The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 33:11KJV
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Jeremiah 33:11 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 33:11 mean?

Jeremiah 33:11 promises that joyful sounds—like wedding celebrations and voices praising God—will return to a land that had been devastated and emptied by trouble. God declares that people will again bring thank offerings to His temple because He will restore their fortunes as He did before.

Jeremiah, speaking God's words to the people of Judah during a time of exile and ruin, describes a future when sorrow will be replaced by happiness and worship. The verse lists the sounds of joy, marriage, and praise as signs of restored life and God's enduring goodness, assuring the people that their suffering will not last forever.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 33:11

  • The word for "voice" (קוֹל, qol) appears repeatedly, emphasizing the return of lively, communal sounds that had been absent in times of disaster.
  • "Joy" (שָׂשׂוֹן, sason) and "gladness" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) are both used, highlighting not just happiness but a deep, communal sense of celebration.
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, chesed) refers to God’s steadfast, loyal love, which is described as lasting "for ever" (לְעוֹלָם, le'olam), stressing the unending nature of God's kindness.
  • "Return the captivity" (שׁוּב שְׁבוּת, shuv shevut) is a phrase often understood as restoring fortunes or bringing exiles back home, pointing to a complete reversal of their suffering.

Why Jeremiah 33:11 matters

  • Jeremiah 33:11 clears up the idea that God’s judgment is permanent; instead, it shows that God’s plan includes restoration and renewed joy.
  • The verse emphasizes that worship and gratitude will be central when the people are restored, not just material recovery.
  • This promise connects to the larger message of Jeremiah 33, where God reassures His people that even after deep loss, He remains faithful and will bring about a new beginning.

Where else these words appear

“bridegroom” Hebrew H2860 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:
  • 1 Samuel 18:18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father's family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king?
  • Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

“joy” Hebrew H8342 · used in 22 verses

  • Esther 8:16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
  • Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
  • Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

“captivity” Hebrew H7622 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
  • Jeremiah 30:3 For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
  • Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

“praise” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.