King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:4 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:4 in the King James Version says “For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings o...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;”

Jeremiah 33:4 · KJV

Context

2

Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; the LORD is: or, JEHOVAH, etc

3

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. mighty: or, hidden

4

For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;

5

They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men, whom I have slain in mine anger and in my fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city.

6

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The houses of this city, and the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down (הַנְּתֻצוֹת, hannetutzot, torn down, demolished)—God acknowledges the brutal reality: defensive mounts (סֹלְלוֹת, solelot, siege ramps) and the sword (חֶרֶב, cherev) have demolished even royal palaces. Homes were dismantled to fortify walls against Babylonian siege engines—a desperate, futile defense.

This verse doesn't minimize judgment's severity. The passive participle 'thrown down' depicts completed destruction. Yet God speaks of these ruins in a promise of restoration (v. 6-7), proving His grace rebuilds what His justice demolished. Romans 11:22 balances this: 'Behold the goodness and severity of God.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During the Babylonian siege (588-586 BC), Jerusalem's defenders tore down houses to build defensive positions and obtain materials for wall repairs. The city consumed itself trying to survive. Royal houses weren't spared—even privilege couldn't escape judgment. Archaeological evidence from the destruction layer confirms this catastrophic dismantling.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's honest acknowledgment of devastation (rather than minimizing it) prepare you to receive His restoration promises?
  2. What 'houses' in your life have been torn down by consequences of sin—personal or corporate?
  3. How does the fact that God's judgment fell even on 'the houses of the kings' speak to the impartiality of divine justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
כִּי֩1 of 19
H3588

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

כֹ֨ה2 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

אָמַ֤ר3 of 19

“For thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙4 of 19

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֣י5 of 19

“the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל6 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עַל7 of 19
H5921

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

בָּתֵּ֖י8 of 19

“and concerning the houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָעִ֣יר9 of 19

“of this city”

H5892

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

הַזֹּ֔את10 of 19
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְעַל11 of 19
H5921

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

בָּתֵּ֖י12 of 19

“and concerning the houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

מַלְכֵ֣י13 of 19

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֑ה14 of 19

“of Judah”

H3063

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

הַנְּתֻצִ֕ים15 of 19

“which are thrown down”

H5422

to tear down

אֶל16 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַסֹּלְל֖וֹת17 of 19

“by the mounts”

H5550

a military mound, i.e., rampart of besiegers

וְאֶל18 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הֶחָֽרֶב׃19 of 19

“and by the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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 33:4 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 33:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 4:2Jeremiah 32:24Habakkuk 1:10Ezekiel 21:22Ezekiel 26:8

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