Jeremiah 31:38

KJV

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, the days {H3117} come {H935}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that the city {H5892} shall be built {H1129} to the LORD {H3068} from the tower {H4026} of Hananeel {H2606} unto the gate {H8179} of the corner {H6438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Look, the days are coming," says ADONAI, "when the city will be rebuilt for ADONAI from the Tower of Hanan'el to the Corner Gate.

Berean Standard Bible

“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when this city will be rebuilt for Me, from the tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate.

American Standard Version

Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that the city shall be built to Jehovah from the tower of Hananel unto the gate of the corner.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:38 is a profound prophetic declaration within the "Book of Comfort" (Jeremiah 30-33), foretelling the complete and divinely orchestrated restoration of Jerusalem. It announces a future era when the city, once devastated by judgment, will be meticulously rebuilt and rededicated to the LORD, its boundaries fully re-established from the Tower of Hananeel unto the Gate of the Corner, signifying a comprehensive renewal under God's sovereign hand and an enduring testament to His covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:38 is situated within the "Book of Comfort" ([Jeremiah 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Comfort")), a pivotal section of the prophet's message that shifts dramatically from pronouncements of judgment and impending exile to glorious promises of restoration and renewal for both Israel and Judah. This particular verse follows the monumental declaration of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant and its Blessings"), which outlines a spiritual transformation where God's law will be written on hearts, and all will know Him. The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, as described in verse 38, therefore serves as a tangible manifestation and concrete sign of this deeper spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of God's covenant relationship with His people. It underscores that God's promises encompass both spiritual and physical dimensions of restoration, emphasizing that the future spiritual reality will have a corresponding physical expression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Jeremiah's prophecy, Jerusalem faced imminent destruction by the Babylonians, an event that would lead to the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). The city's walls, gates, and structures would be razed, and its inhabitants deported. This prophecy, therefore, speaks into a context of profound national trauma, loss, and apparent abandonment. Culturally, the city of Jerusalem was not merely a physical location but the spiritual and political heart of the nation, the dwelling place of God's temple. Its destruction was a theological catastrophe, implying God's withdrawal and the breaking of the covenant. The promise of its rebuilding, particularly with specific landmarks, would have resonated deeply as a sign of God's return, His continued presence, and the re-establishment of a secure, blessed future for His people in their homeland, a future that defied the present despair and offered a vision of hope beyond the immediate judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Promise and Faithfulness**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant despite Israel's unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment. The rebuilding of the city, "to the LORD," emphasizes **Sacred Restoration and Rededication**, indicating that the renewed Jerusalem will exist for God's glory and purposes, contrasting with its previous defilement. This also highlights **Comprehensive Renewal**, as the mention of specific boundaries (from the [Tower of Hananeel](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1 - Rebuilding the Wall from the Tower of Hananeel") to the [Corner Gate](/zechariah/14-10 "Zechariah 14:10 - Jerusalem's Future Boundaries")) signifies a complete and extensive reconstruction, not merely a partial repair. This echoes prophecies of God rebuilding ruined cities, as seen in [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ezekiel/36-33-36 "Ezekiel 36:33-36 - God's Promise to Rebuild Ruined Cities"). Finally, the repeated phrase "saith the LORD" underscores **God's Sovereignty and Initiative**, affirming that this future is solely dependent on His power and will, not on human ability or merit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **built (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** a primitive root; to build (literally and figuratively); (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. In the context of Jeremiah 31:38, this word emphasizes a complete and deliberate act of creation and establishment by God. It signifies not merely a repair of existing structures but a foundational rebuilding, implying permanence and divine purpose for the city. This act of building is a divine initiative, ensuring the city's future stability and its dedication to God.
* **Hananeel (Hebrew, _Chănanʼêl'_):** from חָנַן and אֵל; God has favored; Chananel, probably an Israelite, from whom a tower of Jerusalem was named; Hananeel. This proper noun refers to a specific tower in Jerusalem, likely located on its northern side, a strategic point. Its inclusion here, along with the "gate of the corner," forms a merism. The name itself, "God has favored," subtly reinforces the theological message of the verse: the rebuilding of Jerusalem is a direct result of God's favor and grace upon His people, despite their past failures and the judgment they endured.
* **corner (Hebrew, _pinnâh'_):** feminine of פֵּן; an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain; bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. This feminine noun denotes an angle or a crucial point. In the context of a city gate, the "gate of the corner" would mark a significant boundary point, likely on the western side of the city. Its mention alongside the Tower of Hananeel (north) emphasizes the full circumference of the rebuilt city. The "corner" also implies a foundation or a crucial point, suggesting the stability, integrity, and comprehensive nature of the new Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase is a classic prophetic formula, signaling a divinely revealed future event that is certain to occur. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the pronouncement, while "the days come" emphasizes the inevitability and appointed timing of God's plan. The authoritative declaration "saith the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהוָה, _nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh_) underscores that this is not a human speculation or wishful thinking but a direct, sovereign word from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, guaranteeing its fulfillment by His power and will.
* **"that the city shall be built to the LORD"**: This is the central promise of the verse. "The city" refers unequivocally to Jerusalem, which was destined for destruction and exile. The verb "shall be built" (תִּבָּנְתָה, _tibbānətâ_) is in the niphal stem, indicating that the building will be accomplished by an external agent – God Himself, or by humans empowered by Him. The crucial phrase "to the LORD" (לַיהוָה, _la-YHWH_) signifies more than mere physical reconstruction; it denotes dedication, purpose, and ownership. The rebuilt city will not be for human pride or idolatry, but for God's glory, His purposes, and as a place where His presence dwells and His will is honored.
* **"from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner."**: This specifies the geographical extent of the rebuilding, employing a literary device known as merism. The Tower of Hananeel was likely on the northern wall of Jerusalem, and the Gate of the Corner (or Corner Gate) was probably on the western side, or possibly another prominent point defining the city's perimeter. By naming these two distinct points, the prophecy indicates a complete and comprehensive reconstruction of the entire city, from one recognizable boundary to another, leaving no part untouched or unrestored. It assures a full and secure re-establishment of Jerusalem's physical integrity, symbolizing the totality of God's restorative work.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:38 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of hope and restoration. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse declares a future event with divine certainty, marked by the authoritative phrase "saith the LORD." This prophetic utterance serves to inspire hope and assurance in a people facing imminent devastation and exile. The use of specific geographical markers, "the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner," is a clear example of **Merism**. By naming two extreme points of the city's perimeter, the text signifies the entirety of Jerusalem's boundaries, implying a complete and thorough rebuilding of the entire city, not just a partial repair. This detail also functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical rebuilding of the city symbolizes the comprehensive spiritual and national restoration of Israel and Judah. The city, as the heart of the nation and the dwelling place of God, represents the people's renewed covenant relationship and their secure future under divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:38 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to the restoration of His covenant people. Following the profound declaration of the New Covenant, this verse articulates the tangible, physical manifestation of that spiritual renewal. It emphasizes that God's redemptive plan is holistic, encompassing both the inner transformation of hearts and the outer rebuilding of communities and structures. The promise of Jerusalem being "built to the LORD" signifies not just a return to a former state, but a sanctified future where the city's very existence and purpose are consecrated to God, reflecting His glory and righteous reign. This theological truth assures believers that even in the face of utter desolation, God's ultimate intention is always restoration, renewal, and the establishment of His kingdom purposes, demonstrating His sovereign power to bring life out of ruin.

