Jeremiah 33:4
For thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;
Original Language Analysis
כִּי֩
H3588
כִּי֩
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹ֨ה
H3541
כֹ֨ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
6 of 19
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בָּתֵּ֖י
and concerning the houses
H1004
בָּתֵּ֖י
and concerning the houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 19
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
הָעִ֣יר
of this city
H5892
הָעִ֣יר
of this city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
9 of 19
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בָּתֵּ֖י
and concerning the houses
H1004
בָּתֵּ֖י
and concerning the houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 19
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֑ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
14 of 19
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Cross References
Jeremiah 32:24Behold the mounts, they are come unto the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what thou hast spoken is come to pass; and, behold, thou seest it.Ezekiel 4:2And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about.Habakkuk 1:10And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it.Ezekiel 21:22At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering rams against the gates, to cast a mount, and to build a fort.
Historical Context
During the Babylonian siege (588-586 BC), Jerusalem's defenders tore down houses to build defensive positions and obtain materials for wall repairs. The city consumed itself trying to survive. Royal houses weren't spared—even privilege couldn't escape judgment. Archaeological evidence from the destruction layer confirms this catastrophic dismantling.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's honest acknowledgment of devastation (rather than minimizing it) prepare you to receive His restoration promises?
- What 'houses' in your life have been torn down by consequences of sin—personal or corporate?
- How does the fact that God's judgment fell even on 'the houses of the kings' speak to the impartiality of divine justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The houses of this city, and the houses of the kings of Judah, which are thrown down (הַנְּתֻצוֹת, hannetutzot, torn down, demolished)—God acknowledges the brutal reality: defensive mounts (סֹלְלוֹת, solelot, siege ramps) and the sword (חֶרֶב, cherev) have demolished even royal palaces. Homes were dismantled to fortify walls against Babylonian siege engines—a desperate, futile defense.
This verse doesn't minimize judgment's severity. The passive participle 'thrown down' depicts completed destruction. Yet God speaks of these ruins in a promise of restoration (v. 6-7), proving His grace rebuilds what His justice demolished. Romans 11:22 balances this: 'Behold the goodness and severity of God.'