Jeremiah 31:22

Go about. Wander about uncertainly, hesitating between obedience and apostasy (see Hosea 2:7).

Compass a man. The meaning of this clause is obscure. Scholars have offered the following conjectural suggestions: (1) that Israel, the woman, would return to her husband, Jehovah; (2) that conditions would be so peaceful that a woman would be able to perform the office of protector normally requiring a man; (3) that the woman is the virgin Mary and the man, Jesus; this was the view of the church fathers, among them Augustine; (4) that the woman represents Israel, who in her restoration would be stronger than her former conquerors.