Jeremiah 31:37

KJV

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promised"), 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](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant and Restoration"). 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](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts"). 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'_):** From 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'_):** From 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'_):** From 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.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Irrevocable Gifts and Calling")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God remains faithful, for he 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](/jeremiah/31-37 "Jeremiah 31:37 - God's Unwavering Commitment") 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](/jeremiah/31-37 "Jeremiah 31:37 - God's Unwavering Commitment") serves as a powerful affirmation and guarantee of the New Covenant described in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). 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](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant Promised") 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](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not all Israel is Israel")). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). 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](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All that the Father gives me will come to me")) and that He will lose none of them ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus will lose none")).

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

Jeremiah 33:24

Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

Jeremiah 33:26

Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, [so] that I will not take [any] of his seed [to be] rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.

Isaiah 40:12

¶ Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

Jeremiah 33:22

As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

Romans 11:1

¶ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11:5

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: