Old Testament
Jeremiah 31:22
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
How long will you wander, you unfaithful daughter? The LORD has created something new on the earth: a woman will surround a man.
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How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.
What Jeremiah 31:22 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses His people, referred to as the 'unfaithful daughter,' highlighting their tendency to stray from Him. The phrase 'how long will you wander?' suggests a call to repentance and a return to faithfulness. The mention of God creating 'something new' indicates a significant change or transformation in the relationship between men and women. The statement that 'a woman will surround a man' can be interpreted as a prophetic declaration of a new social order or a deeper connection between genders, possibly hinting at the coming of a new covenant or a restoration of relationships. This verse emphasizes God's desire for His people to return to Him and hints at a future where relationships are redefined and restored under His guidance. It serves as a reminder of God's creative power and His ability to bring about change in the lives of His followers, encouraging them to embrace this newness rather than continue in their waywardness.
How to apply Jeremiah 31:22 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God. Are we wandering away from Him? It challenges us to embrace the new things God is doing in our lives and relationships, fostering deeper connections and understanding between genders, and to seek His guidance in our interactions.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 31:22
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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 31:22 mean?
Jeremiah 31:22 addresses God's people, calling them back from their unfaithfulness. It highlights a transformative change in relationships, suggesting a new order where women will play a significant role in society.
What is the meaning of 'a woman will surround a man' in Jeremiah 31:22?
The phrase 'a woman will surround a man' can be interpreted as a prophetic indication of a new social dynamic between genders, possibly signifying a deeper connection and mutual support in relationships.
How does Jeremiah 31:22 relate to repentance?
Jeremiah 31:22 emphasizes the need for repentance by questioning how long the people will continue to stray from God, urging them to return and embrace the new things He is doing.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 31:22?
Key themes in Jeremiah 31:22 include repentance, faithfulness, divine transformation, and the restoration of relationships, particularly between genders, under God's guidance.
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