Jeremiah 3:17

KJV

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

At that time {H6256} they shall call {H7121} Jerusalem {H3389} the throne {H3678} of the LORD {H3068}; and all the nations {H1471} shall be gathered {H6960} unto it, to the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, to Jerusalem {H3389}: neither shall they walk {H3212} any more after {H310} the imagination {H8307} of their evil {H7451} heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that time comes, they will call Yerushalayim the throne of ADONAI. All the nations will be gathered there to the name of ADONAI, to Yerushalayim. No longer will they live according to their stubbornly evil hearts.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Jerusalem will be called The Throne of the LORD, and all the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. They will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.

American Standard Version

At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 3:17 unveils a profound prophetic vision of a future era when Jerusalem will be recognized as the very throne of the LORD, serving as the spiritual epicenter to which all nations will gather. This eschatological promise transcends mere geographical significance, pointing to a time of universal acknowledgement of God's sovereign rule and, crucially, a radical, internal transformation of humanity, where the deep-seated rebellion and stubbornness of the human heart will be overcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 3:17 stands as a beacon of hope amidst Jeremiah's early prophecies, which are largely characterized by severe rebuke and lament over Judah's persistent spiritual apostasy. Chapters 2 and 3 vividly portray Israel's unfaithfulness, likening it to a treacherous wife who has abandoned her covenant husband. Despite this strong indictment and the impending judgment of exile, glimmers of divine grace and future restoration begin to emerge. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah 3:14-16 speaks of a remnant returning and God providing faithful shepherds, signaling a shift from judgment to a grander vision of future exaltation and spiritual renewal for both Judah and the nations. This verse, therefore, serves as a climactic statement of God's ultimate redemptive plan, contrasting sharply with the immediate consequences of sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy is delivered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, likely during the reign of King Josiah, a time of attempted religious reform but also deep-seated idolatry and moral decay. Jerusalem, though the capital and site of the Temple, had become a center of spiritual compromise, mirroring the nation's unfaithfulness. The concept of "throne" would have resonated deeply with a people accustomed to earthly kings and their seats of power, but here it is elevated to a divine level, signifying God's ultimate authority. The idea of "nations" (gôwy) gathering to Jerusalem would have been revolutionary, as Israel often viewed other nations with suspicion or as enemies. This vision challenges the prevailing ethnocentric worldview, pointing to a future where God's redemptive plan encompasses all peoples, transcending the historical divisions and conflicts that defined the ancient Near East.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 3:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Presence**, asserting that Jerusalem will be the "throne of the LORD," indicating God's direct and ultimate rule over all creation. Secondly, it underscores the **Universal Scope of God's Redemptive Plan**, prophesying that "all the nations shall be gathered unto it," expanding the covenant promises beyond Israel to include all peoples in a future era of worship and recognition of the one true God. This echoes similar universalistic prophecies found throughout the Old Testament, such as those in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to Zion") and [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth"). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the verse addresses the theme of **Radical Spiritual Transformation**, promising that humanity will "neither walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart." This speaks to a fundamental internal change, a divine intervention that will eradicate the deep-seated rebellion and stubbornness that characterized Israel's history, aligning with prophecies of a [new heart and new spirit](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - The Promise of a New Heart") promised by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **throne (Hebrew, _kiççêʼ'_):** This word (H3678) denotes a covered seat, a throne, or a stool, signifying a place of authority, power, and dominion. In the context of "the throne of the LORD," it powerfully conveys God's ultimate sovereignty and the centrality of His presence. It elevates Jerusalem from a mere physical location to a spiritual epicenter where divine authority resides and from which God's rule is exercised.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** The term (H1471) refers to foreign nations, Gentiles, or peoples. Its usage here is crucial, as it broadens the scope of God's future kingdom beyond Israel to include all humanity. The gathering of "all the nations" to Jerusalem signifies a universal recognition of Yahweh as the one true God and a global convergence of worship.
* **imagination (Hebrew, _shᵉrîyrûwth'_):** This word (H8307) derives from a root meaning "twisted" or "firm," conveying obstinacy, stubbornness, or the hardness of heart. When paired with "evil heart," it describes a deep-seated, perverse inclination towards evil and rebellion against God's will. The promise that they "shall not walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart" signifies a profound, divinely-wrought internal transformation, a change from within that addresses the root of human sinfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD;"**: This clause initiates the prophetic vision, setting a future eschatological context ("At that time"). It declares a radical re-designation for Jerusalem, moving beyond its current status as a rebellious capital to become the recognized seat of God's ultimate authority and presence. This implies a direct, manifest reign of Yahweh from Jerusalem.
* **"and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem:"**: This second clause expands the scope of the prophecy to a global scale. It foretells a universal pilgrimage where people from "all the nations" will converge upon Jerusalem. This gathering is not for political or economic reasons, but "to the name of the LORD," indicating a pilgrimage of worship, allegiance, and recognition of Yahweh's unique identity and supreme sovereignty. Jerusalem thus becomes the focal point of global divine-human interaction.
* **"neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart."**: This final clause reveals the most profound aspect of the promised transformation: an internal, spiritual renewal. The phrase "imagination of their evil heart" refers to the deep-seated stubbornness, perversity, and rebellious inclination of humanity. The promise is that in this future era, this intrinsic bent towards evil will be eradicated, signifying a radical change in human nature that enables genuine obedience and devotion to God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 3:17 employs several powerful literary devices. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as the verse foretells a future state that contrasts sharply with the present reality of Judah's apostasy. This prophetic vision offers hope and direction. **Symbolism** is evident in the designation of "Jerusalem the throne of the LORD," where Jerusalem transcends its physical reality to symbolize the center of God's universal reign and divine presence. The "throne" itself is a symbol of absolute authority and sovereignty. Furthermore, the phrase "imagination of their evil heart" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "heart" represents the totality of human will, intellect, and emotion, and "imagination" (obstinacy) stands for the deep-seated inclination towards sin. The verse also utilizes **Contrast**, setting the future state of universal worship and spiritual purity against the present state of Israel's unfaithfulness and stubborn rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 3:17 is a pivotal prophecy that encapsulates God's ultimate redemptive purpose, moving beyond the immediate judgment of Israel to a glorious future. The declaration of Jerusalem as "the throne of the LORD" signifies the full manifestation of God's sovereign rule, not just over Israel, but over all creation. This vision of universal gathering to God's name implies a future era of global peace, justice, and unified worship under divine authority, where the divisions and idolatries of humanity are overcome. Crucially, this external gathering is predicated on a profound internal transformation, as the promise to no longer "walk after the imagination of their evil heart" points to a new covenant reality where God Himself empowers His people to obey Him from a changed heart. This foreshadows the ultimate work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and sanctifying believers, enabling true fellowship with God.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flowing to Zion and Learning God's Ways")
* [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth")
* [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 3:17 offers tremendous hope and a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even in the face of humanity's persistent rebellion. For believers today, this verse underscores the certainty of God's ultimate triumph over sin and chaos, culminating in a future where His sovereignty is universally acknowledged and His presence is fully manifest. It challenges us to live with an eschatological perspective, recognizing that our present struggles are temporary and God's kingdom will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, the promise of a transformed heart is deeply personal. It calls us to examine our own "imagination of an evil heart"—our stubbornness, self-will, and resistance to God's ways—and to actively seek the Holy Spirit's work in renewing our minds and desires. This verse encourages us to participate in God's global mission, understanding that His heart is for all nations to gather to His name, and to live as agents of His transforming grace in a world still walking in its own stubborn ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of Jerusalem as "the throne of the LORD" challenge our understanding of God's presence and authority in the world today?**
* **In what ways do we, as individuals or as the church, still "walk after the imagination of our evil heart," and how can we actively pursue a deeper heart transformation?**
* **What practical steps can we take to embrace and participate in God's global vision for "all the nations" to gather to His name?**

