King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:25 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:25 in the King James Version says “Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariot... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.

Jeremiah 17:25 · KJV


Context

23

But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.

24

And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein;

25

Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.

26

And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD.

27

But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promised blessing for Sabbath-keeping includes dynastic continuity and prosperity: "Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David." This references God's covenant with David (2 Sam 7:12-16) promising an eternal dynasty. The imagery of kings and princes "riding in chariots and on horses" depicts royal splendor and military might—marks of national strength and security.

"This city shall remain for ever" offers permanent establishment of Jerusalem as the covenant capital. The Hebrew le'olam (לְעוֹלָם, forever) can mean indefinitely long or eternally, depending on context. Historically, Jerusalem did not remain forever due to Judah's disobedience—it fell to Babylon in 586 BC. Yet the promise points beyond temporal Jerusalem to the eternal city, the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:2), where Christ the ultimate Davidic King reigns eternally.

This conditional promise demonstrates that covenant blessings depend on covenant faithfulness. Judah's failure to meet the condition brought the opposite—exile, the end of the earthly Davidic monarchy, and Jerusalem's destruction. Yet God's ultimate purposes cannot fail. Christ, the Son of David, fulfills these promises perfectly, establishing an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Luke 1:32-33, Heb 12:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Davidic dynasty ruled Judah from approximately 1010-586 BC. Despite ups and downs, the line continued until Nebuchadnezzar deported King Jehoiachin and appointed Zedekiah, who later rebelled, leading to Jerusalem's destruction. No Davidic king ruled Jerusalem again until Christ, whom the New Testament identifies as the promised Son of David who inaugurates God's eternal kingdom (Matt 1:1, 21:9, Rom 1:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do conditional Old Testament promises inform your understanding of covenant blessings and consequences?
  2. In what ways does Christ's eternal kingship fulfill and transcend the conditional promises made to Judah?
  3. What does it mean that believers are citizens of a city that truly will remain forever?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וּבָ֣אוּ1 of 23

Then shall there enter

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְשַׁעֲרֵ֣י2 of 23

into the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָֽעִיר3 of 23

and this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֡את4 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

מְלָכִ֣ים׀5 of 23

kings

H4428

a king

וְשָׂ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 23

and princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה7 of 23

and the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עַל8 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּסֵּ֨א9 of 23

upon the throne

H3678

properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)

דָוִ֜ד10 of 23

of David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

רֹכְבִ֣ים׀11 of 23

riding

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

בָּרֶ֣כֶב12 of 23

in chariots

H7393

a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e., the upper millstone

וּבַסּוּסִ֗ים13 of 23

and on horses

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

הֵ֚מָּה14 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְשָׂ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם15 of 23

and princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

אִ֥ישׁ16 of 23

the men

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְהוּדָ֖ה17 of 23

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה18 of 23

and the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם19 of 23

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְיָשְׁבָ֥ה20 of 23

and the inhabitants

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הָֽעִיר21 of 23

and this city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַזֹּ֖את22 of 23
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְעוֹלָֽם׃23 of 23

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 17:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 17:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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