Jeremiah 31:38
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The prophecy isn't just about rebuilding Jerusalem physically, but about it becoming fully consecrated to the Lord. This means even previously "unclean" areas outside the old city walls would be incorporated and made holy, signifying God's complete reclaiming and cleansing of His people and their dwelling place.
“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off the heels of promises about God’s new covenant and the restoration of his people, Jeremiah pivots to the physical restoration of Jerusalem itself. He paints a vivid picture of the city’s future rebuilding, using specific landmarks like the Tower of Hananel and the Corner Gate to signify its renewed boundaries. This vision of a rebuilt, enlarged, and permanently holy city stands as a powerful testament to God’s enduring faithfulness.
Why does Jeremiah mention specific city gates and towers when talking about rebuilding? It's more than just geography; it points to who the city is for.
Jeremiah 31:38 speaks of the city being 'built to the LORD'. This isn't just about rebuilding Jerusalem after exile; it's about a city fully dedicated to God's presence and purposes.
Dedicated Space
The specific mention of the Tower of Hananel and the Corner Gate might seem like obscure details. What do these ancient landmarks represent for the future?
Jeremiah uses precise geographical markers – from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate – to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the rebuilding. This wasn't just a minor repair; it signified a significant restoration and expansion.
Ask a follow-up
Defining the Divine Realm
Understand the original words
iyr · Hebrew Noun
An area of human habitation, often used as a symbol of divine blessing, judgment, or sanctuary. In prophecy, the city represents the gathering place of God's people where His presence dwells.
This prophecy of rebuilding refers not just to the physical restoration after the Babylonian exile, but also points to a future, permanent dwelling place for God's people, encompassing even formerly desolate areas, foreshadowing the eternal city of God.
Late 8th century BC
Sennacherib's Assyrian Invasion
The Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah, besieging Jerusalem and causing significant damage and displacement within the city.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, a group of Judean elites, including the prophet Daniel, are exiled to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another wave of exiles, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, are taken to Babylon following a rebellion.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, deporting most of the remaining population to Babylon. This marks a period of profound desolation.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, initiating the post-exilic period.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Rebuilds Jerusalem's Walls
Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a significant but challenging undertaking after the return from exile. Landmarks like the Tower of Hananel are mentioned in this context.
c. 520 BC - 444 BC
Post-Exilic Reconstruction Period
The period following the return from exile, characterized by the rebuilding of the Temple under Zerubbabel and later the walls under Nehemiah, with ongoing challenges and spiritual renewal.
This passage echoes Jeremiah's imagery by mentioning the same specific landmarks, the tower of Hananel and the corner gate, emphasizing a future, permanent rebuilding and sanctification of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 48:30-35Ezekiel provides a detailed blueprint for the future city of God, including its gates and dimensions, which parallels Jeremiah's prophecy of a divinely ordered and restored Jerusalem.
Isaiah 65:17-19Isaiah speaks of a new heavens and a new earth, with Jerusalem (Zion) becoming a cause for joy and a perpetual praise, resonating with Jeremiah's vision of a permanently rebuilt and holy city.
Revelation 21:10-27The description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation, with its immense dimensions, holy nature, and divine presence, fulfills and expands upon Jeremiah's prophecy of a city rebuilt 'to the LORD' and consecrated to Him forever.
barnesJeremiah 31:38: "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."
To the Lord - Or, for Yahweh: for His dwelling in the hearts of a people prepared to be His temple.
clarkeJeremiah 31:38: "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."
The city shall be built to the Lord - This cannot mean the city built after the return from Babylon, for two reasons: 1. This is to be much greater in extent; 2. It is to be permanent, never to be thrown down, Jeremiah 31:40. It must therefore mean, if taken literally at all, the city that is to be built by them when they are brought in with t…
The prophecy isn't just about rebuilding Jerusalem physically, but about it becoming fully consecrated to the Lord. This means even previously "unclean" areas outside the old city walls would be incorporated and made holy, signifying God's complete reclaiming and cleansing of His people and their dwelling place.
Fresh off the heels of promises about God’s new covenant and the restoration of his people, Jeremiah pivots to the physical restoration of Jerusalem itself. He paints a vivid picture of the city’s future rebuilding, using specific landmarks like the Tower of Hananel and the Corner Gate to signify its renewed boundaries. This vision of a rebuilt, enlarged, and permanently holy city stands as a powerful testament to God’s enduring faithfulness.
Fresh off the heels of promises about God’s new covenant and the restoration of his people, Jeremiah pivots to the physical restoration of Jerusalem itself. He paints a vivid picture of the city’s future rebuilding, using specific landmarks like the Tower of Hananel and the Corner Gate to signify its renewed boundaries. This vision of a rebuilt, enlarged, and permanently holy city stands as a powerful testament to God’s enduring faithfulness.
"“Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when the city shall be rebuilt for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate." — The prophecy isn't just about rebuilding Jerusalem physically, but about it becoming fully consecrated to the Lord. This means even previously "unclean" areas outside the old city walls would be in…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
