They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

JEREMIAH 31:9KJV
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Jeremiah 31:9 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:9 mean?

Jeremiah 31:9 describes God promising to gently bring His people back with compassion, guiding them safely and tenderly as a father leads his children, making sure they do not stumble. The verse uses the image of people returning with tears and prayers, and God calling Israel His "firstborn," showing a special relationship.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Israel, who have been scattered and are longing to return home. The mention of weeping and supplications highlights their sorrow and need, while the promise of a "straight way" by "rivers of waters" paints a picture of a safe, refreshing journey. Calling Ephraim (a leading tribe of Israel) the "firstborn" emphasizes Israel’s favored status and God’s deep care.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:9

  • "Weeping" (בְּבֶכִי, bechi): This word means deep, heartfelt crying. It shows the emotional state of the people returning, not just a physical journey but one full of longing and repentance.
  • "Supplications" (תַּחֲנוּנִים, tachanunim): This word means earnest prayers or pleas for mercy. It highlights that the people are seeking God’s help, not returning by their own strength.
  • "Straight" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means level, right, or direct. The promise is not just of a path home, but of a safe, untroubled journey—God is removing obstacles.
  • "Firstborn" (בְּכוֹר, bekhor): In Hebrew culture, the firstborn has special honor and inheritance. By calling Ephraim "my firstborn," God is expressing a unique, privileged relationship with Israel.

Why Jeremiah 31:9 matters

  • Jeremiah 31:9 clears up the idea that God’s restoration is only physical; the verse shows it is also deeply emotional and spiritual, involving tears and heartfelt prayers.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s role as a caring father (אָב, av), not just a distant ruler, highlighting His personal involvement and affection for His people.
  • This verse connects to the wider chapter, which is about hope and renewal for Israel after exile, showing that God’s promises include guidance, safety, and a restored relationship.

Where else these words appear

“supplications” Hebrew H8469 · used in 18 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 6:21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.
  • Psalms 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.
  • Jeremiah 3:21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.

“lead” Hebrew H2986 · used in 18 verses

  • Job 10:19 I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.
  • Psalms 60:9 Who will bring me into the strong city? who will lead me into Edom?
  • Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

“weeping” Hebrew H1065 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 45:2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
  • Psalms 6:8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
  • Isaiah 38:3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

“stumble” Hebrew H3782 · used in 59 verses

  • Leviticus 26:37 And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.
  • Isaiah 3:8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen: because their tongue and their doings are against the LORD, to provoke the eyes of his glory.
  • Jeremiah 50:32 And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise him up: and I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all round about him.