Jeremiah 31:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God commands Rachel to cease weeping because her children will return.
The Context of Jeremiah 31:16
Promise of return that silences grief through hope.
What Does Jeremiah 31:16 Mean?
The Lord directly addresses Rachel's grief, calling her to stop weeping. This is not dismissal but promise: restraint in grief is possible because reunion is coming. 'Thy work'—the bearing and raising of children—will be vindicated through their return. Maternal investment is never wasted.
'They shall come again from the land of the enemy'—the exile will end and the people will leave captivity. The promise is concrete and temporal, not only spiritual. Return to the land is the fulfillment of Rachel's hope and the reversal of all she has lost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 31:16
What does Jeremiah 31:16 mean?
God commands Rachel to cease weeping because her children will return.
What is the context of Jeremiah 31:16?
Promise of return that silences grief through hope.