Jeremiah 31:16Thus says Yahweh: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says Yahweh; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
The setting
Same devastated landscape, but now God interrupts the weeping with a promise. The exiles WILL return home. Modern Israel/Palestine.
The emotion here: tender compassion overriding divine judgment
The original word
sakar (שָׂכָר) — wages earned, reward for labor completed
Why it matters
This prophecy was fulfilled when Cyrus of Persia released the Jewish exiles 70 years later
Read with care
What most readers miss in Jeremiah 31:16
God calls the weeping and waiting 'work' that deserves wages—grief itself has purpose
Common misconceptionPeople think this guarantees every prodigal will return, but it's specifically about the exile ending—though the principle of hope applies broadly to God's faithfulness.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Jeremiah 31:16
Bible Genome reading
Jeremiah 31:16 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Jeremiah 31:16 comes from the book of Jeremiah, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Yahweh. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 90% and a tone that is tender. It belongs to the prophecy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include comfort, divine reward. Notable phrases: refrain from weeping; your work shall be rewarded. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains a command. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Jeremiah 31:16 mean to you, today?
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