Jeremiah 31:19 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After divine turning, Ephraim repents deeply, grieving over his past failures.
The Context of Jeremiah 31:19
The deepening of repentance through shame and recognition of failure.
What Does Jeremiah 31:19 Mean?
The sequence is clear: first God turns, then Ephraim repents and is instructed. The act of smiting the thigh—a gesture of intense emotion and regret—shows Ephraim's interior transformation. Shame and confusion replace defiance. This is not casual sorrow but profound remorse.
'The reproach of my youth'—Ephraim recognizes that his failures carry long consequences and social shame. Yet this very shame, acknowledged and grieved, becomes the pathway to transformation. True repentance involves facing the weight of one's past without excuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 31:19
What does Jeremiah 31:19 mean?
After divine turning, Ephraim repents deeply, grieving over his past failures.
What is the context of Jeremiah 31:19?
The deepening of repentance through shame and recognition of failure.