Jeremiah 31:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 31:16
16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 31 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, righteousness, love. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 31:16
16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
Analysis
Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. This verse directly answers Rachel's weeping in v. 15 with divine comfort and promise. Refrain thy voice from weeping uses mana (מָנַע), meaning to withhold or restrain—not suppressing emotion but ceasing because grief's cause will be removed. And thine eyes from tears parallels this, emphasizing complete cessation of mourning.
The basis for this command is twofold: thy work shall be rewarded (pe'ulah, פְּעֻלָּה, labor/deed, and sakar, שָׂכָר, wage/reward) acknowledges that Rachel's 'work'—bearing and raising covenant children—will not be in vain. God will recompense her investment. Second, they shall come again from the land of the enemy promises concrete restoration. Come again (shuv, שׁוּב) is the key Hebrew word for return/repentance—physical return from Babylon and spiritual return to covenant faithfulness.
This promise reveals God's character: He sees and rewards faithful labor (Hebrews 6:10), even when circumstances seem to nullify it. The 'land of the enemy' was not final destination but temporary trial. This speaks powerfully to Christian hope—present suffering is not final; God will restore what was lost (Romans 8:18-23, Revelation 21:4).
Historical Context
For exiles watching Jerusalem's destruction and facing decades in Babylon, this promise offered tangible hope. Their parents' and grandparents' faithfulness in raising children in covenant faith would be rewarded—the next generation would return and rebuild. Historically, Cyrus's decree (538 BC) enabled return, vindicating this promise. Yet full restoration awaited Messiah, who reverses the curse, defeats the ultimate enemy (death), and restores God's people eternally. Paul applies similar logic in 1 Corinthians 15:58—labor in the Lord is 'not in vain' because resurrection ensures ultimate restoration.
Reflection
- How does God's promise that 'your work shall be rewarded' comfort those whose faithful service seems fruitless?
- What does it mean that exile to 'the land of the enemy' is temporary, not permanent, for God's people?
- In what ways does Christian hope for resurrection and restoration enable us to 'refrain from weeping' even amid present loss?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Jeremiah 30:3, 30:18, Ruth 2:12, Isaiah 25:8
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 33:7, 2 Chronicles 15:7, Ecclesiastes 9:7, Isaiah 30:19, Hebrews 6:10, 11:6