### FAQ
**What does "the imagination of their evil heart" mean, and why is its removal significant?**

Answer: The phrase "the imagination of their evil heart" translates the Hebrew _sheriruth lev ra'_, which signifies a deep-seated stubbornness, obstinacy, or perversity of the human will and affections. It describes a heart that is hardened and set on its own evil ways, resistant to God's commands and desires. Its removal is profoundly significant because it addresses the root cause of human sin and rebellion. Instead of merely changing external behaviors, God promises a fundamental internal transformation, enabling genuine obedience and a willing alignment with His will. This internal change is essential for true fellowship with God and is a hallmark of the new covenant, where God's law is written on the heart (as seen in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")).

**How can "all the nations" gather to Jerusalem if it's a specific geographical location?**

Answer: While Jerusalem is a literal city, in prophetic contexts, it often functions as a symbol for God's dwelling place, His presence, and the center of His kingdom. The gathering of "all the nations" to Jerusalem in this verse, and similar prophecies in [Isaiah 2](/isaiah/2 "Isaiah 2 - Nations Flowing to Zion") and [Zechariah 14](/zechariah/14 "Zechariah 14 - The Lord's Reign Over All the Earth"), points to a future eschatological reality. This could be interpreted literally as a physical gathering in a restored Jerusalem during a millennial reign, or symbolically as a spiritual gathering of all peoples into the spiritual "Jerusalem" (the Church, or God's eternal kingdom), recognizing and worshipping the Lord. The core meaning is the universal acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the convergence of all peoples under His rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 3:17 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant inaugurated through His life, death, and resurrection. While the Old Testament prophets looked forward to a future earthly Jerusalem as the center of God's reign, the New Testament reveals that in Christ, God's throne is established not in a physical city alone, but in the person of the Messiah and through His Church. Jesus is the true King, and His reign is spiritual, extending to all who believe, regardless of nationality. The promise that "all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD" is fulfilled as the gospel is proclaimed to every tribe and tongue, drawing people from all nations into the spiritual "Mount Zion" and the "heavenly Jerusalem," which is the Church, the city of the living God ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion and the Heavenly Jerusalem")). Furthermore, the most radical promise—that they "shall not walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart"—is realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out. Through the Spirit, believers receive a new heart and a new spirit ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit")), enabling them to walk in God's statutes and to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, no longer conforming to the patterns of this world but to the will of God ([Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind")). Thus, Christ is the fulfillment of God's universal reign and the source of humanity's deepest spiritual transformation, making all who believe new creations in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 43:7

¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, [neither] they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places.

Micah 4:1

¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Micah 4:5

For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

Jeremiah 17:12

¶ A glorious high throne from the beginning [is] the place of our sanctuary.

Zechariah 2:11

And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

Zechariah 8:20

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.