Jeremiah 31:37

Translation
King James Version
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.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
Thus saith H559 the LORD H3068; If heaven H8064 above H4605 can be measured H4058, and the foundations H4146 of the earth H776 searched out H2713 beneath H4295, I will also cast off H3988 all the seed H2233 of Israel H3478 for all that they have done H6213, saith H5002 the LORD H3068.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
This is what ADONAI says: "If the sky above can be measured and the foundations of the earth be fathomed, then I will reject all the offspring of Isra'el for all that they have done," says ADONAI.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
This is what the LORD says: “Only if the heavens above could be measured and the foundations of the earth below searched out would I reject all of Israel’s descendants because of all they have done,” declares the LORD.
Ask
American Standard Version
Thus saith Jehovah: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, then will I also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith Jehovah.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
Thus says the LORD: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, then I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the LORD.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus saith the Lord, If the heauens can be measured, or the fundations of the earth be searched out beneath, then wil I cast off all the seed of Israel, for all that they haue done, saith the Lord.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
Thus said Jehovah: If the heavens above be measured, And the foundations of earth below searched, Even I kick against all the seed of Israel, For all that they have done, An affirmation of Jehovah.
Ask
See also
Jeremiah 33:24Jeremiah 33:26Isaiah 40:12Jeremiah 33:22Romans 11:1Romans 11:5Romans 11:26
In the KJVVerse 19,729 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Jeremiah 31:37 stands as a powerful testament to the unshakeable faithfulness of the LORD and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel. Through a vivid rhetorical question, God declares that just as the vastness of the heavens cannot be measured and the depths of the earth cannot be fully explored, so too is it utterly impossible for Him to cast off His chosen people, despite their past transgressions. This verse serves as an immutable anchor, assuring Israel—and by extension, all who trust in God—of His unwavering commitment to His promises and His sovereign plan of restoration.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Jeremiah 31:37 is strategically positioned within the "Book of Comfort" (chapters 30-33), a pivotal section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to glorious promises of restoration and hope for both Judah and Israel. This verse immediately follows the groundbreaking prophecy of the New Covenant, where God promises to write His law on the hearts of His people, establishing an intimate and unbreakable relationship. Jeremiah 31:37 functions as a divine seal on this promise, emphatically assuring the permanence of God's commitment to His people, even in the face of their historical unfaithfulness. It reinforces the idea that the New Covenant, unlike the old, will not be broken by human sin, because God's faithfulness is the ultimate guarantor.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile. The people had repeatedly broken their covenant with God, leading to severe consequences, including the destruction of Jerusalem and deportation. In this context of national despair and apparent divine abandonment, Jeremiah's message of restoration was radical and counter-intuitive. The imagery of measuring the heavens and searching the earth would have resonated deeply with an ancient audience familiar with the perceived immensity and mystery of the cosmos. Such tasks were considered utterly beyond human capability, thus making God's parallel declaration of His enduring commitment to Israel all the more profound and reassuring. The exile itself was a consequence of their "doing," yet God promises that even this cannot ultimately sever His bond with them.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of God's Unchanging Faithfulness, asserting that His character and promises are immutable, regardless of human performance. It underscores the Permanence of God's Covenant, particularly in light of the new covenant described in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The rhetorical device employed highlights the Impossibility of God's Rejection of His chosen people, emphasizing that His commitment is as fixed as the created order. This aligns with the broader biblical truth that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable, as affirmed in Romans 11:29. Ultimately, the verse speaks to Divine Sovereignty—God's plan for Israel is rooted in His own will and character, not contingent on their fluctuating obedience, offering profound hope for their future restoration.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • measured (Hebrew, mâdad', H4058): Meaning "to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended." In this context, it refers to the human attempt to quantify or fully comprehend the boundless expanse of the heavens. The impossibility of this act underscores the impossibility of God's rejection of Israel, asserting that His commitment is as immeasurable as the cosmos.
  • searched out (Hebrew, châqar', H2713): Meaning "to penetrate; hence, to examine intimately; find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try." This word denotes a thorough, exhaustive investigation. Applied to the "foundations of the earth," it emphasizes the unfathomable depths and complexities of creation, which are beyond human discovery, paralleling the absolute certainty of God's commitment to His people.
  • cast off (Hebrew, mâʼaç', H3988): Meaning "to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate." This strong verb signifies a complete and utter rejection or abandonment. God's declaration that He "will also cast off" Israel is presented as contingent on an impossible condition, thereby asserting its absolute impossibility. It highlights the depth of God's enduring love despite Israel's transgressions.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured": This opening clause establishes the divine authority of the declaration ("Thus saith the LORD") and immediately introduces the first impossible condition. The measuring of the heavens, symbolizing infinite vastness and divine mystery, is presented as a task utterly beyond human capacity. This sets the stage for a hyperbolic statement, emphasizing the absolute certainty of what follows.
  • "and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath": This clause presents the second impossible condition, complementing the first by shifting from the celestial to the terrestrial. The "foundations of the earth" refer to its deepest, most hidden structures, which are unfathomable and unsearchable by human means. Together, these two conditions encompass the entirety of creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest earth, underscoring the absolute impossibility of the premise.
  • "I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the LORD.": This is the divine promise, presented as the consequence of the impossible conditions. The phrase "cast off all the seed of Israel" signifies a complete and final rejection of His chosen people, even "for all that they have done"—their accumulated sins and covenant unfaithfulness. By linking this rejection to the unmeasurable heavens and unsearchable earth, God emphatically declares that such an abandonment will never occur. The repetition of "saith the LORD" reaffirms the divine authority and immutability of this declaration, sealing the promise with His own sovereign word.

