Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, and mountain of holiness.

JEREMIAH 31:23KJV
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Jeremiah 31:23 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 31:23 mean?

Jeremiah 31:23 describes a future time when God will restore the people of Judah from captivity, and people will once again speak blessings over Jerusalem and its cities, calling it a place of justice and holiness. The verse shows God's promise to reverse the suffering of exile and bring back dignity and blessing to His people.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah quotes God ("saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel") as He speaks to the people of Judah, who had suffered exile and destruction. The promise is that when God brings them back, people will use words of blessing for Jerusalem, recognizing it as a "habitation of justice" and a "mountain of holiness." This points to a time of renewal and hope after a period of judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 31:23

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. Its use here underlines the authority and faithfulness behind the promise.
  • "hosts" (צְבָאוֹת, tsevaot): This word means "armies" or "heavenly forces," highlighting God's power to accomplish what He promises, even against overwhelming odds.
  • "bring again" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means "to return" or "restore." It is central to the verse, showing that the focus is on God actively bringing His people back from exile, not just a natural return.
  • "habitation" (נָוֶה, naveh): This word means "dwelling place" or "abode," and calling Jerusalem a "habitation of justice" suggests it will be known for righteousness, not just as a city but as a place where justice lives.

Why Jeremiah 31:23 matters

  • Jeremiah 31:23 clarifies that the restoration God promises is not just physical return but also a renewal of the city's moral and spiritual character—Jerusalem will be known for justice and holiness.
  • The verse emphasizes that the blessings spoken over Jerusalem are a result of God's direct action, not human effort, highlighting God's initiative in redemption.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage in Jeremiah 31, which is full of hope and restoration after judgment, setting the stage for the famous promises of a new covenant later in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“captivity” Hebrew H7622 · used in 27 verses

  • Numbers 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites.
  • Jeremiah 30:3 For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
  • Lamentations 2:14 Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

“habitation” Hebrew H5116 · used in 35 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.
  • Jeremiah 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

“justice” Hebrew H6664 · used in 109 verses

  • Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
  • Psalms 52:3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.