Jeremiah 31:39

KJV

And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the measuring {H4060} line {H6957}{H6961} shall yet go forth {H3318} over against it upon the hill {H1389} Gareb {H1619}, and shall compass about {H5437} to Goath {H1601}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The measuring line will be stretched straight to Garev Hill, then turn to Go'ah.

Berean Standard Bible

The measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn toward Goah.

American Standard Version

And the measuring line shall go out further straight onward unto the hill Gareb, and shall turn about unto Goah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:39 serves as a vivid prophetic declaration of Jerusalem's future restoration and expansion following the Babylonian exile. It depicts a meticulous, divinely orchestrated rebuilding of the city, extending its boundaries to include areas previously considered peripheral or even unclean. This precise "measuring line" underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, assuring His people of a comprehensive and sanctified renewal of their beloved capital, a physical manifestation of the broader spiritual restoration promised in the New Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31 is a central chapter within the "Book of Consolation" ([Jeremiah 30](/jeremiah/30 "Jeremiah 30 - The Book of Consolation Begins")-[33](/jeremiah/33 "Jeremiah 33 - Promises of Restoration")), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that shifts from pronouncements of judgment to messages of hope and restoration for Israel and Judah. This particular verse, [Jeremiah 31:39](/jeremiah/31-39 "Jeremiah 31:39 - The Measuring Line of Restoration"), immediately follows the profound promise of a New Covenant in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), which outlines a spiritual renewal based on God's internal law and forgiveness. The subsequent verses, [Jeremiah 31:38-40](/jeremiah/31-38 "Jeremiah 31:38-40 - Jerusalem's Rebuilding and Sanctification"), then detail the physical manifestation of this restoration, specifically focusing on the rebuilding and expansion of Jerusalem, emphasizing its permanence and holiness. The "measuring line" here is a concrete image of the divine blueprint for this promised future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Jeremiah was delivered during a tumultuous period leading up to and during the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem had been, or was soon to be, devastated by foreign invasion, its walls broken down, and its inhabitants deported. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the destruction of a city symbolized utter defeat and abandonment by its gods. Therefore, a prophecy of rebuilding and expansion, especially one involving a "measuring line," would have conveyed immense hope and assurance of divine favor. The mention of "hill Gareb" and "Goath" is significant; these were likely areas outside the main city walls, possibly associated with refuse, burial grounds, or defilement (such as the Valley of Hinnom, which Goath might have bordered). Their inclusion within the new city's boundaries signifies a comprehensive sanctification, where even the previously "unclean" or peripheral areas are brought into God's holy domain.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 31:39](/jeremiah/31-39 "Jeremiah 31:39 - God's Precise Plan for Jerusalem") contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Restoration and Rebuilding**, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His people and His promises despite their unfaithfulness. The "measuring line" symbolizes God's **Precision and Certainty** in His plans, indicating that the restoration is not haphazard but a divinely ordained, meticulous process. This physical rebuilding also reflects the **Comprehensive Sanctification** of Jerusalem, extending God's holiness to every part of the city, including areas previously considered undesirable or defiled. This echoes the broader promise of the New Covenant where God's law is written on the heart, leading to a profound, internal cleansing and renewal, as described in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The Law Written on the Heart"). Ultimately, the verse powerfully affirms God's **Faithfulness to His Covenant**, assuring the exiles that Jerusalem will "never again be plucked up or thrown down" ([Jeremiah 31:40](/jeremiah/31-40 "Jeremiah 31:40 - Jerusalem's Eternal Holiness")), securing their future under His divine blueprint.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **measuring (Hebrew, _middâh'_):** From H4060, this word primarily denotes "extension," "height," or "breadth," and by extension, a "measure" or "standard." In this context, it emphasizes the precise, quantifiable nature of the divine plan for Jerusalem's expansion. It's not a vague promise but a detailed blueprint, implying God's intentionality and the certainty of the city's future dimensions.
* **line (Hebrew, _qav'_):** From H6957, this refers to a "cord" or "line" used for measurement, and figuratively, a "rule." Paired with "middâh," it reinforces the idea of a surveyor's tool, signifying accuracy, order, and a definitive boundary. The "measuring line" is God's instrument for establishing the new, expanded, and sanctified Jerusalem.
* **go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** From H3318, a primitive root meaning "to go out" or "to proceed." Its use here indicates a divine initiative and active progression. The measuring line doesn't just exist; it actively "goes forth," implying God's dynamic involvement in the process of restoration and the unstoppable nature of His plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the measuring line shall yet go forth":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the theme of precise, deliberate action. The "measuring line" (Hebrew: _middâh qav_) is a symbol of divine architectural planning and certainty. The phrase "shall yet go forth" indicates a future event that is assured, a continuation of God's work of restoration, emphasizing His active engagement in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
* **"over against it upon the hill Gareb":** This specifies a particular geographical marker. "Gareb" (Hebrew: _Gârêb_, H1619) was likely a hill to the west or southwest of ancient Jerusalem, possibly associated with a less desirable area, perhaps even a place of leprosy (the root of Gareb means "scabby"). Its inclusion signifies that the new, restored Jerusalem will encompass areas previously considered peripheral, unclean, or outside the sacred core, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of God's sanctification.
* **"and shall compass about to Goath":** This further defines the extent of the new city's boundaries. "Goath" (Hebrew: _Gôʻâh_, H1601) was another location near Jerusalem, perhaps to the south or southeast, possibly bordering the Valley of Hinnom, a place associated with refuse and idolatry. The verb "compass about" (Hebrew: _çâbab_) implies surrounding or encircling. The inclusion of Goath, like Gareb, underscores that God's plan for Jerusalem's restoration is all-encompassing, bringing even the most marginalized or defiled areas into the sphere of His holiness and blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "measuring line" representing divine precision, order, and the certainty of God's architectural plan for Jerusalem. It evokes the image of a master builder meticulously laying out the foundations and boundaries of a new, glorious city. The specific mention of "hill Gareb" and "Goath" serves as **Imagery**, painting a concrete picture of the city's expanded reach. These names, likely associated with peripheral or even unclean areas, function as **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the parts (these specific locations) stand for the whole (the entire city, including its previously undesirable fringes). This highlights the **Thematic Irony** of God's comprehensive sanctification, where even the "scabby" or "lowing" (potential meanings of the names) places are brought into holiness. The entire verse functions as a form of **Prophetic Vision**, offering a glimpse into a future reality guaranteed by divine decree, providing hope and assurance to a people facing desolation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:39 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing His commitment to restoration and the establishment of His holy presence among His people. The precise measurement and expansion of Jerusalem foreshadow a comprehensive renewal that extends beyond physical boundaries to encompass spiritual transformation. It underscores that God's work of sanctification is not partial but all-encompassing, reaching into every "outskirt" of human experience and existence to bring it under His dominion and blessing. This divine blueprint for Jerusalem serves as a tangible promise of God's faithfulness to His covenant, demonstrating His power to rebuild and make holy even what seems utterly desolate.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Ezekiel 40:3](/ezekiel/40-3 "Ezekiel 40:3 - The Man with a Measuring Line")
* [Zechariah 2:1-5](/zechariah/2-1 "Zechariah 2:1-5 - Jerusalem Without Walls")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:39 offers a powerful message of hope and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work. For us today, it reminds us that God's plans for restoration are precise, intentional, and extend to every part of our lives and communities, even those we consider neglected, broken, or "unclean." Just as God meticulously measured and expanded Jerusalem to include its peripheral areas, He desires to bring every aspect of our being—our past failures, our hidden struggles, our marginalized relationships—into the sphere of His transforming grace and holiness. This verse encourages us to trust in God's meticulous blueprint for our lives, knowing that He is actively working to rebuild, sanctify, and expand His kingdom within and through us, making us fit for His presence and purpose. It calls us to embrace the often-overlooked or undesirable parts of our lives and allow God's "measuring line" to bring order, healing, and holiness to them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "hill Gareb" or "Goath" (areas of neglect, shame, or brokenness) in your life or community might God be desiring to bring under His "measuring line" of restoration and sanctification?**
* **How does the image of God's precise "measuring line" encourage you when facing seemingly overwhelming chaos or devastation in your personal life or in the world around you?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate with God in His work of comprehensive restoration, extending His grace and holiness to areas that are often overlooked or deemed unworthy?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Gareb" and "Goath" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The significance of "Gareb" and "Goath" lies in their likely geographical location as peripheral areas to ancient Jerusalem, possibly associated with refuse, burial grounds, or places of defilement. "Gareb" (H1619) can mean "scabby," hinting at an undesirable or unclean area. "Goath" (H1601) may have bordered the Valley of Hinnom, a place notorious for child sacrifice and later as a refuse dump. By including these specific, less desirable locations within the new, expanded boundaries of Jerusalem, the prophecy emphasizes the **comprehensive nature of God's sanctification**. It means that the rebuilt city will be entirely holy, from its sacred center to its previously "unclean" fringes. This demonstrates God's power to redeem and purify all things, leaving no part outside His holy domain, as foreshadowed in [Jeremiah 31:40](/jeremiah/31-40 "Jeremiah 31:40 - Jerusalem's Perpetual Holiness").

