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Jeremiah 31:4

Jeremiah 31:4 in Multiple Translations

Again I will build you, and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out in joyful dancing.

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

Again will I build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: again shalt thou be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

I will again make new your buildings, O virgin of Israel, and you will take up your place: again you will take up your instruments of music, and go out in the dances of those who are glad.

I'm going to rebuild you, and it will happen. You will be rebuilt, Virgin Israel. You will pick up your tambourines again and run outside to dance with joy.

Againe I will builde thee, and thou shalt be builded, O virgine Israel: thou shalt stil be adorned with thy timbrels, and shalt goe foorth in the dance of them that be ioyfull.

Again do I build thee, And thou hast been built, O virgin of Israel, Again thou puttest on thy tabrets, And hast gone out in the chorus of the playful.

I will build you again, and you will be built, O virgin of Israel. You will again be adorned with your tambourines, and will go out in the dances of those who make merry.

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel; thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

And I will build thee again, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy timbrels, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

And now I tell you, my Israeli people whom I love [MET], that I will cause you to be a nation again. You will joyfully dance as you play your tambourines.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 31:4

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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 31:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB ע֤וֹד אֶבְנֵ/ךְ֙ וְֽ/נִבְנֵ֔ית בְּתוּלַ֖ת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל ע֚וֹד תַּעְדִּ֣י תֻפַּ֔יִ/ךְ וְ/יָצָ֖את בִּ/מְח֥וֹל מְשַׂחֲקִֽים
ע֤וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
אֶבְנֵ/ךְ֙ bânâh H1129 to build V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְֽ/נִבְנֵ֔ית bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Niphal-2fs
בְּתוּלַ֖ת bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin N-fs
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
ע֚וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
תַּעְדִּ֣י ʻâdâh H5710 to advance V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
תֻפַּ֔יִ/ךְ tôph H8596 tambourine N-mp | Suff
וְ/יָצָ֖את yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-2fs
בִּ/מְח֥וֹל mâchôwl H4234 dance Prep | N-ms
מְשַׂחֲקִֽים sâchaq H7832 to laugh V-Piel
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 31:4

ע֤וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
אֶבְנֵ/ךְ֙ bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
וְֽ/נִבְנֵ֔ית bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Niphal-2fs
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בְּתוּלַ֖ת 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 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.
ע֚וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
תַּעְדִּ֣י ʻâdâh H5710 "to advance" V-Qal-Imperf-2fs
This verb means to adorn or decorate oneself with ornaments, and is used in 2 Samuel 1:24 to describe the Israelites' adornment. It also appears in Ezekiel 23:40, where it talks about the decorating of a bed.
Definition: 1) to pass on, advance, go on, pass by, remove 1a) (Qal) to pass on, put on 1b) (Hiphil) to remove Aramaic equivalent: a.dah (עֲדָה "to pass on/over/away" H5709)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: adorn, deck (self), pass by, take away. See also: Job 28:8; Jeremiah 31:4; Proverbs 25:20.
תֻפַּ֔יִ/ךְ tôph H8596 "tambourine" N-mp | Suff
A tambourine is a musical instrument, used in celebrations and worship in the Bible. The word appears in Exodus, where the Israelites use tambourines to praise God, and in other books like Psalm and Isaiah.
Definition: timbrel, tambourine
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: tabret, timbrel. See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 81:3; Psalms 149:3.
וְ/יָצָ֖את yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-2fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בִּ/מְח֥וֹל mâchôwl H4234 "dance" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a dance or dancing refers to a round dance, where people move in a circle. This word is used to describe joyful celebrations and worship.
Definition: dance, dancing
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: dance(-cing). See also: Psalms 30:12; Jeremiah 31:4; Psalms 149:3.
מְשַׂחֲקִֽים sâchaq H7832 "to laugh" V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to laugh, often in contempt or derision, as seen in Genesis 21:9 when Ishmael mocks Isaac. It can also mean to play or make sport, like in Psalm 104:26 where God plays with the whale. In the Bible, it appears over 50 times, including in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) to laugh, play, mock 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to laugh (usually in contempt or derision) 1a2) to sport, play 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make sport 1b2) to jest 1b3) to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing) 1c) (Hiphil) to laugh mockingly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. See also: Judges 16:25; Psalms 2:4; Psalms 37:13.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 31:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 33:7 I will restore Judah and Israel from captivity and will rebuild them as in former times.
2 Jeremiah 31:13 Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.
3 Amos 5:2 “Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again. She lies abandoned on her land, with no one to raise her up.”
4 Revelation 21:10–27 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, shining with the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious jewel, like a jasper, as clear as crystal. The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, with its width the same as its length. And he measured the city with the rod, and all its dimensions were equal—12,000 stadia in length and width and height. And he measured its wall to be 144 cubits, by the human measure the angel was using. The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, with each gate consisting of a single pearl. The main street of the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. But I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there. And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
5 Acts 15:16 ‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
6 Jeremiah 30:18–19 This is what the LORD says: “I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings. And the city will be rebuilt on her own ruins, and the palace will stand in its rightful place. Thanksgiving will proceed from them, a sound of celebration. I will multiply them, and they will not be decreased; I will honor them, and they will not be belittled.
7 Luke 15:23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate.
8 Lamentations 2:13 What can I say for you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can ever heal you?
9 2 Kings 19:21 This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you.
10 Psalms 149:3 Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.

