word means to hold back or restrain. Here, it is a gentle command to stop crying, not because the pain is ignored, but because God promises a reason for hope.
• "Work" (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma‘ăseh): This word refers to effort or deeds. God is recognizing the faithful actions and endurance of the people, saying their perseverance will not be wasted.
• "Rewarded" (שָׂכָר, sākhār): This word means wages or compensation. God assures that the suffering and faithfulness of the people will be repaid with restoration.
• "Again" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to return or come back. It emphasizes the promise that those who were taken away will come back home.

Why Jeremiah 31:16 matters

• Jeremiah 31:16 clears up the idea that God is distant or indifferent to suffering; instead, God sees the pain and promises restoration.
• The verse highlights that faithful endurance and sorrow are not forgotten by God, but will be met with real, future hope.
• In the wider context, this verse is part of a larger promise of renewal for Israel, showing that exile and loss are not the final word—God’s plan includes return and restoration.