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.

JEREMIAH 31:22KJV
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Jeremiah 31:22 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:22 mean?

Jeremiah 31:22 describes God calling out to Israel, pictured as a wayward daughter, asking how long she will wander away from Him. God promises to do something entirely new: “A woman shall compass a man,” a phrase that signals a surprising reversal or a new act of restoration.

In this verse, God (the LORD) is speaking through Jeremiah to the people of Israel, who are described as “backsliding” or turning away from God. The setting is a time of exile and longing for restoration. The phrase about a woman surrounding a man has puzzled many, but it points to God’s promise to do something unexpected and transformative for His people, signaling hope and renewal after a period of unfaithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:22

  • “Backsliding” (שׁוֹבֵבָה, shovēvah) means turning away or being unfaithful, highlighting Israel’s repeated spiritual wandering.
  • “Created” (בָּרָא, bara) is the same word used in Genesis for God’s creative acts, emphasizing that what God will do is truly new and unprecedented.
  • “Woman” (נְקֵבָה, n’qevah) and “man” (גֶּבֶר, gever) are used here, with “gever” often meaning a strong or mighty man, making the image of a woman surrounding a man even more striking and unexpected.
  • “Compass” (סָבַב, savav) means to surround or encircle, suggesting protection, reversal, or a dramatic change in roles.

Why Jeremiah 31:22 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God’s relationship with Israel is static; instead, it shows God’s willingness to do something radically new to restore His people.
  • The surprising image of a woman surrounding a man emphasizes reversal and restoration, themes that run throughout Jeremiah 31 as God promises to bring His people back from exile.
  • Understanding the original words highlights the depth of the promise: God is not just repairing the old relationship but creating something entirely new and unexpected, offering hope to those who feel far from Him.

Where else these words appear

“about” Hebrew H2559 · used in 2 verses

  • Song of Solomon 5:6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

“backsliding” Hebrew H7728 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 49:4 Wherefore gloriest thou in the valleys, thy flowing valley, O backsliding daughter? that trusted in her treasures, saying, Who shall come unto me?

“woman” Hebrew H5347 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 3:6 And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering unto the LORD be of the flock; male or female, he shall offer it without blemish.
  • Leviticus 27:4 And if it be a female, then thy estimation shall be thirty shekels.

“created” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
  • Isaiah 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.