Jeremiah 31:4 Summary

In Jeremiah 31:4, God promises to restore and rebuild His people, Israel, and to bring them joy and celebration. This verse reminds us that God is a loving and redeeming God who wants to bring us back to Himself and give us a fresh start (Jeremiah 31:3, Isaiah 43:19). Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's promise to rebuild and restore us, and we can express our joy and gratitude to Him through worship and celebration (Psalm 100:1-5). As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God's love and restoration are always available to us, and that He desires to bring us joy and fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'build' and 'rebuild' Israel in Jeremiah 31:4?

This refers to God's promise to restore and revitalize His people, just as He did in the book of Ezra when He allowed the Israelites to return from exile and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 6:1-18).

Why is Israel called 'Virgin Israel' in this verse?

The term 'Virgin Israel' is a metaphorical expression of Israel's purity and innocence before God, much like the description of the church as a 'chaste virgin' in 2 Corinthians 11:2.

What is the significance of the tambourines and joyful dancing in Jeremiah 31:4?

The tambourines and joyful dancing represent the joy and celebration that will accompany God's restoration of His people, much like the rejoicing that occurred when the Israelites dedicated the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 12:27-43.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah 31?

Jeremiah 31:4 is part of a larger prophecy about God's plan to restore and redeem His people, which is rooted in His everlasting love for them, as stated in Jeremiah 31:3, and is fulfilled in the New Covenant described in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas of my life where I need God to 'build' and 'rebuild' me, and how can I surrender to His restoration?
  2. How can I, like 'Virgin Israel', maintain a posture of purity and innocence before God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
  3. In what ways can I express my joy and gratitude to God through 'joyful dancing' and celebration, like the Israelites in this verse?
  4. How does the promise of God's restoration in Jeremiah 31:4 give me hope and comfort in times of difficulty or uncertainty?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 31:4

Again, I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel,.... The same with "all the families of Israel", Jeremiah 31:1; who, when converted, will be espoused to Christ as a chaste

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 31:4

Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry. Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:4

As upon their being carried into captivity both their civil state and church, which either of them were as a building framed together, were broken and pulled down, and they were scattered here and there, like the stones of a building pulled down; so God’ s bringing them again together, and cementing them by a political and ecclesiastical government, is fitly compared to a building. The calling them the virgin Israel doth not signify that the body of that people had not been defloured by idolatry, but either signifies that this promise only concerned such as had kept their virginity; or else (which it may be is more probable) Israel is here called a virgin with relation to the following words, they being virgins which were wont to go out with tabrets, , and to dance in the time of their mirth and jollity, . The virgins are said to be adorned with their tabrets, or timbrels, either (as some think) because they were wont to tie scarfs or ribands about them, or because they looked comely with these instruments of music in their hands, or should use them in a more handsome and comely manner than they had done before, when they used them at unseasonable times. That which is here prophesied is, a merry, joyful, pleasant time to this people, when their mirth should become them; or the restoration of their religions festivals, at which they used instruments of music to express their inward spiritual joy and gladness. The prophets, , came from the high place with a tabret, &c.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:4

