King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:13 in the King James Version says “In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the LORD.”

Jeremiah 33:13 · KJV

Context

11

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

12

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Again in this place, which is desolate without man and without beast, and in all the cities thereof, shall be an habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.

13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the LORD.

14

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south—This comprehensive geography covers all Judah's regions: har (hill country), shephelah (lowland/foothills), and negev (south/dry land). God's restoration is total, not partial—no region excluded. In the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem—Benjamin's territory, including Jerusalem, receives special mention as the political-religious center.

Shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them (תַּעֲבֹרְנָה הַצֹּאן עַל־יְדֵי מוֹנֶה, ta'avornah hatzon al-yedei moneh)—The shepherd counting sheep depicts careful oversight and covenant care. God knows His flock by number (cf. John 10:3, 'calls his own sheep by name'). This intimate knowledge reverses exile's scattering, where the flock was 'without shepherd' (Ezekiel 34:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The geographic specificity—mountains, valleys, south, Benjamin, Jerusalem—demonstrates that God's promises aren't abstract spiritualizing but concern real places. The mention of 'him that telleth them' (the counting shepherd) echoes ancient Near Eastern practice of census-taking for taxation and sacrifice. Here it represents restored order, security, and divine care over every individual in the covenant community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the comprehensive geographic scope (mountains, valleys, south) of restoration promise assure you that no area of your life is beyond God's redemptive reach?
  2. What does it mean that the Good Shepherd counts His flock—how does numbered, individual care contrast with being lost in the crowd?
  3. In what ways does the image of flocks passing under the shepherd's hand for counting anticipate the Book of Life and final judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּבְעָרֵ֣י1 of 20

“In the cities”

H5892

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

הָהָ֜ר2 of 20

“of the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וּבְעָרֵ֣י3 of 20

“In the cities”

H5892

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

הַשְּׁפֵלָה֙4 of 20

“of the vale”

H8219

lowland, i.e., (with the article) the maritime slope of palestine

וּבְעָרֵ֣י5 of 20

“In the cities”

H5892

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

הַנֶּ֔גֶב6 of 20

“of the south”

H5045

the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)

וּבְאֶ֧רֶץ7 of 20

“and in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בִּנְיָמִ֛ן8 of 20

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּבִסְבִיבֵ֥י9 of 20

“and in the places about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֖ם10 of 20

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּבְעָרֵ֣י11 of 20

“In the cities”

H5892

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

יְהוּדָ֑ה12 of 20

“of Judah”

H3063

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

עֹ֣ד13 of 20
H5750

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

תַּעֲבֹ֧רְנָה14 of 20

“pass again”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

הַצֹּ֛אן15 of 20

“shall the flocks”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

עַל16 of 20
H5921

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

יְדֵ֥י17 of 20

“under the hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מוֹנֶ֖ה18 of 20

“of him that telleth”

H4487

properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll

אָמַ֥ר19 of 20

“them saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָֽה׃20 of 20

“the LORD”

H3068

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

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 33:13 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 33:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 27:32Luke 15:4Jeremiah 17:26John 10:3-4

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
NegebRegion · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E43 verses across 13 books
ShephelahRegion · Modern: Shephelah · 31.69°N, 34.88°E19 verses across 9 books
View all places in Jeremiah 33 →

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