Old Testament
Jeremiah 31:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Surely after I was turned, I repented. After I was instructed, I struck my thigh. I was ashamed and confounded because I bore the reproach of my youth.
Compare translations
Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.
What Jeremiah 31:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the speaker reflects on a personal transformation and the feelings that accompany it. After turning away from wrongdoing, there is a deep sense of regret and shame for past actions, particularly those from youth. The act of striking the thigh symbolizes a physical expression of sorrow and acknowledgment of mistakes. This moment of repentance is crucial, as it highlights the importance of recognizing one's faults and the emotional turmoil that can arise from them. The speaker's shame indicates a desire for change and a commitment to learning from past experiences. This verse serves as a reminder that acknowledging our wrongs is a vital step toward personal growth and healing, and it emphasizes the need for guidance and instruction in the journey of life.
How to apply Jeremiah 31:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our past mistakes and the feelings of shame that may arise from them. It reminds us that acknowledging our wrongs is essential for personal growth. Embrace repentance as a step toward healing and seek guidance to avoid repeating past errors.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 31:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 31:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 31:19 teach about repentance?
Jeremiah 31:19 emphasizes the importance of repentance as a transformative process. The speaker reflects on their past mistakes and acknowledges the shame associated with them. This verse teaches that true repentance involves not only recognizing one's wrongs but also feeling genuine remorse and a desire to change. It highlights that repentance is a crucial step toward personal growth and healing.
How can I apply the lessons from Jeremiah 31:19 in my life?
To apply the lessons from Jeremiah 31:19, start by reflecting on your past actions and identifying areas where you feel regret. Acknowledge these feelings and allow yourself to experience the shame that comes with recognizing mistakes. Use this awareness as motivation to seek guidance and make positive changes in your life. Embrace the process of repentance as a means to grow and avoid repeating past errors.
What does striking the thigh symbolize in Jeremiah 31:19?
In Jeremiah 31:19, striking the thigh symbolizes a physical expression of sorrow and regret. This act signifies the speaker's deep emotional turmoil over their past actions, particularly those from their youth. It serves as a reminder that acknowledging our mistakes can be a painful but necessary part of the repentance process, highlighting the seriousness of our wrongdoings and the desire for change.
Why is shame mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19?
Shame is mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19 to illustrate the emotional response that often accompanies repentance. The speaker feels ashamed of their past actions, particularly those from their youth, which indicates a recognition of wrongdoing. This shame is not merely negative; it can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation, motivating individuals to seek forgiveness and make better choices in the future.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.