At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart.

JEREMIAH 3:17KJV
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Jeremiah 3:17 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 3:17 mean?

Jeremiah 3:17 describes a future time when Jerusalem will be known as the throne of the LORD, and people from all nations will gather there to honor God’s name. In that day, people will no longer follow the stubbornness or evil plans of their own hearts.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah, who have been unfaithful and are facing consequences for their actions. The verse looks ahead to a time of restoration, when Jerusalem will become a center of God’s presence and authority, drawing people from every nation. The passage highlights a dramatic change: instead of following their own desires (described as the “imagination of their evil heart”), people will turn to God in unity.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 3:17

  • "throne" (כִּסֵּא, kisse’): This word means a seat of authority or kingship. Calling Jerusalem the “throne of the LORD” emphasizes that God’s rule and presence will be established there in a special way.
  • "nations" (גּוֹיִם, goyim): This term refers to all the peoples outside Israel. The gathering of “all the nations” points to a vision where God’s influence extends beyond Israel to the whole world.
  • "imagination" (שְׁרִרוּת, sherirut): This word is often understood as stubbornness or the inclinations of one’s heart. The verse says people will no longer walk “after the imagination of their evil heart,” meaning they will stop following their own stubborn or harmful desires.

Why Jeremiah 3:17 matters

  • Jeremiah 3:17 shows that God’s plan includes not just Israel, but people from every nation, highlighting a vision of unity and peace centered on God.
  • The verse clarifies that the problem is not just outward actions, but the inner direction of the heart—people’s stubbornness and self-will are what will change.
  • This promise of Jerusalem as God’s throne connects to earlier warnings in Jeremiah, offering hope that restoration and a new relationship with God are possible after judgment.

Where else these words appear

“imagination” Hebrew H8307 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
  • Jeremiah 9:14 But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:
  • Jeremiah 16:12 And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me:

“gathered” Hebrew H6960 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Psalms 40:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
  • Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

“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.