Jeremiah 31:40

KJV

And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, [shall be] holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the whole valley {H6010} of the dead bodies {H6297}, and of the ashes {H1880}, and all the fields {H7709}{H8309} unto the brook {H5158} of Kidron {H6939}, unto the corner {H6438} of the horse {H5483} gate {H8179} toward the east {H4217}, shall be holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}; it shall not be plucked up {H5428}, nor thrown down {H2040} any more for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole valley of corpses and ashes, including all the fields as far as Vadi Kidron, and on to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be separated out for Adonai; it will never be uprooted or destroyed again."

Berean Standard Bible

The whole valley of the dead bodies and ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron Valley, to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be holy to the LORD. It will never again be uprooted or demolished.”

American Standard Version

And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto Jehovah; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 31:40 concludes a magnificent prophecy of future restoration for Israel and Judah, painting a vivid picture of Jerusalem's ultimate sanctification and enduring permanence in the Messianic age. This verse declares that even the most defiled and desolate areas surrounding the city, historically associated with death and idolatry, will be consecrated to the Lord, never again to be destroyed or uprooted. It serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness, His radical purifying power, and the eternal security of His covenant promises, culminating the vision of a renewed Jerusalem under the New Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 31:40 serves as the concluding verse of Jeremiah's "Book of Consolation" (chapters 30-33), which marks a profound shift from prophecies of judgment and exile to a glorious vision of restoration. Following detailed promises of Israel and Judah's return from captivity, their spiritual renewal, and the establishment of the [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"), this verse provides a climactic, geographically specific affirmation of Jerusalem's future holiness and inviolability. It ties together the spiritual promises with a tangible, physical manifestation of God's redemptive work on the very landscape of the city, assuring the permanence of the restored community and its dwelling place. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 31:38-39) describe the rebuilding and expansion of Jerusalem, setting the stage for this final declaration of its sanctification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The locations mentioned in Jeremiah 31:40 carry significant historical and cultural weight for the ancient Israelites. The "valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes" primarily refers to the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), located south and west of Jerusalem. This valley was notorious as a place of child sacrifice to Molech (cf. [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom")), and later became a refuse dump where fires constantly burned to consume waste and corpses, making it a symbol of defilement and judgment. The "brook of Kidron" (or Kidron Valley), east of Jerusalem, was another site associated with impurity, where idolatrous objects and ashes from sacrifices were often disposed of (cf. [2 Chronicles 15:16](/2_chronicles/15-16 "2 Chronicles 15:16 - Asa's Removal of Idols")). The "horse gate" was a specific entrance on the eastern side of Jerusalem, near the temple area (cf. [Nehemiah 3:28](/nehemiah/3-28 "Nehemiah 3:28 - The Horse Gate in Nehemiah's Wall")). By declaring these historically defiled and marginal areas "holy unto the LORD," the prophecy underscores the radical and comprehensive nature of God's future purification of Jerusalem, extending His holiness to the very boundaries of the city.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Sanctification and Holiness**, emphasizing that God's restoration is not merely physical but spiritual, transforming even the most defiled spaces into sacred ground set apart for Him. This highlights God's absolute purity and His intention to dwell among a holy people in a holy place. Another crucial theme is **Divine Restoration and Renewal**, showcasing God's commitment to rebuild not just the walls of Jerusalem, but its spiritual integrity, making it a fitting dwelling for His presence. Finally, the phrase "it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever" underscores the theme of **Permanence and Security**. Unlike Jerusalem's tumultuous past of repeated destructions and exiles, this future state under God's covenant will be eternally stable and inviolable, a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and the unshakeable nature of His promises. This vision provides a profound **Future Hope**, pointing to a time when all traces of sin and defilement are removed, and God's dwelling place is perfectly holy and secure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** (H6944) From the root "qadash," meaning to be set apart, consecrated, or dedicated. In this context, it signifies a radical transformation of previously defiled and common areas into sacred space, exclusively designated for the Lord. This is not merely a ceremonial cleansing but an inherent change in status, reflecting God's presence and ownership.
* **plucked up (Hebrew, _nâthash'_):** (H5428) A primitive root meaning "to tear away," "to pull up by the roots," or "to root out." This word vividly portrays the act of complete removal or destruction, often used in the context of uprooting plants or demolishing structures. Its negation here ("not be plucked up") emphasizes the absolute and irreversible permanence of Jerusalem's future state.
* **thrown down (Hebrew, _hâraç'_):** (H2040) A primitive root meaning "to pull down or in pieces," "to break," or "to destroy." This term is frequently used for the demolition of buildings or cities. Its pairing with "plucked up" creates a powerful, emphatic statement of inviolability, assuring that Jerusalem will never again suffer the devastation it experienced in Jeremiah's time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes":** This refers to the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), a place of extreme defilement outside Jerusalem's walls, used for disposing of refuse and the bodies of criminals, and historically associated with child sacrifice. The imagery evokes a place of death, impurity, and judgment.
* **"and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east":** This expands the scope of the sanctified area to include the agricultural fields and the Kidron Valley, another site of impurity where idolatrous objects were discarded. The "horse gate" marks a specific, well-known eastern entrance to the city, near the Temple. These geographical markers delineate the full extent of the transformed territory, encompassing areas both within and immediately surrounding the historical city.
* **"[shall be] holy unto the LORD":** This is the pivotal declaration. Despite their past associations with defilement and death, these areas will be consecrated and set apart for God. This signifies a complete spiritual purification and dedication, making the entire expanded region sacred, fit for God's dwelling and the habitation of His people.
* **"it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever":** This powerful double negative emphasizes the absolute and eternal security of this restored and sanctified Jerusalem. Unlike its repeated destructions in the past (e.g., by the Babylonians), this future city will be eternally secure, a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises. The phrase "for ever" (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_) underscores its perpetual and unchanging status.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 31:40 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of ultimate restoration. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the "valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes" and the "brook of Kidron" are not merely geographical locations but powerful symbols of defilement, death, and idolatry. Their transformation into "holy unto the LORD" symbolizes the radical and comprehensive nature of God's spiritual cleansing and renewal. The phrase "not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever" utilizes **Repetition** and **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and eternal permanence of the restored Jerusalem. The double negative ("not be plucked up, nor thrown down") creates a powerful rhetorical effect, underscoring the inviolability of the city. Furthermore, there is a strong **Contrast** between the historical defilement of these areas and their future consecrated status, highlighting the transformative power of God's holiness. This dramatic shift from impurity to purity, from destruction to eternal security, serves to magnify the divine promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 31:40 provides a profound theological statement about God's ultimate redemptive purpose, extending the scope of His holiness and permanence to the very physical landscape. It signifies that God's restoration is not partial but comprehensive, reaching into the most defiled and desolate places to bring about complete sanctification. This vision transcends a mere physical rebuilding of Jerusalem; it points to a new creation where all traces of sin, death, and impurity are eradicated, and God's presence fully permeates His dwelling place. It underscores the unshakeable nature of God's covenant promises, assuring His people of an eternal future of security and holiness in His presence, a stark contrast to the cycles of destruction and exile that characterized their past. This prophecy resonates with the ultimate eschatological hope for a new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells.

