Jeremiah Chapter 31 · Verse 18

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי I have surely H8085
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי I have surely
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 1 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי I have surely H8085
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי I have surely
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ Ephraim H669
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ Ephraim
Strong's: H669
Word #: 3 of 15
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִתְנוֹדֵ֔ד bemoaning H5110
מִתְנוֹדֵ֔ד bemoaning
Strong's: H5110
Word #: 4 of 15
to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea
וָֽאִוָּסֵ֔ר himself thus Thou hast chastised H3256
וָֽאִוָּסֵ֔ר himself thus Thou hast chastised
Strong's: H3256
Word #: 5 of 15
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
וָֽאִוָּסֵ֔ר himself thus Thou hast chastised H3256
וָֽאִוָּסֵ֔ר himself thus Thou hast chastised
Strong's: H3256
Word #: 6 of 15
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
כְּעֵ֖גֶל as a bullock H5695
כְּעֵ֖גֶל as a bullock
Strong's: H5695
Word #: 7 of 15
a (male) calf (as frisking round), especially one nearly grown (i.e., a steer)
לֹ֣א unaccustomed H3808
לֹ֣א unaccustomed
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לֻמָּ֑ד H3925
לֻמָּ֑ד
Strong's: H3925
Word #: 9 of 15
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
וְאָשׁ֔וּבָה thou me and I shall be turned H7725
וְאָשׁ֔וּבָה thou me and I shall be turned
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 10 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְאָשׁ֔וּבָה thou me and I shall be turned H7725
וְאָשׁ֔וּבָה thou me and I shall be turned
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 11 of 15
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַתָּ֖ה H859
אַתָּ֖ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 13 of 15
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
יְהוָ֥ה for thou art the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה for thou art the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 14 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהָֽי׃ my God H430
אֱלֹהָֽי׃ my God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 15 of 15
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis & Commentary

God depicts Ephraim (representing Israel) acknowledging God's discipline: 'Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke.' This agricultural metaphor describes an untrained ox resisting the yoke—bucking, fighting, refusing to submit. Israel had been like this, resisting God's good guidance. But now they cry, 'Turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.' This is profound theology—even repentance is God's work. They cannot turn themselves; God must do the turning.

The prayer 'turn thou me' reflects the Reformed doctrine of effectual calling and irresistible grace. Fallen humans cannot turn to God on their own; spiritual death means we lack ability to respond to God (Ephesians 2:1). God must regenerate us, open our eyes, change our hearts—then we respond. The phrase 'I shall be turned' acknowledges that when God turns us, we will certainly turn. This is not divine coercion but divine enablement—God changes the heart's disposition so that we willingly, gladly turn to Him.

This passage destroys any notion of works-righteousness or self-improvement religion. Salvation is God's work from beginning to end. He chastises, He turns, He restores. Our role is to recognize our inability and cry out for His intervention. This theology humbles the proud, comforts the struggling, and gives all glory to God for salvation.

Historical Context

The exile had been God's 'chastisement'—painful discipline intended to break Israel's stubborn rebellion and bring them to repentance. Like the prodigal son in the far country coming to himself (Luke 15:17), the exiles recognized their sin and God's righteous judgment. This acknowledgment was prerequisite to restoration. God does not restore the impenitent, but He freely restores those who confess their need and cry out for His mercy.

Questions for Reflection