King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:15 in the King James Version says “In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute ju...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.”

Jeremiah 33:15 · KJV

Context

13

In the cities of the mountains, in the cities of the vale, and in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks pass again under the hands of him that telleth them, saith the LORD.

14

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.

15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. The LORD: Heb. Jehovahtsidkenu

17

For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; David: Heb. There shall not be cut off from David

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. The Hebrew tsemach ("Branch") is a technical Messianic term appearing prominently in Isaiah 4:2, 11:1, Zechariah 3:8, and 6:12, consistently pointing to the coming Davidic king who would restore Israel. The verb atsmiyach ("cause to grow up") emphasizes divine initiative—God Himself causes this Branch to sprout from David's line.

The phrase "Branch of righteousness" (tsemach tsedaqah) identifies this coming king's essential character and mission. Unlike the corrupt shepherds who led Judah to ruin (Jeremiah 23:1-2), this righteous Branch will execute mishpat utsedeqah ("judgment and righteousness")—establishing justice in legal affairs and covenant faithfulness in relationships. This parallels 23:5-6, creating a deliberate echo that reinforces the prophecy's Messianic nature.

Christ fulfills this prophecy as the descendant of David who perfectly executes God's righteousness. His earthly ministry demonstrated justice and righteousness in His teaching, healing, and confronting religious hypocrisy. His atoning death satisfied divine justice while establishing the righteousness believers receive through faith (Romans 3:21-26). His future return will consummate this reign of perfect justice. The Reformed tradition emphasizes Christ as Prophet (revealing God's righteousness), Priest (providing righteousness through sacrifice), and King (ruling in righteousness).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy directly responds to the failure of Judah's last kings. Zedekiah (597-586 BCE), under whom Jeremiah prophesied this word, would soon have his eyes gouged out after witnessing his sons' execution (Jeremiah 39:6-7; 52:10-11). The tragic irony is profound—the current Davidic king would end in darkness and death, yet God promises a future Davidic Branch who would reign in perfect light and life.

The genealogical implications are significant. Jesus' lineage through both Mary (physical descent) and Joseph (legal descent) established His Davidic credentials (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). Early Christians recognized this prophecy's fulfillment in Christ, as evidenced by the New Testament's frequent use of Davidic imagery for Jesus. The historical gap between promise (587 BCE) and fulfillment (circa 4 BCE) demonstrates God's patience and perfect timing in redemptive history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's perfect execution of justice and righteousness differ from earthly rulers' imperfect attempts?
  2. In what ways do you see Christ functioning as Prophet, Priest, and King in your own life?
  3. How should the certainty of Christ's future righteous reign affect your response to injustice in the present?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בַּיָּמִ֤ים1 of 12

“In those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵם֙2 of 12
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּבָעֵ֣ת3 of 12

“and at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔יא4 of 12
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אַצְמִ֥יחַ5 of 12

“to grow up”

H6779

to sprout (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

לְדָוִ֖ד6 of 12

“unto David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

צֶ֣מַח7 of 12

“will I cause the Branch”

H6780

a sprout (usually concrete), literal or figurative

וּצְדָקָ֖ה8 of 12

“and righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְעָשָׂ֛ה9 of 12

“and he shall execute”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִשְׁפָּ֥ט10 of 12

“judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וּצְדָקָ֖ה11 of 12

“and righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

בָּאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 12

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 33:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 33:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:5-6Isaiah 11:1-5Isaiah 4:2Zechariah 3:8Psalms 72:1-5Isaiah 53:2

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