* [Nehemiah 3:1](/nehemiah/3-1 "Rebuilding the Wall from the Tower of Hananeel")
* [Zechariah 14:10](/zechariah/14-10 "Jerusalem's Future Boundaries")
* [Ezekiel 36:33-36](/ezekiel/36-33-36 "God's Promise to Rebuild Ruined Cities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:38 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of brokenness, loss, or despair. Just as God promised to rebuild Jerusalem from its ashes, He remains faithful to restore and renew lives, relationships, and even long-cherished dreams that seem utterly ruined. This verse reminds us that our hope is not in human effort or the strength of our own plans, but in the sovereign, redemptive power of God, who declares, "Behold, the days come." It invites us to trust that even when circumstances appear bleak, God is at work, orchestrating a future of restoration that is "built to the LORD," meaning it is for His glory, according to His perfect design, and for His purposes. We are called to participate in this divine work, recognizing that God often uses His people as instruments in His rebuilding projects, both physically and spiritually, always with an eternal perspective that looks beyond present difficulties to His promised future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community do you long for God's restorative work, similar to the rebuilding of Jerusalem?**
* **How does the phrase "built to the LORD" challenge your understanding of purpose and dedication in your own endeavors, whether personal or communal?**
* **What specific "towers of Hananeel" or "gates of the corner" (i.e., significant boundaries or crucial aspects) in your life or calling need to be consecrated or rededicated to God's sovereign purposes?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Book of Comfort" in Jeremiah?**

