Jeremiah 31:39
And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it upon the hill Gareb, and shall compass about to Goath.
Original Language Analysis
וְיָצָ֨א
shall yet go forth
H3318
וְיָצָ֨א
shall yet go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
ע֜וֹד
H5750
ע֜וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
הַמִּדָּה֙
And the measuring
H4060
הַמִּדָּה֙
And the measuring
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
נֶגְדּ֔וֹ
H5048
נֶגְדּ֔וֹ
Strong's:
H5048
Word #:
5 of 10
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
עַ֖ל
H5921
עַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גָּרֵ֑ב
Gareb
H1619
גָּרֵ֑ב
Gareb
Strong's:
H1619
Word #:
8 of 10
gareb, the name of an israelite, also of a hill near jerusalem
Historical Context
Archaeological uncertainty about Gareb and Goath's exact locations doesn't diminish the prophecy's force—Jeremiah's original audience knew these landmarks. The expansion of Jerusalem's sacred boundaries reverses Ezekiel's earlier vision where God's glory departed due to defilement (Ezekiel 10-11). Nehemiah's wall (445 BC) enclosed a smaller area; full realization awaits eschatological fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's knowledge of obscure place names reveal about His attention to details in your life?
- How does the expansion of holy boundaries (including previously unclean areas) anticipate the gospel's inclusion of Gentiles?
- Why would specific geographic prophecy matter to exiles who might never return to see it fulfilled?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The measuring line shall yet go forth (יֵצֵא קְוֵה־הַמִּדָּה, yetse qeveh-hamiddah)—the surveyor's cord extends the sacred boundary. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, qav (line) marked both construction (1 Kings 7:23) and destruction (2 Kings 21:13, Lamentations 2:8). Here it signifies restoration, reclaiming land once measured for judgment.
The hill Gareb (גָּרֵב) and Goath (גֹּעָתָה) are locations mentioned only here, their precise identification lost to history. This obscurity is instructive: God knows every insignificant feature of His people's homeland. The southwest circuit (opposite the northeast markers in v. 38) completes the city's perimeter, encompassing what was likely unclean land outside the pre-exilic walls—now incorporated into the holy city.