Jeremiah 7:31

KJV

And they have built the high places of Tophet, which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they have built {H1129} the high places {H1116} of Tophet {H8612}, which is in the valley {H1516} of the son {H1121} of Hinnom {H2011}, to burn {H8313} their sons {H1121} and their daughters {H1323} in the fire {H784}; which I commanded {H6680} them not, neither came {H5927} it into my heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They have built the high places of Tofet in the Ben-Hinnom Valley, to burn their sons and daughters in the fire, something I never ordered; in fact, such a thing never even entered my mind!

Berean Standard Bible

They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Hinnom so they could burn their sons and daughters in the fire—something I never commanded, nor did it even enter My mind.

American Standard Version

And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded not, neither came it into my mind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:31 reveals the profound spiritual apostasy of Judah, specifically their abhorrent practice of child sacrifice. The verse details the construction of "high places" in Tophet, located in the Valley of Hinnom, where sons and daughters were immolated in fire. This horrific act is met with God's emphatic and absolute disavowal, underscoring that such a practice was never commanded by Him nor ever conceived in His heart, highlighting the extreme depth of their rebellion against His divine character and covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:31 is a pivotal verse within Jeremiah's "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15), a powerful prophetic indictment delivered at the gate of the Jerusalem Temple. Jeremiah confronts the people's misguided confidence in the Temple's presence as a guarantee of safety, despite their rampant idolatry, moral corruption, and covenant unfaithfulness. The preceding verses detail a litany of transgressions—theft, murder, adultery, false swearing, and worshipping other gods—all of which are practiced even as the people claim, "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these!" ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")). This verse, specifically addressing child sacrifice, serves as the ultimate demonstration of their depravity and a stark illustration of why God's severe judgment is imminent, culminating in the destruction of the Temple itself and exile. It underscores the profound disconnect between their outward religious observance and their inner spiritual rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "high places of Tophet" in the "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: *Ge Hinnom*) refer to a specific, notorious site located just southwest of Jerusalem. This valley became infamous as a cultic center for the horrific practice of child sacrifice, primarily to the Ammonite deity Molech, and sometimes to Baal. This was a deliberate adoption of Canaanite religious customs, which were explicitly and repeatedly forbidden by God's Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech") and [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices Forbidden")). The construction of "high places" (bâmâh) indicates a formalized, institutionalized pagan worship. Kings like Ahaz ([2 Kings 16:3](/2_kings/16-3 "2 Kings 16:3 - Ahaz's Idolatry")) and Manasseh ([2 Kings 21:6](/2_kings/21-6 "2 Kings 21:6 - Manasseh's Abominations")) had previously engaged in and promoted such practices, deeply corrupting Judah's religious life. This act was the ultimate defiance of God's covenant and a profound moral depravity, contrasting sharply with the sanctity of human life commanded by Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 7:31 powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the **Extreme Idolatry and Abomination** of Judah's spiritual apostasy. Child sacrifice was not merely another form of idolatry but an act so heinous that it represented the ultimate betrayal of God and humanity, an act utterly contrary to God's character and commands. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Condemnation and Disavowal**. God's emphatic statement, "which I commanded [them] not, neither came it into my heart," underscores His absolute abhorrence of this practice. This phrase distinguishes Him sharply from the pagan deities who supposedly demanded such sacrifices, testifying to His nature as a loving and righteous God who values life. Thirdly, it reveals the depth of Judah's **Profound Disobedience** and covenant infidelity. Their actions were a direct affront to God's sovereignty and holiness, demonstrating a radical departure from the covenant God made with Israel, particularly the specific prohibitions against child sacrifice found in the Law. This profound rebellion ultimately necessitated the severe judgment God would bring upon them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **High places (Hebrew, _bâmâh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to be high," this term refers to an elevation or height. In the Old Testament, "high places" were often elevated sites, natural or artificial, used for worship. While some were initially used for legitimate Yahwistic worship, they predominantly became associated with illicit, syncretistic, or purely pagan cults, as seen here. Their construction for child sacrifice underscores the depth of Judah's apostasy, transforming sites meant for reverence into arenas of abomination.
