Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.

JEREMIAH 17:25KJV
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Jeremiah 17:25 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 17:25 mean?

Jeremiah 17:25 promises that if the people of Jerusalem honor God’s commands, kings and leaders from David’s line will continue to enter the city’s gates, ruling and traveling in splendor, and Jerusalem will last forever. The verse describes a future of lasting stability and blessing for the city if the people remain faithful.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Judah, warning them about the consequences of their actions. The verse paints a picture of what could happen if the people obey—Jerusalem would remain secure, with its leaders (kings and princes) ruling from David’s throne, and the city would endure. This is part of a larger message about the importance of faithfulness and the blessings tied to it.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 17:25

  • "gates" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar): This word refers to the city entrances, which were important places for public life and leadership. Mentioning the gates highlights the public, visible nature of the blessing.
  • "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kisse): This word points directly to the royal authority of David’s line. The promise is not just about any rulers, but specifically those connected to David.
  • "remain" (יָשַׁב, yashav): This verb often means "to dwell" or "to sit," but here it is used to mean the city will continue or endure. The idea is of lasting presence and stability.
  • "ever" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word means "forever" or "for a long time," stressing the enduring nature of the promise if the people are faithful.

Why Jeremiah 17:25 matters

  • Jeremiah 17:25 clarifies that God’s promises for Jerusalem are conditional—lasting blessing depends on the people’s obedience, not automatic because of their heritage.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of the Davidic line (the family of David) and shows that God’s plans for leadership and blessing are tied to faithfulness.
  • In the wider context, this verse stands as a hopeful alternative to the warnings of judgment in Jeremiah, showing that God desires to bless and preserve Jerusalem if the people will listen.

Where else these words appear

“riding” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:38 So Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomon to ride upon king David's mule, and brought him to Gihon.
  • Psalms 45:4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen; whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the king at Jerusalem.

“throne” Hebrew H3678 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
  • 1 Kings 22:19 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.
  • Psalms 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

“horses” Hebrew H5483 · used in 131 verses

  • Genesis 47:17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.
  • 2 Kings 14:20 And they brought him on horses: and he was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David.
  • Jeremiah 8:16 The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein.