Jeremiah 31:21
Jeremiah 31:21 in Multiple Translations
“Set up the roadmarks, establish the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.
Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.
Set thee up waymarks, make thee guide-posts; set thy heart toward the highway, even the way by which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.
Put up guiding pillars, make road signs for yourself: give attention to the highway, even the way in which you went: be turned again, O virgin of Israel, be turned to these your towns.
Put up markers on the road; make signposts for yourselves. You need to be sure you can find the highway, the road you traveled on. Come back, Virgin Israel, come back to your towns.
Set thee vp signes: make thee heapes: set thine heart towarde the path and way, that thou hast walked: turne againe, O virgine of Israel: turne againe to these thy cities.
Set up for thee signs, make for thee heaps, Set thy heart to the highway, the way thou wentest, Turn back, O virgin of Israel, Turn back unto these thy cities.
“Set up road signs. Make guideposts. Set your heart toward the highway, even the way by which you went. Turn again, virgin of Israel. Turn again to these your cities.
Set thee up way-marks, make thee high heaps: set thy heart towards the highway, even the way which thou wentest; turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.
Set thee up a watchtower, make to thee bitterness: direct thy heart into the right way, wherein thou hast walked: return, O virgin of Israel, return to these thy cities.
You Israeli people, set up road signs; put up posts along the roads to mark the road on which you walked when you were taken from Jerusalem. My precious/beloved Israeli people, come back to your towns here.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 31:21
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 31:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַצִּ֧יבִי
לָ֣/ךְ
צִיֻּנִ֗ים
שִׂ֤מִי
לָ/ךְ֙
תַּמְרוּרִ֔ים
שִׁ֣תִי
לִבֵּ֔/ךְ
לַֽ/מְסִלָּ֖ה
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
הלכתי
הָלָ֑כְתְּ
שׁ֚וּבִי
בְּתוּלַ֣ת
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
שֻׁ֖בִי
אֶל
עָרַ֥יִ/ךְ
אֵֽלֶּה
הַצִּ֧יבִי
nâtsab
H5324
to stand
V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
לָ֣/ךְ
Prep | Suff
צִיֻּנִ֗ים
tsîyûwn
H6725
signpost
N-mp
שִׂ֤מִי
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
לָ/ךְ֙
Prep | Suff
תַּמְרוּרִ֔ים
tamrûwr
H8564
signpost
N-mp
שִׁ֣תִי
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
לִבֵּ֔/ךְ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
לַֽ/מְסִלָּ֖ה
mᵉçillâh
H4546
highway
Prep | N-fs
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הלכתי
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
הָלָ֑כְתְּ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
שׁ֚וּבִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
בְּתוּלַ֣ת
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
virgin
N-fs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
שֻׁ֖בִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עָרַ֥יִ/ךְ
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp | Suff
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 31:21
הַצִּ֧יבִי
nâtsab
H5324
"to stand"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2fs
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
לָ֣/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
צִיֻּנִ֗ים
tsîyûwn
H6725
"signpost"
N-mp
A signpost or monument, often used to guide people, like a milestone on a road, as seen in the Bible's use of the term for a guiding pillar.
Definition: signpost, monument, market
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: sign, title, waymark. See also: 2 Kings 23:17; Jeremiah 31:21; Ezekiel 39:15.
שִׂ֤מִי
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
לָ/ךְ֙
""
Prep | Suff
תַּמְרוּרִ֔ים
tamrûwr
H8564
"signpost"
N-mp
This word refers to a signpost or guide, like a pillar, used to direct travelers. In the book of Isaiah, God promises to be a guiding light for his people, leading them through the wilderness. It symbolizes guidance and direction.
Definition: 1) guideposts, markers, signposts, high heap 1a) meaning doubtful
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: high heap. See also: Jeremiah 31:21.
שִׁ֣תִי
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
לִבֵּ֔/ךְ
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
לַֽ/מְסִלָּ֖ה
mᵉçillâh
H4546
"highway"
Prep | N-fs
This word means a raised highway or public road, like the ones built by King Solomon. It is used in books like Numbers and Isaiah to describe paths and roadways.
Definition: highway, raised way, public road
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: causeway, course, highway, path, terrace. See also: Numbers 20:19; Psalms 84:6; Proverbs 16:17.
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הלכתי
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
הָלָ֑כְתְּ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-2fs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
שׁ֚וּבִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
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.
בְּתוּלַ֣ת
bᵉthûwlâh
H1330
"virgin"
N-fs
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
שֻׁ֖בִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Impv-2fs
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עָרַ֥יִ/ךְ
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 31:21
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- Jeremiah 31:21 Summary
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Context — Mourning Turned to Joy
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.
21“Set up the road markers, put up the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.
22How long will you wander, O faithless daughter? For the LORD has created a new thing in the land— a woman will shelter a man.” 23This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “When I restore them from captivity, they will once again speak this word in the land of Judah and in its cities: ‘May the LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling place, O holy mountain.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 50:5 | They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten. |
| 2 | Isaiah 62:10 | Go out, go out through the gates; prepare the way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones; raise a banner for the nations! |
| 3 | Psalms 84:5 | Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. |
| 4 | Zechariah 2:6–7 | “Get up! Get up! Flee from the land of the north,” declares the LORD, “for I have scattered you like the four winds of heaven,” declares the LORD. “Get up, O Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the Daughter of Babylon!” |
| 5 | Haggai 1:5 | Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. |
| 6 | Isaiah 48:20 | Leave Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! Declare it with a shout of joy, proclaim it, let it go out to the ends of the earth, saying, “The LORD has redeemed His servant Jacob!” |
| 7 | Isaiah 52:11–12 | Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. For you will not leave in a hurry nor flee in haste, for the LORD goes before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard. |
| 8 | Isaiah 57:14 | And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 51:50 | You who have escaped the sword, depart and do not linger! Remember the LORD from far away, and let Jerusalem come to mind.” |
| 10 | Ezekiel 40:4 | “Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.” |
Jeremiah 31:21 Summary
[This verse is a beautiful call to return to God and follow His ways. It's like God is saying, 'Remember the path I've led you on, and come back to Me.' He wants us to remember the good things He's done for us and to follow Him with all our hearts, just like it says in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. By setting up 'roadmarks' and 'signposts', we can remind ourselves of God's love and faithfulness, and stay on the path of righteousness, as seen in Psalm 119:105.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'set up the roadmarks' and 'establish the signposts' in Jeremiah 31:21?