Answer: The "Book of Comfort" refers to the section of Jeremiah spanning [chapters 30-33](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30-33 - The Book of Comfort"). It marks a significant shift in Jeremiah's prophecy from pronouncements of judgment and impending exile to glorious messages of hope, restoration, and renewal for both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This section contains some of the most encouraging promises in the Old Testament, including the famous prophecy of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people despite their disobedience and the subsequent discipline. It assures them of a future marked by divine grace, spiritual transformation, and physical return to their land.

**What is the significance of the phrase "built to the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "built to the LORD" (Hebrew: _bânâh la-YHWH_) is highly significant. It implies far more than mere physical reconstruction. While Jerusalem was indeed to be rebuilt after its destruction, the addition of "to the LORD" indicates that the city's restoration would be for God's glory, according to His divine design, and for His sacred purposes. It signifies a rededication and consecration of the city, contrasting sharply with its previous state of ruin and defilement, which was a consequence of the people's sin. This phrase emphasizes divine ownership and a return to holiness, marking the rebuilt Jerusalem as a place where God's presence would dwell, and His covenant would be honored, just as the temple was built [to the LORD](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Building the Temple to the LORD"). It speaks to the city's restored purpose as a center of true worship and a testament to God's faithfulness.

**Why does Jeremiah 31:38 mention specific landmarks like the "tower of Hananeel" and the "gate of the corner"?**

Answer: The mention of specific landmarks like the "tower of Hananeel" and the "gate of the corner" serves a crucial purpose in the prophecy. These were well-known points defining the boundaries of Jerusalem, with the Tower of Hananeel likely on the north and the Corner Gate on the west or another prominent point. By specifying these two distinct points, the prophecy employs a literary device called **merism**, where two extremes represent the whole. This assures the audience that the rebuilding would be complete and comprehensive, encompassing the entire city, from one recognizable boundary to another, leaving no part untouched. It provides a concrete, tangible image of the full extent of God's promised restoration, signaling that the city would be fully re-established and secure, as also prophesied in [Zechariah 14:10](/zechariah/14-10 "Jerusalem's Future Boundaries"). It grounds the spiritual promise in a physical reality that the original hearers could grasp.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:38, with its promise of Jerusalem being "built to the LORD," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the new covenant community, the Church. While there was a historical rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile, the spiritual and eternal dimensions of this prophecy point to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to [the temple of his body](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus' Prophecy of His Resurrection"). He is the ultimate builder, not of physical stones, but of a spiritual house, the Church, composed of living stones ([1_peter/2-5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones of the Spiritual House")). Through His atoning work and resurrection, Christ establishes a new Jerusalem, a heavenly city ([hebrews/12-22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")) and a new creation where God's presence dwells not in a physical temple but within His people ([2_corinthians/6-16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - God's Dwelling in Believers")). The boundaries "from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner" can be seen as foreshadowing the universal and comprehensive scope of the Church, extending to the ends of the earth as believers from every tribe and nation are built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([ephesians/2-20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thus, the prophetic vision of a city "built to the LORD" is realized in Christ, who perfectly embodies and establishes God's kingdom, making His people a holy dwelling for Him, eternally secure and consecrated to His glory.

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

Zechariah 14:10

All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

2 Kings 14:13

And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

Jeremiah 30:18

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

2 Chronicles 26:9

Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning [of the wall], and fortified them.

Jeremiah 31:27

¶ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

Ezekiel 48:30

And these [are] the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.

Ezekiel 48:35

[It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.