* **Tophet (Hebrew, _Tôpheth'_):** This specific place name refers to a cultic site located within the Valley of the Son of Hinnom (Gehenna). Its etymology is debated, possibly related to a root meaning "to spit" (implying abhorrence) or referring to a drum (perhaps used to drown out the cries of children). Regardless, Tophet became synonymous with the horrific practice of child sacrifice, making it a place of extreme defilement and a symbol of divine judgment due to the abominable rituals performed there.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This word, often used figuratively, encompasses the feelings, will, intellect, and the very core or center of a being. When God declares that child sacrifice "neither came it into my heart," He is not merely stating a lack of command but expressing the absolute foreignness of such an act to His entire being, His character, His will, and His deepest affections. It conveys profound revulsion and an intrinsic opposition to such depravity, emphasizing that this act was utterly antithetical to His divine nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they have built the high places of Tophet":** This clause highlights the deliberate and organized nature of the people's idolatry. It wasn't a spontaneous act but a planned construction of dedicated sites for pagan worship, signifying a deep-seated commitment to practices explicitly forbidden by God.
* **"which [is] in the valley of the son of Hinnom":** This specifies the infamous geographical location of these abominable acts. The Valley of Hinnom, just outside Jerusalem, became a place of notoriety due to the child sacrifices performed there, later evolving into the New Testament concept of Gehenna, a symbol of eternal judgment and utter destruction.
* **"to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire":** This describes the horrific act itself—child sacrifice. The phrase "burn...in the fire" indicates immolation, a ritualistic offering of innocent human life to pagan deities. This was the ultimate violation of God's command to value life and a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship.
* **"which I commanded [them] not":** This is God's direct and authoritative disavowal. It asserts that this practice was not merely unapproved but explicitly contrary to His divine will and the Mosaic Law, which strictly prohibited such acts. It refutes any notion that these sacrifices could be considered legitimate worship of Yahweh.
* **"neither came it into my heart":** This powerful declaration goes beyond simple prohibition. It expresses God's absolute abhorrence and profound disgust. It signifies that such a concept was utterly foreign to His nature, His character, and His divine plan. It was never a thought, never a desire, never a possibility within the heart of the righteous and loving God of Israel, distinguishing Him sharply from the cruel deities of the surrounding nations.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. There is profound **Irony** in the people building "high places" (implying closeness to deity) for an act that deeply offends the one true God, demonstrating their spiritual blindness. God's emphatic statement, "neither came it into my heart," serves as a powerful form of **Hyperbole** and **Emphasis**, conveying an absolute and intrinsic revulsion that goes far beyond a simple prohibition. This phrase also creates a stark **Contrast** between the people's heinous actions (burning their children) and God's character as a loving and life-affirming deity. Furthermore, the "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Gehenna) functions as potent **Symbolism**, evolving from a physical location of depravity into a metaphorical representation of ultimate judgment and spiritual destruction in later biblical and theological discourse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:31 stands as a stark testament to the depths of human depravity when alienated from God, and simultaneously, to the absolute holiness and moral purity of God. Theologically, it underscores the sanctity of human life, particularly innocent life, as a core value of the Creator, directly opposing any practice that devalues or destroys it. It highlights the nature of true worship, which is characterized by obedience, love, and reverence for God's commands, rather than syncretistic rituals borrowed from paganism. The verse also reveals God's righteous indignation against sin, particularly against such heinous acts of idolatry and cruelty. His declaration that child sacrifice "neither came it into my heart" is a profound theological statement about His character: He is not a god who demands human sacrifice, but one who gives life and requires justice and mercy. This sets Him apart from the cruel deities of the surrounding nations, affirming His unique moral perfection and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even in their rebellion.

