King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 31:39 Mean?

Jeremiah 31:39 in the King James Version says “And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Jeremiah 31:39 · KJV

Context

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.

38

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.

39

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

40

And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.

Read Jeremiah 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The measuring line shall yet go forth (יֵצֵא קְוֵה־הַמִּדָּה, yetse qeveh-hamiddah)—the surveyor's cord extends the sacred boundary. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, qav (line) marked both construction (1 Kings 7:23) and destruction (2 Kings 21:13, Lamentations 2:8). Here it signifies restoration, reclaiming land once measured for judgment.

The hill Gareb (גָּרֵב) and Goath (גֹּעָתָה) are locations mentioned only here, their precise identification lost to history. This obscurity is instructive: God knows every insignificant feature of His people's homeland. The southwest circuit (opposite the northeast markers in v. 38) completes the city's perimeter, encompassing what was likely unclean land outside the pre-exilic walls—now incorporated into the holy city.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Archaeological uncertainty about Gareb and Goath's exact locations doesn't diminish the prophecy's force—Jeremiah's original audience knew these landmarks. The expansion of Jerusalem's sacred boundaries reverses Ezekiel's earlier vision where God's glory departed due to defilement (Ezekiel 10-11). Nehemiah's wall (445 BC) enclosed a smaller area; full realization awaits eschatological fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's knowledge of obscure place names reveal about His attention to details in your life?
  2. How does the expansion of holy boundaries (including previously unclean areas) anticipate the gospel's inclusion of Gentiles?
  3. Why would specific geographic prophecy matter to exiles who might never return to see it fulfilled?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְיָצָ֨א1 of 10

“shall yet go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

ע֜וֹד2 of 10
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

קָ֤וה3 of 10
H6961

a (measuring) cord (as if for binding)

הַמִּדָּה֙4 of 10

“And the measuring”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

נֶגְדּ֔וֹ5 of 10
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

עַ֖ל6 of 10
H5921

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

גִּבְעַ֣ת7 of 10

“over against it upon the hill”

H1389

a hillock

גָּרֵ֑ב8 of 10

“Gareb”

H1619

gareb, the name of an israelite, also of a hill near jerusalem

וְנָסַ֖ב9 of 10

“and shall compass about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

גֹּעָֽתָה׃10 of 10

“to Goath”

H1601

goah, a place near jerusalem

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 31:39 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 31:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Zechariah 2:1-2Ezekiel 40:8

Places in This Verse

GarebHill · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
GoahHill · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Jeremiah 31 →

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