Jeremiah 7 5

Jeremiah 7:5 kjv

For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;

Jeremiah 7:5 nkjv

"For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings, if you thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbor,

Jeremiah 7:5 niv

If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly,

Jeremiah 7:5 esv

"For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly execute justice one with another,

Jeremiah 7:5 nlt

But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice;

Jeremiah 7 verses

Jeremiah 7 5 Meaning

This verse signifies God's disapproval of empty rituals performed without genuine righteousness and obedience. It highlights the importance of internal transformation over external religious observance. The dwelling place is designated for God's name, implying it should be a place of true worship and justice.

Jeremiah 7 5 Context

Jeremiah chapter 7 is a powerful indictment against the people of Judah who were continuing their sinful practices while outwardly appearing to worship at the Temple. This message was delivered during a critical time for Jerusalem, as the threat of Babylonian invasion loomed. The Temple itself, the house built for God's name, had become a symbol of false security. God, through Jeremiah, confronts their misplaced trust in the building rather than in righteous living and genuine faith. The context emphasizes the broken covenant relationship due to persistent disobedience, idolatry, injustice, and exploitation of the vulnerable. This verse specifically highlights the necessary preconditions for God's continued presence and protection – true repentance and ethical behavior.

Jeremiah 7 5 Word Analysis

• "For" (ki - כִּֽי): This conjunction introduces a reason or explanation for the preceding statement. It links the demand for "mending ways and deeds" directly to the integrity of the house for God's name.
• "if" (im - אִם): A conditional particle, setting a prerequisite for what follows. The Lord’s dwelling here is conditional upon their conduct.
• "you truly amend" (yashar - יָשַׁר): Literally "to make straight" or "to set right." It signifies uprightness, rectitude, and the act of correcting or making right one's actions and character.
• "your ways" (derech - דֶּרֶךְ): Refers to conduct, manner of life, path, or lifestyle. It encompasses their overall pattern of behavior.
• "and your deeds" (ma'aseh - מַעֲשֶׂה): Denotes actions, acts, or works. This complements "ways," focusing on specific actions resulting from their lifestyle.
• "if you truly practice" (asah tzedek - עָשָׂה צֶדֶק): Literally "to do justice" or "to practice righteousness." Asah (to do) combined with tzedek (justice, righteousness) emphasizes the active and consistent application of ethical principles.
• "justice one with another" (mishpat - מִשְׁפָּט): Refers to judgment, justice, legal right, and equity. It underscores the requirement for fair dealing and upholding rightful relationships between people.
• "neighbor" (rea - רֵעַ): This signifies a friend, companion, or fellow human being. The demand for justice is specifically directed towards how they treat one another.

Word Group Analysis

• "amend your ways and your deeds": This phrase signifies a comprehensive turning from wrong to right, encompassing both the habitual patterns of life ("ways") and the individual actions ("deeds") stemming from those patterns. It's a call for holistic repentance affecting the entirety of their conduct.
• "practice justice one with another": This is not merely about external pronouncements but about the active and consistent application of justice in all interpersonal dealings. It means treating fellow humans fairly, equitably, and with integrity, as prescribed by God's law. This stands in contrast to the prevalent corruption and oppression mentioned elsewhere in Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 7 5 Bonus Section

The emphasis on "practicing justice one with another" directly contrasts with the systemic injustice and exploitation described in other parts of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. The rich oppressed the poor, and judicial systems were corrupted. This verse serves as a severe warning that any claim to serve God while perpetuating injustice is hypocrisy. The conditional nature of God's dwelling place also sets a precedent: blessings and security are tied to obedience, not to mere physical proximity to sacred sites. The New Testament echoes this principle in teachings about living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and true worship being in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24), which requires inner transformation and right conduct toward others.

Jeremiah 7 5 Commentary

Jeremiah 7:5 underscores a fundamental principle of authentic worship: God requires more than mere presence or outward religious observance. The house of God, the Temple, was intended to be a place where His presence dwelt, but this dwelling was conditional. God demanded that the people's internal lives and external actions be aligned with His statutes. Specifically, they were to "amend your ways and your deeds" – meaning they were to turn from their corrupt practices and live righteously. The most crucial aspect highlighted here is the command to "practice justice one with another." This highlights the inextricable link between worship and ethics, particularly in how one treats fellow human beings. Oppression, deceit, and injustice rendered their worship, including their sacrifices and Temple attendance, utterly meaningless and even offensive to God. The message echoes prophetic calls throughout Scripture for social justice and a heart turned towards God's commands, rather than misplaced confidence in a physical structure or ritual. True faith must manifest in deeds of justice and mercy.