Jeremiah 3:17
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 3:17 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah speaks of a future time when Jerusalem will be regarded as the throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather there in worship of the Lord. This imagery of Jerusalem as the central location for the worship of the one true God symbolizes a unity among all nations under the Lord's reign. It signifies a turning away from the desires of their own evil hearts and towards the will of God. The verse suggests a time of peace and unity among all nations, where people will no longer be led astray by their own sinful desires but will instead be united in their worship of the Lord.
Theological Overview
Jerusalem holds a significant theological interpretation in this verse, as it is referred to as the throne of the LORD. This metaphorical language signifies Jerusalem as the central place where God's authority and sovereignty are recognized and honored. The gathering of all nations to Jerusalem highlights the universal reign of God, where people from every corner of the earth come to acknowledge His name. The phrase "neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart" points to a turning away from sinful desires and thoughts towards righteous living in the presence of the LORD. This verse offers a vision of a future where Jerusalem becomes a beacon of divine rule, drawing people to worship and obey God wholeheartedly. Through theological interpretation and word studies, this verse underscores the importance of recognizing God's supreme authority and aligning our lives with His righteous ways.
Jeremiah 3:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart.
World English Bible
At that time they shall call Jerusalem ‘The throne of Yahweh;’ and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to Yahweh’s name, to Jerusalem. Neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart.
Douay-Rheims
At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord: and all the nations shall be gathered together to it, in the name of the Lord to Jerusalem, and they shall not walk after the perversity of their most wicked heart.
Geneva Bible (1599)
At that time they shall cal Ierusalem, The throne of the Lord, and all the nations shall be gathered vnto it, euen to the Name of the Lord in Ierusalem: and thence foorth they shall follow no more the hardnesse of their wicked heart.