King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 32:31 Mean?

Jeremiah 32:31 in the King James Version says “For this city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For this city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face, a provocation: Heb. for my anger”

Jeremiah 32:31 · KJV

Context

29

And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger.

30

For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the LORD.

31

For this city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face, a provocation: Heb. for my anger

32

Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

33

And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. back: Heb. neck

Read Jeremiah 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it—A shocking statement: Jerusalem, the City of David, God's chosen dwelling place, has been a source of divine wrath from the day they built it. The Hebrew ka'as (provocation) and chemah (חֵמָה, fury/wrath) are intensified together. This isn't denying Jerusalem's election (Psalm 132:13-14) but acknowledging persistent covenant unfaithfulness even in the holy city.

That I should remove it from before my face (לַהֲסִירָהּ מֵעַל פָּנָי)—Divine presence withdrawal is the ultimate curse. The phrase anticipates the temple's destruction and God's glory departing (Ezekiel 10:18-19). Yet God's stated intention 'to remove it' (using the modal verb) suggests this wasn't His ultimate desire but judicial necessity. The tension between God's elective love and His holy wrath over sin reaches crisis in this verse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jerusalem was conquered by David circa 1000 BC and made Israel's capital. Solomon built the temple there (959 BC). Despite this sacred history, the city's inhabitants repeatedly violated covenant, culminating in the abominations described in verses 34-35. In 587 BC, God's patience exhausted, Jerusalem fell.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge the assumption that God 'owes' protection to Christian nations or institutions?
  2. What would it mean for God to 'remove' His presence from your life or church?
  3. Can you identify areas where religious heritage has bred complacency rather than faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
כִּ֧י1 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עַל2 of 20
H5921

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

אַפִּ֣י3 of 20

“hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְעַל4 of 20
H5921

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

חֲמָתִ֗י5 of 20

“and of my fury”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

הָ֤יְתָה6 of 20
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִּי֙7 of 20
H0
הָעִ֣יר8 of 20

“For this city”

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֔את9 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לְמִן10 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַיּ֣וֹם11 of 20

“from the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲשֶׁ֣ר12 of 20
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּנ֣וּ13 of 20

“that they built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אוֹתָ֔הּ14 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְעַ֖ד15 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֣וֹם16 of 20

“from the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֑ה17 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לַהֲסִירָ֖הּ18 of 20

“that I should remove”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מֵעַ֥ל19 of 20
H5921

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

פָּנָֽי׃20 of 20

“it from before my face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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 32:31 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 32:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 23:27Jeremiah 27:101 Kings 11:7-82 Kings 21:4-72 Kings 24:3-4Matthew 23:37

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