Jeremiah 31:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel is called to prepare for return and journey homeward on the familiar road.
The Context of Jeremiah 31:21
A practical call to prepare and journey toward restored homeland.
What Does Jeremiah 31:21 Mean?
Waymarks and heaps are practical signals for a journey—the return from exile requires landmarks to guide the people home. These physical markers represent preparation and intention; the people are to actively orient themselves toward restoration, not passively wait. The highway is the actual route of return.
'The way which thou wentest'—the path of exile becomes the path of return. By retracing the route of departure, Israel symbolically undoes the exile. 'Turn again to these thy cities' is a direct call to return home, addressing the people as 'virgin of Israel'—restored and renewed, ready to inhabit their inheritance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 31:21
What does Jeremiah 31:21 mean?
Israel is called to prepare for return and journey homeward on the familiar road.
What is the context of Jeremiah 31:21?
A practical call to prepare and journey toward restored homeland.