Jeremiah 31:40 Meaning and Explanation
“And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even the valley of death will become holy ground, sanctified and eternally protected.
The Context of Jeremiah 31:40
Final vision: the sanctification and eternal preservation of the restored city and land.
What Does Jeremiah 31:40 Mean?
The valley of the dead—a place of destruction, desolation, and death—becomes holy. This radical transformation sanctifies what was defiled, setting apart even the graveyard as sacred space. 'The ashes' and dead bodies explicitly acknowledge past horror, yet they cannot prevent the transformation to holiness.
'Shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more for ever'—the permanence promised earlier finds concrete expression. Nothing—neither human action nor divine judgment—will destroy this sanctified ground again. The promise moves from hope of restoration to assurance of eternal preservation. Jerusalem, from center to periphery, becomes eternally holy unto the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:40 in the Original Language
qodesh (קדשׁ), 'holy'—set apart for God, sacred and inviolable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 31:40
What does Jeremiah 31:40 mean?
Even the valley of death will become holy ground, sanctified and eternally protected.
What is the context of Jeremiah 31:40?
Final vision: the sanctification and eternal preservation of the restored city and land.