Jeremiah 31:18
Jeremiah 31:18 in Multiple Translations
I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.
¶ I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus, Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art Jehovah my God.
Certainly Ephraim's words of grief have come to my ears, You have given me training and I have undergone it like a young cow unused to the yoke: let me be turned and come back, for you are the Lord my God.
Don't worry, I've heard Ephraim's groans, saying, “You disciplined me really hard as if I was a calf that hadn't been trained. Please bring me back, let me return, for you are the Lord my God.
I haue heard Ephraim lamenting thus, Thou hast corrected me, and I was chastised as an vntamed calfe: conuert thou me, and I shalbe conuerted: for thou art the Lord my God.
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself, 'Thou hast chastised me, And I am chastised, as a heifer not taught, Turn me back, and I turn back, For thou [art] Jehovah my God.
“I have surely heard Ephraim grieving thus, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as an untrained calf. Turn me, and I will be turned, for you are the LORD my God.
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus ; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke : turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.
Hearing I heard Ephraim when he went into captivity: thou hast chastised me, and I was instructed, as a young bullock unaccustomed to the yoke. Convert me, and I shall be converted, for thou art the Lord my God.
I have heard the people of Israel grieving very much and saying to me, ‘You punished us severely, like [SIM] calves are beaten by their owners to train them for pulling a plow. So bring us back to obey/worship you again, because we are ready to return to you, because you alone are Yahweh, our God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 31:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 31:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמ֣וֹעַ
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
מִתְנוֹדֵ֔ד
יִסַּרְתַּ֨/נִי֙
וָֽ/אִוָּסֵ֔ר
כְּ/עֵ֖גֶל
לֹ֣א
לֻמָּ֑ד
הֲשִׁיבֵ֣/נִי
וְ/אָשׁ֔וּבָה
כִּ֥י
אַתָּ֖ה
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
שָׁמ֣וֹעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Ptc
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
מִתְנוֹדֵ֔ד
nûwd
H5110
to wander
V-r
יִסַּרְתַּ֨/נִי֙
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
וָֽ/אִוָּסֵ֔ר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-1cs
כְּ/עֵ֖גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
calf
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
לֻמָּ֑ד
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
הֲשִׁיבֵ֣/נִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
וְ/אָשׁ֔וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 31:18
שָׁמ֣וֹעַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Ptc
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
מִתְנוֹדֵ֔ד
nûwd
H5110
"to wander"
V-r
To wander means to move aimlessly, showing grief or sympathy, and is used to describe someone who is lost or in need of comfort, like a mourner or a fugitive.
Definition: 1) to shake, waver, wander, move to and fro, flutter, show grief, have compassion on 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move to and fro, wander (aimlessly), take flight 1a2) to flutter 1a3) to waver, wave, shake 1a4) to show grief 1a4a) to lament, condole, show sympathy 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to wander (aimlessly) 1b2) to make a wagging, wag (with the head) 1c) (Hithpolel) 1c1) to move oneself to and fro, sway, totter 1c2) to shake oneself 1c3) to bemoan oneself
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bemoan, flee, get, mourn, make to move, take pity, remove, shake, skip for joy, be sorry, vagabond, way, wandering. See also: Genesis 4:12; Jeremiah 4:1; Psalms 11:1.
יִסַּרְתַּ֨/נִי֙
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
וָֽ/אִוָּסֵ֔ר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-1cs
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
כְּ/עֵ֖גֶל
ʻêgel
H5695
"calf"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a young male calf, nearly grown into a steer. It appears in the book of Exodus and Leviticus, describing animal sacrifices. The word is often translated as 'bullock' or 'calf'.
Definition: calf, bull-calf
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: bullock, calf. See also: Exodus 32:4; 2 Chronicles 13:8; Psalms 29:6.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
לֻמָּ֑ד
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
הֲשִׁיבֵ֣/נִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וְ/אָשׁ֔וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַתָּ֖ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהָֽ/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 31:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 31:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 31:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 31:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 31:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
- Sermons on Jeremiah 31:18
Context — Mourning Turned to Joy
16This is what the LORD says: “Keep your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for the reward for your work will come, declares the LORD. Then your children will return from the land of the enemy.
