Jeremiah 32:31
For this city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face,
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֧י
H3588
כִּ֧י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אַפִּ֣י
hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger
H639
אַפִּ֣י
hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חֲמָתִ֗י
and of my fury
H2534
חֲמָתִ֗י
and of my fury
Strong's:
H2534
Word #:
5 of 20
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
הָ֤יְתָה
H1961
הָ֤יְתָה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָעִ֣יר
For this city
H5892
הָעִ֣יר
For this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
8 of 20
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
לְמִן
H4480
לְמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַיּ֣וֹם
from the day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
from the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אוֹתָ֔הּ
H853
אוֹתָ֔הּ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
15 of 20
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַיּ֣וֹם
from the day
H3117
הַיּ֣וֹם
from the day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
16 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
לַהֲסִירָ֖הּ
that I should remove
H5493
לַהֲסִירָ֖הּ
that I should remove
Strong's:
H5493
Word #:
18 of 20
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Kings 23:27And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.Jeremiah 27:10For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.Matthew 23:37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!2 Kings 21:16Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.
Historical Context
Jerusalem was conquered by David circa 1000 BC and made Israel's capital. Solomon built the temple there (959 BC). Despite this sacred history, the city's inhabitants repeatedly violated covenant, culminating in the abominations described in verses 34-35. In 587 BC, God's patience exhausted, Jerusalem fell.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge the assumption that God 'owes' protection to Christian nations or institutions?
- What would it mean for God to 'remove' His presence from your life or church?
- Can you identify areas where religious heritage has bred complacency rather than faithfulness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This city hath been to me as a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it—A shocking statement: Jerusalem, the City of David, God's chosen dwelling place, has been a source of divine wrath from the day they built it. The Hebrew ka'as (provocation) and chemah (חֵמָה, fury/wrath) are intensified together. This isn't denying Jerusalem's election (Psalm 132:13-14) but acknowledging persistent covenant unfaithfulness even in the holy city.
That I should remove it from before my face (לַהֲסִירָהּ מֵעַל פָּנָי)—Divine presence withdrawal is the ultimate curse. The phrase anticipates the temple's destruction and God's glory departing (Ezekiel 10:18-19). Yet God's stated intention 'to remove it' (using the modal verb) suggests this wasn't His ultimate desire but judicial necessity. The tension between God's elective love and His holy wrath over sin reaches crisis in this verse.