**What does the "measuring line" symbolize in Jeremiah 31:39?**

Answer: The "measuring line" (Hebrew: _middâh qav_) is a powerful symbol of **divine precision, certainty, and order** in God's plan for restoration. In ancient times, a measuring line was used by builders and surveyors to lay out foundations, define boundaries, and ensure accuracy in construction. Its use here signifies that God's rebuilding of Jerusalem is not a haphazard or uncertain event, but a meticulously planned and guaranteed undertaking. It represents God's intentionality and His unwavering commitment to fulfill His promises, ensuring that the city will be restored to its proper dimensions and sanctity. This imagery underscores the reliability of God's word and the absolute certainty of His redemptive purposes, echoing similar imagery found in other prophetic books, such as [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Vision of the New Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:39 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His spiritual kingdom, the Church, and ultimately the New Jerusalem. While the prophecy initially promised a physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, its deeper theological trajectory points to the comprehensive spiritual restoration inaugurated by the New Covenant, which Christ Himself embodies. Just as the "measuring line" extended to include the "unclean" hills of Gareb and Goath, Christ's redemptive work encompasses all humanity, bringing those who were formerly "far off" into the holy city of God, as described in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"). He is the true foundation and cornerstone upon whom the spiritual temple is built, a dwelling place for God's Spirit ([1 Peter 2:4-6](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-6 - Christ the Living Stone")). The comprehensive sanctification implied in Jeremiah's prophecy is realized in Christ, who purifies His people and makes them a holy dwelling for God through His blood ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). The vision of an expanded, perpetually holy Jerusalem culminates in the revelation of the New Jerusalem descending from heaven, a city whose boundaries are not limited by physical hills but by the boundless grace of God, where Christ Himself is its temple and light ([Revelation 21:2-3](/rev/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends") and [Revelation 21:22-23](/rev/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-23 - God and the Lamb are its Temple and Light")). Thus, the "measuring line" of Jeremiah 31:39 ultimately points to Christ's all-encompassing work of redemption, bringing all things under His dominion and establishing a kingdom of holiness that knows no bounds.

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 2:1

¶ I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.

Zechariah 2:2

Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what [is] the breadth thereof, and what [is] the length thereof.

Ezekiel 40:8

He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.