Literary Devices

Jeremiah 31:37 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is Hyperbole, where an exaggerated statement is used for emphasis. The conditions "If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath" are presented as utterly impossible scenarios, thereby highlighting the equally impossible outcome of God casting off Israel. This is closely related to a Rhetorical Question, implied by the "if...then" structure, which does not expect a literal answer but rather asserts a self-evident truth about the impossibility of the premise. The verse also employs Merism, a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts represent a whole (heaven above and earth beneath representing the entire cosmos). This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of creation, making the comparison to God's comprehensive and unwavering faithfulness all the more powerful. The repetition of "saith the LORD" serves as a Divine Affirmation, underscoring the absolute authority and reliability of the promise.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Jeremiah 31:37 stands as a monumental declaration of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly in the context of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. It reveals a fundamental aspect of God's character: His immutability and the steadfastness of His promises. Even when His people have utterly failed, God's commitment to His covenant remains as fixed and unchangeable as the created order itself. This verse assures us that God's love is not conditional on human perfection but rooted in His own sovereign will and unchanging nature. It provides profound comfort, knowing that the divine plan for redemption and restoration, first revealed to Israel, is secured by a God who cannot deny Himself.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Jeremiah 31:37 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in a world that often feels unstable and uncertain. It reminds us that God's commitment to His people, both ancient Israel and the church today, is not predicated on our fluctuating obedience or merit, but on His unchanging character and sovereign grace. This truth should lead to deep security and peace, knowing that the God who upholds the vastness of the cosmos is the same God who holds our lives in His faithful hands. Our salvation, our standing with Him, and His ultimate purposes for us are as certain as the heavens above and the earth beneath. This verse encourages us to trust in His unfailing love and His ultimate purpose, even when we fail, because His faithfulness is the bedrock of our hope. It calls us to rest in the unshakeable nature of His promises, rather than striving to earn a favor that is already eternally secured by His divine character.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the imagery of measuring the heavens and searching the earth deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness?
  • In what areas of your life do you need to trust more fully in God's unchanging commitment, rather than your own performance?
  • How does this verse, read in light of the New Covenant, strengthen your assurance of salvation and God's plan for your life?

FAQ

Does this verse mean that God will never punish Israel for their sins?

Answer: No, this verse does not negate the consequences of sin. Throughout Jeremiah, God clearly articulates the judgments and exiles that Israel would face due to their disobedience. However, Jeremiah 31:37 speaks to a final, ultimate rejection or abandonment, which God declares will never happen. While there are temporal judgments and disciplines for sin, God's covenant promises and His ultimate plan for Israel's restoration remain immutable. The "casting off" refers to a complete and permanent severing of the relationship, which God promises will not occur, unlike the temporary discipline that aims to bring repentance and restoration.

How does this verse relate to the New Covenant mentioned earlier in Jeremiah 31?

