Jeremiah 31 39

Jeremiah 31:39 kjv

And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.

Jeremiah 31:39 nkjv

The surveyor's line shall again extend straight forward over the hill Gareb; then it shall turn toward Goath.

Jeremiah 31:39 niv

The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goah.

Jeremiah 31:39 esv

And the measuring line shall go out farther, straight to the hill Gareb, and shall then turn to Goah.

Jeremiah 31:39 nlt

A measuring line will be stretched out over the hill of Gareb and across to Goah.

Jeremiah 31 verses

Jeremiah 31 39 Meaning

This verse signifies the re-establishment and sanctification of Jerusalem and its surroundings, extending even to the highest point of Gibeah, after a period of desolation. It proclaims that no longer will Jerusalem be utterly destroyed or abandoned, but will instead be a place of perpetual holiness and prosperity.

Jeremiah 31 39 Context

Jeremiah 31 prophesies the future restoration and covenant renewal of Israel and Judah after their exile. This chapter begins with a tender assurance of God's enduring love and promise to regather His people. It contrasts the former times of sorrow and judgment with a coming era of joy, peace, and a new covenant inscribed on their hearts. Chapter 31 speaks of both individual salvation and national redemption. This particular verse, 31:39, follows prophecies of joyous return and re-establishment, culminating in the establishment of the city of Jerusalem as a permanently holy place. It signifies the ultimate, inviolable holiness of Jerusalem, beyond the reach of further desecration. Historically, Jerusalem had suffered multiple destructions and occupations, a testament to its vulnerability. This verse speaks to a future reality where this pattern is permanently reversed, a future dimension often interpreted eschatologically.

Jeremiah 31 39 Word Analysis

• "and" (וְ‎ - wə): A common conjunction linking phrases and ideas. Here, it connects the description of the measuring line with the established measurement.

• "the measuring line" (קו־הַמִּדָּה‎ - qōw-hammidah): Refers to the line used to measure boundaries or proportions. Symbolically, it signifies order, structure, and defined limits for what is consecrated.

• "shall not be" (לֹא־תִמָּדֵד‎ - lō’-timmēd): Emphasizes a permanent cessation of being measured for destruction or delimitation. It will not be subjected to ruinous measurement again.

• "any longer" (עוֹד‎ - ‘ôwd): Indicates a time limit; this state of being measured is now concluded forever.

• "to" (אֶל־‎ - ’el): A preposition indicating direction.

• "destruction" (חָרְבָּה‎ - ḥorəbah): Means ruin, desolation, or devastation. This is what the measuring line will no longer delineate.

• "for" (לִ‎ - li): Indicates purpose.

• "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלִַם‎ - Yerūšālaiym): The capital city, central to God's plan and presence.

• "even" (עַד־‎ - ‘aḏ): Adds emphasis, extending the scope.

• "the hill" (גִּבְעָה‎ - giḇ‘āh): A hill, referring specifically here to one associated with Jerusalem.

• "of Gareb" (גָּרֵב‎ - gārēḇ): A place name, likely a specific hill or district of Jerusalem.

• "and" (וְ‎ - wə): Conjunction.

• "unto" (אֶל־‎ - ’el): Preposition indicating direction.

• "the valley" (בִּקְעָתָהּ‎ - biq‘ātāh): Its valley.

• "of" (שֶׁל־‎ - šeel): Possessive.

• "Hakorishet" (הַקֹּרִית‎ - haqqōrīṯ): Possibly meaning "the potter's valley," or a place of shame and ruin due to former activity or associations.

• "and" (וְ‎ - wə): Conjunction.

• "unto the ends" (עַד־‎ - ‘aḏ): Up to, until.

• "of the corner" (בִּשְׂפַת‎ - biśəp̄aṯ): At the boundary/edge of.

• "of the fields" (שְׂדֵי־‎ - śədê-): The fields.

• "eastward" (קֵדְמָה‎ - qedemāh): Towards the east.

• "even" (עַד־‎ - ‘aḏ): Adding emphasis, extending.

• "the border" (כֶּלְלָה‎ - kelūlāh): Complete boundary, enclosure.

• "of the Mount of Olives" (הַהַר־‎ - hahár-): The Mount.

• " shall be" (יִהְיֶה‎ - yihyeh): Will be.

• "a holy thing" (קֹדֶשׁ‎ - qōdeš): Something consecrated, sacred, set apart for God. This is a pivotal phrase, elevating the entire area.