17So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land.
18I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.
19After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’ 20Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 31:9 | They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.” |
| 2 | Psalms 80:3 | Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. |
| 3 | Job 5:17 | Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 3:21–22 | A voice is heard on the barren heights, the children of Israel weeping and begging for mercy, because they have perverted their ways and forgotten the LORD their God. “Return, O faithless children, and I will heal your faithlessness.” “Here we are. We come to You, for You are the LORD our God. |
| 5 | Isaiah 9:13 | But the people did not return to Him who struck them; they did not seek the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 | Acts 3:26 | When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.” |
| 7 | Lamentations 3:27–30 | It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is still young. Let him sit alone in silence, for God has disciplined him. Let him bury his face in the dust— perhaps there is still hope. Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 17:14 | Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for You are my praise. |
| 9 | Luke 15:20 | So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. |
| 10 | Lamentations 5:21 | Restore us to Yourself, O LORD, so we may return; renew our days as of old, |
Jeremiah 31:18 Summary
In Jeremiah 31:18, Ephraim is crying out to God, saying that He has been disciplined severely, but is now asking for restoration and a chance to return to Him. This verse shows us that God is a loving and compassionate Father who desires to restore and forgive us, even when we've made mistakes (as seen in Psalms 103:8). When we acknowledge our need for God and ask for His restoration, we can experience His love and forgiveness, just like Ephraim. By turning to God and asking for His help, we can begin to heal and grow, and deepen our relationship with Him (as encouraged in 1 John 1:9).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be disciplined like an untrained calf?
In Jeremiah 31:18, Ephraim compares God's discipline to being treated like an untrained calf, suggesting a severe and perhaps harsh correction, similar to how a calf might be trained through tough means, as seen in Proverbs 22:15, where foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.
Why does Ephraim ask God to restore him?
Ephraim asks God to restore him so that he may return to the Lord, acknowledging God's sovereignty and lordship over his life, as stated in Jeremiah 31:18, and recognizing the need for restoration and repentance, as emphasized in 1 John 1:9, where if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
How does God respond to Ephraim's cry for restoration?
Although Jeremiah 31:18 only records Ephraim's prayer, the surrounding context, such as Jeremiah 31:20, suggests that God responds with compassion and a desire to remember and restore Ephraim, as a precious son, similar to the father's response to the prodigal son in Luke 15:20-24, where the father runs to meet his son and welcomes him back home.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us about God's loving and compassionate character, as seen in His desire to restore and forgive Ephraim, despite his past mistakes, as emphasized in Psalms 103:8, where the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being 'disciplined' by God, and how can I respond in humility and repentance?
- How can I, like Ephraim, acknowledge God's sovereignty and lordship over my life, and ask Him to restore me?
- What does it mean for me to 'return' to God, and what steps can I take to deepen my relationship with Him?