This is a call to remember and mark the path that God has led His people on, so they can return to Him and follow His ways, as seen in Deuteronomy 19:3 and Isaiah 35:8.
Who is being addressed as 'Virgin Israel' in this verse?
The term 'Virgin Israel' refers to the people of Israel, who are being called to return to their cities and their God, much like a virgin would be pure and devoted to her husband, as seen in Isaiah 54:5-6 and Hosea 2:13-14.
What is the significance of the 'highway' and the 'road' in this verse?
The 'highway' and the 'road' symbolize the path of righteousness and obedience to God, which Israel is being called to return to, as seen in Psalm 107:7 and Proverbs 4:11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of repentance and restoration in the Bible?
This verse is a call to repentance and restoration, as God invites His people to return to Him and follow His ways, which is a theme seen throughout the Bible, including in 1 Kings 8:46-53 and Luke 15:11-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'roadmarks' or significant events in my life that remind me of God's faithfulness and guidance?
- In what ways can I 'establish signposts' to remind myself and others of God's love and redemption?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'return' to God and follow His ways, and what steps can I take to do so?
- How can I practically 'keep the highway in mind' and stay on the path of righteousness in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 31:21
Set thee up way marks, make thee high heaps,.... Of stones, raised up as pillars, or like pyramids; or upright, as palm trees, which signification the word (z) has; to be marks and signs, to know the way again upon a return.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 31:21
Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:21
The latter part of this verse expounds the former. Thou shalt (saith God) return again to these cities which thou now leavest, therefore take good notice of the way thou seest, set up some marks by which thou mayst know it again; make thee pillars of some high heaps of stone in the way, which thou mayst know again when thou comest at them; mind well the way that the Assyrians and the Babylonians carried thee, for thou shalt come back the same way. Further to assure them they should return, he calls to them to turn again, and doubleth his words, for the further confirmation of the thing.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:21
Jeremiah 31:21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, [even] the way [which] thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.Ver. 21. Set thee up waymarks.] Statue tibi statuas Mercuriales - q.d., I will surely bring thee back by the same way thou wentest hence into captivity; therefore take good notice of the way now, that thou mayest know it again another time. This God saith to quicken their faith, and to ascertain them of his love and favour; which is not like the winter sun, which casteth a goodly countenance when it shineth, but giveth little heat and comfort, &c. We must also set up waymarks, observe how we fell from the Lord, repent and do our first works. Set thine heart towards the highway.] This is done, saith Augustine, when God is sought for God’ s sake. Sed vix diligitur Iesus propter Iesum, saith the same Father; but this is rarely done.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:21
(21) Set thee up way marks . . .—It will be noted that the figure is changed, and that instead of “Ephraim, the dear son,” we have Israel, the “back-sliding daughter.” The idea of the return of the exiles is still prominent, and she, as represented by the first group of those who came back, is called on to set up “heaps of stones,” after the manner of Eastern travellers, as waymarks for those who followed. (Comp. Ezekiel 39:15.) The way which she had trodden when she was led out into captivity was to be re-trodden in the fulness of joy on her return. She was to pass in her joy through the self-same cities that had then seen her in her shame.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:21
Verse 21. Set thee up waymarks] Alluding to stones, or heaps of stones, which travellers in the desert set up to ascertain the way, that they may know how to return. Mark the way to Babylon: thither ye shall certainly go; but from it ye shall as certainly return.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 31:21
21. That the travellers should themselves be bidden to set up signposts has caused needless trouble to some commentators. Israel is bidden to mark out the way for his return, perhaps by pioneers sent in advance. guide-posts] The Heb. word occurs here only. set thine heart] The heart in Heb. denotes the seat of the intellect. Hence the sense is, turn thy attention to the way by which thou wentest into exile, that thou mayest retrace thy steps.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:21
21. High heaps — Pillars, or signposts.
Sermons on Jeremiah 31:21
| Sermon | Description | |
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Zion's Waymarks by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of returning to the path of righteousness and salvation, using the metaphor of setting up waymarks and making high heaps to guide the bac |
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Epistle 353 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and the righteousness of His kingdom, emphasizing the need to be heavenly-minded and to believe in the |
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Epistle 161 by George Fox | George Fox urges believers to avoid the distractions and temptations of worldly desires and cares, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and not succumbing to |
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How to Pray for Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young boy who unexpectedly takes over the pulpit and preaches with tears. His passionate message touches the hearts of both |
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Dealing With Offence by Albert Zehr | Albert Zehr preaches on the importance of dealing with offence in the church to prepare for God's mighty move. He emphasizes the need to remove stumbling blocks that hinder believe |
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Sermon Outline on Revelation 20:11 by Alexander Campbell | Alexander Campbell addresses the Christian Association of Washington, defending their principles and design for promoting a scriptural reformation. He refutes objections raised by |
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Lift Up a Standard for the People by William Edwin Boardman | William Edwin Boardman preaches on the importance of historical examples in the Bible, emphasizing how they serve as living forms of sin, holiness, truth, and falsehood for our ins |