• "unto the LORD" (לַיהוָה‎ - layhwh): Dedicated to Yahweh. This defines the nature of its holiness.

• "in" (בִּ‎ - bi): Preposition indicating location.

• "the land" (אֶרֶץ‎ - ’ereṣ): The land of Israel.

• "of" (אֶרֶץ‎ - ’ereṣ): Possessive.

• "Jeremiah" (יִרְמְיָהוּ‎ - Yirməyahw): The prophet's name, and by extension, his message of restoration.

• "Jerusalem" (יְרוּשָׁלִַם‎ - Yerūšālaiym): Again, the sacred city.

• "and it" (וְלֹא‎ - wəlo): And it (this is actually from 31:40). The structure of 31:39 implies no longer measured unto destruction. The full meaning extends to permanent inhabitation and security.

• "and there shall be no more": The immediate next phrase in context, though not in the specific verse requested. The continuity highlights that what was a measuring line for destruction will be replaced by an unending measure of holiness.

• "utter destruction" (חָרֶם‎ - ḥērem): Devoted to destruction, accursed, utterly destroyed. The verse proclaims that the sacredness will ensure this never happens again.

• Groups of Words/Phrases:

  • "the measuring line shall not be measured any longer to destruction": This entire phrase conveys the cessation of calamitous assessment and dismantling of the city. It moves from being a site measured for ruin to a place defined by holiness.
  • "unto Jerusalem, even unto the hill of Gareb, and unto the valley of Hacorshah, and unto the borders of the Eastward even unto the Mount of Olives": This expansive geographical reference emphasizes the thoroughness of God's redemptive and sanctifying work. The city and its surrounding environs, including previously potentially desolate or contested areas, are all to be declared holy.
  • "shall be holy unto the LORD": This is the ultimate declaration. It signifies that the entire specified area is set apart for God, belonging to Him, and to be treated as sacred. Its existence and function are now under His divine ownership and protection.

Jeremiah 31 39 Bonus Section

The geographical markers mentioned (Gibeah, the valley, Mount of Olives) were significant locations in Israel's history, some having experienced both blessing and judgment. The mention of "Hacorshah" (or a similar variant depending on textual interpretations) may point to a place associated with the potter's craft, which in ancient Near Eastern contexts could sometimes carry associations with impurity or death, making its inclusion in the holy boundary a strong indicator of thorough sanctification. The contrast between a "measuring line to destruction" and a defined "holy" area highlights God’s sovereign control over history and His ultimate plan to establish an everlasting kingdom where His presence guarantees unending holiness and peace. This verse reflects a theological progression from God’s dwelling among His people to God dwelling in them and with them permanently in a transformed reality.

Jeremiah 31 39 Commentary

Jeremiah 31:39 is a powerful promise of ultimate security and holiness for Jerusalem. After centuries of vulnerability, war, and exile, God declares that the city, and a significant surrounding area, will be definitively and permanently set apart as holy to Himself. This means it will be:

1. Uniquely Devoted: The land will be dedicated exclusively to God's purposes, no longer subject to profanation or common use. This is a transformation from what was often desecrated or threatened to an inviolable sanctuary.
2. Permanently Secured: The "measuring line to destruction" ceases. God's boundary will now define its existence, a boundary of holiness, not ruin. This contrasts with previous measurements that might have led to exile or devastation.
3. Extensively Holy: The scope extends beyond the city walls to include specified hills, valleys, and fields. This is a broad declaration of sacredness over the land, signifying comprehensive restoration.
4. A Glimpse of the New Jerusalem: Many see this verse as a prophecy fulfilled not just in the restored earthly Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, but in an even grander, eternal sense in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation. This ultimate city will be utterly holy, with no unclean thing permitted within its bounds.

This promise assures believers that God’s plans for His chosen city and His people are unassailable, culminating in a future state of perfect holiness and security under His rule. The concept of the "measuring line" shifts from a symbol of demolition to one of consecrated order, echoing Ezekiel’s vision of a holy temple.

Practical Application:

• Trust in God’s Promises: Even when circumstances look bleak and destruction seems imminent, God’s promises of future restoration and holiness are sure.
• Sacredness of Place: While Jesus expanded the understanding of worship to be in spirit and truth, places where God has manifested His presence retain a symbolic significance pointing to His ultimate dwelling with humanity.
• Ultimate Security in Christ: For Christians, the true fulfillment of Jerusalem's lasting holiness is found in Christ and the eternal dwelling of God with His redeemed people in the heavenly city. Our lives are called to be "holy to the LORD" as living sacrifices.