* [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech")
* [Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices Forbidden")
* [Jeremiah 19:5](/jeremiah/19-5 "Jeremiah 19:5 - God's Condemnation of Baal Worship and Child Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While literal child sacrifice is (thankfully) rare in most contemporary societies, the principles embedded in Jeremiah 7:31 remain profoundly relevant for personal and communal reflection. This verse serves as a stark warning against any form of idolatry that demands the sacrifice of what is most precious—whether it be our children, our integrity, our time, or our moral compass—on the altar of worldly ambition, wealth, pleasure, or self-interest. It challenges us to examine what "high places" we might be building in our own lives, prioritizing anything over the one true God and His values. Furthermore, it calls us to a renewed commitment to the sanctity of human life, particularly the vulnerable and innocent, in all its forms. Any societal or personal action that devalues life, from conception to natural death, stands in opposition to the heart of God revealed in this passage. Finally, the verse warns against spiritual compromise and syncretism, urging us to guard against diluting our faith with worldly values that contradict God's commands. God demands wholehearted devotion, not partial obedience or a mixing of truth with error. We are called to ensure that our actions align with God's commands, not with the corrupting influences of the world, and to cultivate a heart that truly reflects His, rejecting anything that is "not in His heart."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "high places" or idols do I build in my own life that compete with God's rightful place and demand sacrifices of my time, resources, or values?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of the sanctity of human life, particularly the vulnerable, in contemporary issues?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to blend worldly values or cultural norms with my faith, leading to spiritual compromise or "syncretism"?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that truly aligns with God's will, actively rejecting anything that is "not in His heart" and embracing His life-affirming character?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of "Tophet" and the "Valley of Hinnom"?**

Answer: Tophet was a specific cultic site within the Valley of Hinnom (Hebrew: *Ge Hinnom*), a valley situated just southwest of Jerusalem. It became infamous as the primary location where the people of Judah engaged in the horrific practice of child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech and Baal. This made the valley a place of extreme defilement and abomination in the eyes of God. Later, in the New Testament, the name *Ge Hinnom* was transliterated into Greek as *Gehenna*, which became a symbolic term for hell or eternal judgment, largely due to the abominable practices that occurred there, as well as its later use as a refuse dump where fires burned continuously outside Jerusalem. Thus, the Valley of Hinnom and Tophet became powerful symbols of divine condemnation and the ultimate consequence of profound sin.

**Why did God say "neither came it into my heart" if He had already commanded against child sacrifice?**

Answer: God's statement "neither came it into my heart" is a profound and emphatic declaration that goes beyond a simple prohibition. While the Mosaic Law already contained explicit commands against child sacrifice (e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice to Molech")), this phrase emphasizes God's absolute abhorrence and utter disavowal of such an act. It signifies that this practice was not just forbidden, but intrinsically alien to His character, His nature, and His divine will. It was never conceived, desired, or even remotely considered by Him. This statement distinguishes the God of Israel sharply from the cruel pagan deities who supposedly demanded such atrocities, highlighting His moral perfection, His love for life, and the depth of the people's depravity in engaging in something so antithetical to His very being. It underscores that their actions were not merely disobedient but a radical perversion of true worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:31, with its grim depiction of child sacrifice and God's absolute disavowal, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse highlights humanity's capacity for profound depravity and the just judgment it incurs, yet in Christ, we see God's perfect solution. While the people sacrificed their children to false gods, God, in His boundless love, sacrificed His *only* Son, Jesus, not to appease a cruel deity, but to atone for the sins of humanity, including the very sin of idolatry and rebellion exemplified in Jeremiah 7:31. The ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fully satisfies divine justice and ends the need for any human offering. Jesus Himself often referred to Gehenna (the Valley of Hinnom), the very place of these abominations, as a symbol of eternal judgment ([Matthew 5:22](/matthew/5-22 "Matthew 5:22 - Anger and Judgment"); [Mark 9:43](/mark/9-43 "Mark 9:43 - Hell and Temptation")), validating the seriousness of sin while simultaneously offering a path to salvation from it through His redemptive work. Furthermore, Jesus' teachings consistently upheld the sanctity and value of children, welcoming them and affirming their place in the Kingdom of God ([Matthew 19:14](/matthew/19-14 "Matthew 19:14 - Let the Little Children Come to Me")), a stark contrast to the horrific practices condemned in Jeremiah. Through Christ, the new covenant offers not merely a prohibition against such acts, but a transformed heart ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")) that desires to worship God in spirit and truth ([John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), fully aligning with His pure and loving heart, which never conceived of such atrocities.

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

2 Kings 23:10

And he defiled Topheth, which [is] in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.

2 Kings 17:17

And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Leviticus 18:21

And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through [the fire] to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I [am] the LORD.

Jeremiah 32:35

And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

2 Chronicles 33:6

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Leviticus 20:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 20:5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.