* [Isaiah 65:17-19](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17-19 - New Heavens and New Earth")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")
* [Zechariah 14:10-11](/zechariah/14-10 "Zechariah 14:10-11 - Jerusalem's Future Holiness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 31:40 offers a powerful message of hope and transformation for believers today. Just as God promises to cleanse and sanctify the most defiled physical spaces around Jerusalem, He possesses infinite power to cleanse and transform the most defiled hearts and lives. No past sin, no present struggle, and no personal brokenness is beyond His redemptive reach. This verse reminds us that God's commitment to His people and His promises are eternal and unshakeable; what He declares, He will accomplish, "for ever." This assurance should instill in us a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our ultimate hope is not in fleeting earthly circumstances but in the steadfastness of our sovereign God. It calls us to live in light of this glorious future, striving for holiness in our present lives, confident that God is continually at work, purifying us and preparing us for an eternal dwelling with Him where all things are made new and holy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "defiled places" or areas of brokenness in your own life do you need to surrender to God for His transforming and sanctifying power?**
* **How does the promise of an eternal, unshakeable future for Jerusalem strengthen your faith in God's promises for your own life and the future of His kingdom?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in God's work of making things "holy unto the LORD" in your community and sphere of influence today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the specific locations mentioned in Jeremiah 31:40?**

Answer: The locations—the "valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes" (likely the Valley of Hinnom/Gehenna) and the "brook of Kidron"—were historically places of deep defilement and impurity outside Jerusalem. The Valley of Hinnom was associated with child sacrifice and later became a refuse dump, symbolizing judgment and uncleanness (see [2 Kings 23:10](/2_kings/23-10 "2 Kings 23:10 - Josiah's Defilement of Topheth")). The Kidron Valley was where idolatrous objects and ashes were disposed of (see [2 Chronicles 15:16](/2_chronicles/15-16 "2 Chronicles 15:16 - Asa's Removal of Idols") and [2 Kings 23:6](/2_kings/23-6 "2 Kings 23:6 - Josiah's Actions in Kidron Valley")). By declaring these very places "holy unto the LORD," the prophecy emphasizes the radical and comprehensive nature of God's future purification of Jerusalem. It signifies that God's holiness will extend to the very boundaries of the city, transforming even the most unholy areas into sacred ground.

**How does Jeremiah 31:40 relate to the New Covenant described earlier in the chapter?**

Answer: Jeremiah 31:40 serves as a powerful capstone to the New Covenant prophecy in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"). The New Covenant promises an internal transformation where God's law is written on the heart, leading to a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God and complete forgiveness of sins. Verse 40 illustrates the outward, physical manifestation of this spiritual renewal. A people with transformed hearts will inhabit a transformed land and city. The sanctification of Jerusalem's defiled outskirts symbolizes the complete and holistic nature of God's redemptive work under the New Covenant—it purifies not only the individual but also the community and its dwelling place, establishing a secure and holy environment for God's presence "for ever."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 31:40, with its vision of an eternally holy and unshakeable Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant established through His atoning work. While it speaks of a future physical restoration of Jerusalem, its deepest spiritual reality points to the heavenly Jerusalem and the new creation inaugurated by Christ. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), took upon Himself the defilement and ashes of humanity's sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Through His death and resurrection, He not only purifies individual hearts but also lays the foundation for a new community—the Church—which is being built into a holy temple for the Lord (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built into a Holy Temple")). The promise that Jerusalem "shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever" foreshadows the eternal security of God's kingdom, which is established through Christ and will never be destroyed (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). Ultimately, this verse anticipates the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), where God dwells perfectly with His people, all defilement is gone, and there is no more death or sorrow, for Christ has made all things new and holy for eternity (cf. [Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-27 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")).

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

Joel 3:17

So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

2 Samuel 15:23

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

2 Chronicles 23:15

So they laid hands on her; and when she was come to the entering of the horse gate by the king's house, they slew her there.

2 Kings 11:16

And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain.

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

Nehemiah 3:28

From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

2 Kings 23:6

And he brought out the grove from the house of the LORD, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped [it] small to powder, and cast the powder thereof upon the graves of the children of the people.