Jeremiah 31:4 Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.Ver. 4. Again I will build thee.] See Jeremiah 34:18. Thou shalt be adorned with thy tabrets.] All shall be hail and merry with thee as heretofore: yea, thou shalt have spiritual joy, which is res severa, severe and solid, such as doth not only smoothe the brow, but fill the breast.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:4

(4) Thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets . . .—The implied idea is that of a time of rejoicing after triumphant restoration (the “building” of the previous sentence is more than that of material walls and towers), when the daughters of Israel (as in Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6; Psalms 68:11) should again go forth with “timbrels and dances,” with tabrets and joy and instruments of music. The “tabret” was a musical instrument of the drum type, somewhat like the Spanish or Italian tambourine, with bells attached to the metal hoop.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:4

Verse 4. O virgin of Israel] Israelites in general; now called virgin, because restored to their ancient purity. With thy tabrets] Women in general played on these; they were used in times of rejoicing, and accompanied with dancing. To these customs, still preserved, the prophet alludes.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 31:4

4. will I build thee, and thou shalt be built] For build = make to prosper, see note on Jeremiah 12:16. O virgin of Israel] The nation is addressed under the figure of a woman, as so often. tabrets] The tabret or timbrel, the Heb. tôph, the duff or diff of the Arabs, is a hoop on which pieces of brass are often fixed, and over which parchment is extended. It is thus played with the fingers like our tambourine. It was used in early times by the Syrians of Paddanaram (Genesis 31:27), played principally by women (Exodus 15:20; Judges 11:34; 1 Samuel 18:6; Psalms 68:25), but also by prophets (1 Samuel 10:5) and by others (2 Samuel 6:5; 1 Chronicles 13:8). Peake refers for the place occupied by dancing in the religion of the later (post-exilic) period to an essay by Franz Delitzsch, Iris, pp. 189, 204.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 31:4

O virgin of Israel - i. e., the whole people (compare Jeremiah 14:17 note).

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:4

4. Virgin — See on Jeremiah 14:17. Tabrets — Better, as in the margin, timbrels; a certain drum-like musical instrument, carried or worn especially by women in times of rejoicing.

Sermons on Jeremiah 31:4

SermonDescription
Thomas Bradbury Covenant Remembrance by Thomas Bradbury Thomas Bradbury preaches on the significance of being awakened by the Angel of the Lord, emphasizing the need for spiritual motives in worship and the desire for God's presence. Th
J.C. Philpot Spiritual Times and Seasons by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches on the vanity of all creature enjoyments and the importance of experiencing the killing and healing work of grace in the soul. Through the examples of King So
J.C. Philpot Zion's Foundations, Windows, Gates and Boarders by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the precious promises of God, emphasizing that these promises are exceedingly great and precious to the church of God only in specific circumstances whe
Isaac Penington An Inquiry After Truth and Righteousness, and After the People, &C. by Isaac Penington Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34478 preaches on the significance of mourning over sin, emphasizing the need for genuine confession, repentance, and sorrow. The preacher high
Art Katz Some Comments on Netanyahu’s Election in Israel: A Prelude to Coming Disaster? by Art Katz Art Katz discusses the implications of Benjamin Netanyahu's election in Israel, suggesting that it may not lead to any significant change in the nation's dire circumstances. He arg
Rolfe Barnard Facing Reprobates With Their Destiny by Rolfe Barnard In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a lost soul who decides to visit an old country church. As he enters the deserted church, his memory takes him back to a Sunday morn
David Wilkerson The Wall Is Down by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is bringing a strong message to the United States through prophets and watchmen. He declares that God is no longer allowing people

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