Answer: Jeremiah 31:37 serves as a powerful affirmation and guarantee of the New Covenant described in Jeremiah 31:31-34. The Old Covenant, based on external law and human obedience, was repeatedly broken by Israel. The New Covenant, however, is founded on God's internal work (writing His law on hearts) and His unwavering faithfulness. This verse assures that the New Covenant, unlike the old, cannot be annulled or rejected by God, even because of Israel's past failures. It underscores the divine certainty that God will indeed fulfill His promise to restore and renew His people under this new, unbreakable covenant, guaranteeing its eternal efficacy.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Jeremiah 31:37, with its emphatic declaration of God's unwavering commitment to Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the verse directly addresses God's covenant with the nation of Israel, the principle of God's unshakeable faithfulness is perfectly embodied and extended through the person and work of Christ. The "New Covenant" promised in Jeremiah 31:31 is inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, establishing a spiritual Israel comprised of all who believe, both Jew and Gentile (Romans 9:6-8). God's promise never to "cast off all the seed of Israel" is upheld not by human merit, but by the perfect obedience and atoning work of Jesus, who became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Through Him, God's faithfulness is demonstrated to be utterly boundless, securing an eternal covenant for all who are "in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3-14). Just as the heavens cannot be measured, so God's commitment to His redeemed people, purchased by the blood of Christ, is immeasurable and eternal, ensuring that those whom the Father gives to the Son will never be cast out (John 6:37) and that He will lose none of them (John 6:39).

Copy as

Commentary on Jeremiah 31 verses 35–40

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Glorious things have been spoken in the foregoing verses concerning the gospel church, which that epocha of the Jewish church that was to commence at the return from captivity would at length terminate in, and which all those promises were to have their full accomplishment in. But may we depend upon these promises? Yes, we have here a ratification of them, and the utmost assurance imaginable given of the perpetuity of the blessings contained in them. The great thing here secured to us is that while the world stands God will have a church in it, which, though sometimes it may be brought very low, shall yet be raised again, and its interests re-established; it is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Now here are two things offered for the confirmation of our faith in this matter - the building of the world and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

I. The building of the world, and the firmness and lastingness of that building, are evidences of the power and faithfulness of that God who has undertaken the establishment of his church. He that built all things at first is God (Heb 3:4), and the same is he that makes all things now. The constancy of the glories of the kingdom of nature may encourage us to depend upon the divine promise for the continuance of the glories of the kingdom of grace, for this is as the waters of Noah, Isa 54:9. Let us observe here,

1.The glories of the kingdom of nature, and infer thence how happy those are that have this God, the God of nature, to be their God for ever and ever. Take notice, (1.) Of the steady and regular motion of the heavenly bodies, which God is the first mover and supreme director of: He gives the sun for a light by day (Jer 31:35), not only made it at first to be so, but still gives it to be so; for the light and heat, and all the influences of the sun, continually depend upon its great Creator. He gives the ordinances of the moon and stars for a light by night; their motions are called ordinances both because they are regular and by rule and because they are determined and under rule. See Job 38:31-33. (2.) Take notice of the government of the sea, and the check that is given to its proud billows: The Lord of hosts divides the sea, or (as some read it) settles the sea, when the waves thereof roar (divide et impera - divide and rule); when it is most tossed God keeps it within compass (Jer 5:22), and soon quiets it and makes it calm again. The power of God is to be magnified by us, not only in maintaining the regular motions of the heavens, but in controlling the irregular motions of the seas. (3.) Take notice of the vastness of the heavens and the unmeasurable extent of the firmament; he must needs be a great God who manages such a great world as this is; the heavens above cannot be measured (Jer 31:37), and yet God fills them. (4.) Take notice of the mysteriousness even of that part of the creation in which our lot is cast and which we are most conversant with. The foundations of the earth cannot be searched out beneath, for the Creator hangs the earth upon nothing (Job 26:7), and we know not how the foundations thereof are fastened, Job 38:6. (5.) Take notice of the immovable stedfastness of all these (Jer 31:36): These ordinances cannot depart from before God; he has all the hosts of heaven and earth continually under his eye and all the motions of both; he has established them, and they abide, abide according to his ordinance, for all are his servants, Psa 119:90, Psa 119:91. The heavens are often clouded, and the sun and moon often eclipsed, the earth may quake and the sea be tossed, but they all keep their place, are moved, but not removed. Herein we must acknowledge the power, goodness, and faithfulness of the Creator.

