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What does the Bible say about cities?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that earthly cities are places of human calling, need, sin, and common grace, while believers ultimately seek the eternal city God has prepared. Jeremiah 29:7 calls God’s people to seek the welfare of the cities where He places them, praying and working for their peace. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that civic labor and security are vain unless the Lord builds and watches over the city. Scripture also soberly recognizes cities marked by violence and deceit, as in Psalm 55:9-11. Yet God gathers His people toward a better homeland: Hebrews 11:10, 11:16, and 13:14 point to the lasting city whose builder is God, fulfilled in His eternal kingdom.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Jeremiah 29:7

    Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in the peace of it shall you have peace.

  • Hebrews 11:10

    For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

  • Hebrews 13:14

    For we don't have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.

  • Hebrews 11:16

    But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

  • Psalms 127:1

    > Unless Yahweh builds the house, They labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, The watchman guards it in vain.

  • Psalms 55:9-11

    [9] Confuse them, Lord, and confound their language, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. [10] Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. [11] Destructive forces are within her. Threats and lies don't depart from her streets.

  • Psalms 107:36

    There he makes the hungry live, That they may prepare a city to live in,

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