- In what ways can I reflect God's compassionate and loving character to those around me, as I've experienced it in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 31:18
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus],.... Not Ephraim in person; though, as he was a very affectionate and tenderhearted man, as appears from 1 Chronicles 7:22; he is with like
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 31:18
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
The prophet in this verse showeth the change that should be wrought in the hearts of the Israelites preceding this turn out of their captivity. God had made an ancient promise to this people in their enemies’ hands, , If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that they also have walked contrary unto me; and that also I have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity: then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land. The Lord, to show his faithfulness to his word, and also to mind them of what must first be done before the aforementioned promises could be fulfilled, and made good to them, and to quicken them to their duty, speaks of a thing yet to come as of a thing past, foretelling that before their deliverance should come he should hear Ephraim, that is, the ten tribes, or rather, those of all the twelve tribes that feared the Lord, bemoaning or bewailing their miserable state, or themselves, both for that and their sins, which had brought them into such a state, and acknowledging not only what God had done unto them, that it was he who had chastised them, and that justly; for they were as wanton bullocks not used to the yoke, which ordinarily are very unruly when they are first put into it, but by use are more quiet under it; and praying to God that he would both change their hearts and also their state; for without him it could never be done, and by him it would be done easily; and to this purpose laying a claim to God as their God, and owning him as their God, promising him that though other lords had ruled over them, yet hereafter he alone should be owned, acknowledged, worshipped, and obeyed by them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
Jeremiah 31:18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.Ver. 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself.] Heb., Hearing I have heard; his moans and laments have rung in mine ears. So Hosea 14:8, "I have heard him, and observed him." This is God’ s speech concerning the Christian Church of the Jews; for in this sermon we may easily observe a frequent change of persons, tanquam in opere dramatico, as in an interlude. Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised,] i.e., I was chastised to good purpose, taught my duty. Turn thou me.] Give me the whole turn, that I be not as an untamed sturdy heifer, or as a cake half baked.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
(18) 1 have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself.—The prophet’s thoughts still dwell upon the exiles of the northern kingdom. They have been longer under the sharp discipline of suffering. By this time, he thinks, they must have learnt repentance. He hears—or Jehovah, speaking through him. hears—the moaning of remorse; and in that work, thought of as already accomplished, he finds a new ground for his hope for Judah. Ephraim at last owned that he had deserved the chastisement of the yoke that had been laid on him. As a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke.—The comparison is the nearest approach in the Old Testament to the Greek proverb about “kicking against the pricks” (Acts 9:5; Acts 26:14). In Hosea 10:11 (“Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught “), which may well have been in Jeremiah’s thoughts, we have a like comparison under a somewhat different aspect. The cry which is heard from the lips of the penitent, “Turn thou me . . . ,” is, as it were, echoed from Jeremiah 3:7; Jeremiah 3:12; Jeremiah 3:14, and is reproduced in Lamentations 5:21.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
Verse 18. I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself] The exiled Israelites are in a state of deep repentance. Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised] I was at first like an unbroken and untoward steer, the more I was chastised the more I rebelled; but now I have benefited by thy correction. Turn thou me] I am now willing to take thy yoke upon me, but I have no power. I can only will and pray. Take the matter into thy own hand, and fully convert my soul.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 31:18
18. The Lord declares that He has heard Ephraim confessing that his punishment was the just consequence of his sin, and praying for acceptance. as a calf unaccustomed to the yoke] that has not been tamed. I shall be turned] rather I will turn in the neuter sense (not the passive, which modern English usage implies). See Dr. p. 366.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:18
18. As a bullock unaccustomed — Literally, like an untamed calf. See Hosea 10:11.
Sermons on Jeremiah 31:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Great Revival Is Coming by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival in the church. He mentions that two things are necessary for revival to occur, which are closely knit bonds of love amo |
|
The Transfiguration of Christ by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Greek Word Studies preaches about the importance of handling opposition with gentleness and meekness, emphasizing the need to correct others humbly and patiently, especially those |
|
Conversion of the Heart to God by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the profound work of the heart's conversion to God, emphasizing that it is a divine work beyond human understanding and power. He highlights the need for r |
|
The Stubborn Sinner Submitting to God. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the story of Ephraim in the book of Jeremiah, highlighting the journey from obstinate impenitence to repentance and reconciliation with God. The sermon |
|
The Honey and the Sting! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's heart is not inclined to afflict His children, as seen in Lamentations 3:33. He explains that while God may allow hardships, it is not His desir |
|
|
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound blessing of mourning for sin, illustrating that true mourning reflects a deep sorrow akin to the loss of a loved one. He explains that this mo |
|
Divine Mercy to Mourning Penitents by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the divine mercy extended to mourning penitents, using the example of Ephraim's repentance and God's compassionate response. The sermon highlights the |