Jeremiah 9 23

Jeremiah 9:23 kjv

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:

Jeremiah 9:23 nkjv

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

Jeremiah 9:23 niv

This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,

Jeremiah 9:23 esv

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches,

Jeremiah 9:23 nlt

This is what the LORD says:
"Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom,
or the powerful boast in their power,
or the rich boast in their riches.

Jeremiah 9 verses

Jeremiah 9 23 Meaning

The core meaning of Jeremiah 9:23-24 is a powerful redirection of human pride and boasting. True boasting should not be in superficial strengths like wisdom, might, or wealth, which are ultimately transient and held in God's hand. Instead, the only true source of godly boasting or confidence is in understanding and knowing God. This knowledge leads to the practice of righteousness, justice, and mercy, reflecting God's character and purpose. God desires this inward transformation and devotion, not external displays of prowess or possessions.

Jeremiah 9 23 Context

Jeremiah 9:23-24 appears within a larger section of the prophet Jeremiah's pronouncements that focus on the impending judgment of Jerusalem and Judah. This period was marked by social injustice, idolatry, and a misplaced trust in political alliances rather than in the LORD. The people were boasting in their worldly assets and abilities – their wise leaders, their mighty warriors, and their wealthy merchants. However, God, through Jeremiah, reveals that these very things would prove useless against His judgment. The context is a stern warning, highlighting the vanity of human achievements and earthly security when separated from a true relationship with God. It's a call to repentance, emphasizing that genuine worth lies in knowing and obeying God, whose covenant demanded justice and righteousness.

Jeremiah 9 23 Word Analysis

• כֹּ֣ה (kôh): "Thus" or "So." This word introduces a divine oracle or statement, marking it as a direct message from the LORD.
• אָמַר (ʾāmār): "says." Indicates speech or pronouncement.
• יְהוָה (YHWH): "The LORD." The personal covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with Israel.
• אַל־ (ʾal-): A negative particle, expressing prohibition ("not").
• יִתְהַלֵּל (yit‧hal·lēl): "boast" or "glory." Derived from the root הלל (halal), meaning to shine, praise, or boast. In its Piel form, it often carries the sense of boasting about oneself or something.
• חָכָם (chākām): "wise." Refers to wisdom, intelligence, and skillful knowledge.
• בְּחָכְמָת ׀ (bə·choḵ·māṯ): "in his wisdom." The preposition "be-" (in) combined with wisdom.
• גִּבּ (gibbet) וֹר (gibbet · wôr): "mighty." Refers to strength, power, and valor, typically in a military context.
• בִּגְבוּרָת (bə·ğu·rāt) וֹ (bə·ğu·rāt · wō): "in his might." The preposition "be-" (in) combined with might/strength.
• עָשִׁ (ʻā·šîr) יר (ʻā·šîr · yr): "rich." Refers to abundance of possessions, wealth.
• בְּעָשְׁ (bə·‘o·še) רוֹ (bə·‘o·še · rō): "in his riches." The preposition "be-" (in) combined with riches.
• כִּֽי־ (kî-): "but" or "for." A conjunction introducing a contrasting or explanatory clause.
• אִם־ (im-): "if" or "but." Further emphasis on the contrast.
• הִתְהַלֵּל (hit‧hal·lēl): "boast." The Qal perfect form of the verb, reinforcing the imperative to boast, but now in a specific way.
• הַמִּתְהַלֵּל (ham·mit·hal·lēl): "the one who boasts." A participle indicating the person characterized by boasting.
• וְהָבִין (wə·hā·vîn): "and understands" or "discerns." From the rootבין (bin), meaning to understand, discern, or have insight.
• וְיָדַע (wə·yā·ḏa‘): "and knows." From the root ידע (yada), indicating experiential knowledge, intimate acquaintance, or recognition.
• כִּֽי־ (kî-): "that" or "for." Introducing the object of understanding and knowing.
• אֲנִי־ (ʾă·nî-): "I." The first-person singular pronoun, referring to God.
• יְהוָה (YHWH): "The LORD."
• עֹשֶׂה (ʻō·śēh): "doing" or "working." Present participle indicating continuous action.
• חֶ֥סֶד (ḥe·seḏ): "steadfast love," "kindness," "mercy." A key covenantal term, denoting loyal, persistent love.
• מִשְׁפָּט (miš·pāṭ): "justice," "judgment," "righteousness." Refers to fair dealing, equitable action, and divine justice.
• וְצֶדָקָה (wə·ṣe·ḏā·qāh): "and righteousness." Similar to justice, implying doing what is right and upright according to God's standard.
• בָּאָ (bā·’ā) רֶ (rê) ץ (bā·’ā · rê · ṟəṣ): "in the earth." Refers to the land, the world.

Words Group by Words Group Analysis:

• "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast in his might, nor the rich man boast in his riches": This triad represents the peak human achievements and sources of pride: intellectual prowess, physical strength, and material wealth. The repeated structure ("boast in his...") emphasizes the misguided focus on these external, inherent, or acquired abilities. The Hebrew verbs carry a sense of self-sufficiency and reliance on these temporal powers.
• "but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, the LORD": This clause provides the counterpoint and the sole legitimate object of boasting. The structure shifts to a reflexive and experiential "knows Me." The "me" refers directly to Yahweh. The pairing of "understands" (BIN) and "knows" (YADA) signifies both intellectual apprehension and relational intimacy with God.
• "who does steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.": This phrase explains the demonstration of truly knowing God. It’s not just an abstract theological understanding but a practical outworking of God's character in the world. The specific terms – steadfast love (hesed), justice (mishpat), and righteousness (tsedakah) – are central to the Mosaic covenant and describe God’s own attributes and His expectations for His people.

Jeremiah 9 23 Bonus Section

The prophetic call to boast in knowing the LORD, rather than in worldly advantages, underscores a fundamental principle of biblical faith: God alone is the ultimate source and object of true value and security. The prophet’s message is particularly poignant because Jerusalem was about to face destruction precisely because its leadership and populace had trusted in these very things – their supposed wisdom, military strength, and wealth – rather than in their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This verse is a timeless reminder that our identity, purpose, and ultimate satisfaction must be rooted in our connection with the Creator, not in the temporary achievements or possessions of this world. It challenges believers to continuously examine the true object of their pride and confidence, ensuring it is aligned with God's revealed will.

Jeremiah 9 23 Commentary

Jeremiah 9:23-24 serves as a divine critique of human priorities. In a world prone to glorifying human intellect, physical power, or material prosperity, this passage firmly reorients our perspective. It teaches that ultimate boasting finds its only rightful place in a profound, intimate knowledge of God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative relationship that leads to the emulation of His character. Those who truly know God will manifest His attributes of lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in their earthly walk. True security and worth are found not in what we possess or achieve, but in who God is and our relationship with Him, which then spills out into godly actions. The New Testament echoes this sentiment, directing believers to boast in the finished work of Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for living a life pleasing to God.