King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:35 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:35 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a ligh...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:”

Jeremiah 31:35 · KJV

Context

33

But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

35

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

36

If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

37

Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God appeals to the fixed order of creation—sun by day, moon and stars by night, the sea's waves—to guarantee His covenant promises. These natural laws are utterly reliable; the sun rises every morning without fail. God stakes His covenant faithfulness on this same certainty. As long as these ordinances remain (which is forever), Israel will remain a nation before God. This is an unconditional promise grounded in God's unchanging character and sovereign control over creation.

The theological point is that God's covenant with Israel is as permanent and unbreakable as the laws of nature. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, despite judgment and exile, God will not utterly cast them away. A remnant will always exist; God's purposes for Israel will be fulfilled. Paul develops this in Romans 11:1-2: 'Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.' God's gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

This grounding of covenant promise in creation's order connects God's redemptive work with His work as Creator. The God who sustains the cosmos by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3) is the same God who keeps covenant promises. His word in creation and His word in promise are equally reliable. When God speaks, whether to command light to shine or to promise salvation, His word accomplishes what He intends (Isaiah 55:10-11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During the exile, it appeared God had abandoned Israel. The temple was destroyed, the land empty, the people scattered. Yet Jeremiah insists God's covenant remains. The physical ordinances of sun, moon, and sea testified that God had not abandoned His promises. This encouraged the faithful remnant to trust God's word despite contrary appearances. Faith believes God's promise even when circumstances seem to contradict it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's faithfulness in maintaining creation's order assure us of His faithfulness to keep covenant promises?
  2. What does it mean that God's covenant with Israel is as permanent as the sun and moon—how does this inform our understanding of God's purposes for ethnic Israel?
  3. How should creation's reliable order increase our confidence in God's promises to believers in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כֹּ֣ה׀1 of 19
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 19

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 19

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נֹתֵ֥ן4 of 19

“which giveth”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

שֶׁ֙מֶשׁ֙5 of 19

“the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

לְא֣וֹר6 of 19

“for a light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

יוֹמָ֔ם7 of 19

“by day”

H3119

daily

חֻקֹּ֛ת8 of 19

“and the ordinances”

H2708

a statute

יָרֵ֥חַ9 of 19

“of the moon”

H3394

the moon

וְכוֹכָבִ֖ים10 of 19

“and of the stars”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

לְא֣וֹר11 of 19

“for a light”

H216

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

לָ֑יְלָה12 of 19

“by night”

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

רֹגַ֤ע13 of 19

“which divideth”

H7280

properly, to toss violently and suddenly (the sea with waves, the skin with boils); figuratively (in a favorable manner) to settle, i.e., quiet; speci

הַיָּם֙14 of 19

“the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

וַיֶּהֱמ֣וּ15 of 19

“thereof roar”

H1993

to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

גַלָּ֔יו16 of 19

“when the waves”

H1530

something rolled, i.e., a heap of stone or dung (plural ruins), by analogy, a spring of water (plural waves)

יְהוָ֥ה17 of 19

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֖וֹת18 of 19

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

שְׁמֽוֹ׃19 of 19

“is his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

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 31:35 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 31:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 51:15Jeremiah 10:16Psalms 136:7-9Genesis 1:14-18Jeremiah 50:34Matthew 8:25-26

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 31 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes