Question 1

What does Jeremiah 31:7 mean?

Accepted Answer

Jeremiah 31:7 calls people to celebrate with joy and proclaim praise to God, asking Him to save the remaining people of Israel. The verse is a command from God to publicly rejoice and pray for the deliverance of the "remnant"—those Israelites who have survived hardship. In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Israel during a time when many had been scattered or exiled. The verse urges the community to sing and shout with gladness for "Jacob" (another name for Israel), to make their praise known among the nations, and to specifically ask God to save His people. This moment is both a call to worship and a hopeful prayer for restoration.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:7

Accepted Answer

The word "Sing" (רָנַן, ranan) means to shout for joy or sing out loudly, emphasizing not just quiet happiness but a public, exuberant celebration. "Remnant" (שְׁאֵרִית, she'erit) refers to those who remain after disaster or exile, highlighting that God still cares for and will act on behalf of those left after hardship. "Save" (יָשַׁע, yasha) is a strong word for deliverance or rescue, showing that the prayer is for real, tangible help from God, not just spiritual encouragement.

Question 3

Why Jeremiah 31:7 matters

Accepted Answer

Jeremiah 31:7 shows that even after judgment and exile, God invites His people to hope and expect restoration, not just mourn their losses. The focus on the "remnant" clarifies that God’s promises are not erased by disaster; He is attentive to those who remain, however few. This verse marks a shift in Jeremiah's message from warning of judgment to announcing hope and future joy, setting the stage for the promises that follow in the chapter.

Jeremiah 31:7 (KJV)