2.The securities of the kingdom of grace inferred hence: we may be confident of this very thing that the seed of Israel shall not cease from being a nation, for the spiritual Israel, the gospel church, shall be a holy nation, a peculiar people, Pe1 2:9. When Israel according to the flesh is no longer a nation the children of the promise are counted for the seed (Rom 9:8) and God will not cast off all the seed of Israel, no, not for all that they have done, though they have done very wickedly, Jer 31:37. He justly might cast them off, but he will not. Though he cast them out from their land, and cast them down for a time, yet he will not cast them off. Some of them he casts off, but not all; to this the apostle seems to refer (Rom 11:1), Hath God cast away his people? God forbid that we should think so! For (Jer 31:5) at this time there is a remnant, enough to save the credit of the promise that God will not cast off all the seed of Israel, though many among them throw away themselves by unbelief. Now we may be assisted in the belief of this by considering, (1.) That the God that has undertaken the preservation of the church is a God of almighty power, who upholds all things by his almighty word. Our help stands in his name who made heaven and earth, and therefore can do any thing. (2.) That God would not take all this care of the world but that he designs to have some glory to himself out of it; and how shall he have it but by securing to himself a church in it, a people that shall be to him for a name and a praise? (3.) That if the order of the creation therefore continues firm because it was well-fixed at first, and is not altered because it needs no alteration, the method of grace shall for the same reason continue invariable, as it was a first well settled. (4.) That he who has promised to preserve a church for himself has approved himself faithful to the word which he has spoken concerning the stability of the world. He that is true to his covenant with Noah and his sons, because he established it for an everlasting covenant (Gen 9:9, Gen 9:16), will not, we may be sure, be false to his covenant with Abraham and his seed, his spiritual seed, for that also is an everlasting covenant. Even that which they have done amiss, though they have done much, shall not prevail to defeat the gracious intentions of the covenant. See Psa 89:30, etc.

II. The rebuilding of Jerusalem which was now in ruins, and the enlargement and establishment of that, shall be an earnest of these great things that God will do for the gospel church, the heavenly Jerusalem, Jer 31:38-40. The days will come, though they may be long in coming, when, 1. Jerusalem shall be entirely built again, as large as ever it was; the dimensions are here exactly described by the places through which the circumference passed, and no doubt the wall which Nehemiah built, and which, the more punctually to fulfil the prophecy, began about the tower of Hananeel, here mentioned (Neh 3:1), enclosed as much ground as is here intended, though we cannot certainly determine the places here called the gate of the corner, the hill Gareb, etc. 2. When built it shall be consecrated to God and to his service. It shall be built to the Lord (Jer 31:38), and even the suburbs and fields adjacent shall be holy unto the Lord. It shall not be polluted with idols as formerly, but God shall be praised and honoured there; the whole city shall be as it were one temple, one holy place, as the new Jerusalem is, which therefore has no temple, because it is all temple. 3. Being thus built by virtue of the promise of God, it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down, any more for ever; that is, it shall continue very long, the time of the new city from the return to its last destruction being fully as long as that of the old from David to the captivity. But this promise was to have its full accomplishment in the gospel church, which, as it is the spiritual Israel, and therefore God will not cast it off, so it is the holy city, and therefore all the powers of men shall not pluck it up, nor throw it down. It may lie waste for a time, as Jerusalem did, but shall recover itself, shall weather the storm and gain its point, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 35–40. Public domain.
Copy as
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Jeremiah
(Verse 37) Thus says the Lord: If the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will reject all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord. LXX: Thus says the Lord: If the heavens are raised high above and the floor of the earth is humbled below, then I will not reject the nation of Israel, says the Lord, for all that they have done. The Hebrew text in this passage differs greatly from the Vulgate edition. Let us first speak according to the Hebrew: If the heavens above can be measured and their height known, or the foundations of the earth investigated and their outermost limits understood, then I will reject the whole offspring of Israel because of all that they have done, says the Lord. Just as it is impossible for us to know the height of the heavens and the foundations of the earth, so it will also be impossible for me to reject the whole offspring of Israel. But if I reject the entire seed of Israel, the summit of the heavens will be shaken, and the ends of the earth. This syllogism is woven in the Gospel: when the impossible is compared to the impossible: Easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matth. XIX). For just as that ((or: the impossible)) cannot be done, so neither can this be done; but if this is done, then that which was thought to be impossible will be done. Therefore, those who interpret this passage differently, also placing that testimony, that the Son might be able to seek help from the Father and summon twelve legions of angels to His aid. The Septuagint translated this meaning in opposition, saying: 'If heaven is exalted higher and the pavement of the earth is lowered below;', and I, says the Lord, will not reject the seed of Israel because of all they have done. But if that is the case, the Israelite people will be rejected. For just as the sky cannot be higher than what it is, nor the earth lower than what it is, so too the people of Israel will by no means be rejected. If we see the Jews boasting according to this Hebrew testimony, we agree with them that the entire seed of Israel is not cast away. For not all are cast away, but only those who were unbelieving.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Jeremiah 31:37 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.