King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 33:16 Mean?

Jeremiah 33:16 in the King James Version says “In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 33:16 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

18

Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.

Read Jeremiah 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse provides the salvific outcome of the Branch's reign. The Hebrew tivasha ("shall be saved") conveys comprehensive deliverance—not merely political liberation but spiritual salvation from sin and its consequences. The phrase "dwell safely" (tishkon labetach) promises security that only comes through covenant relationship with God.

The climactic divine name YHWH Tsidqenu ("The LORD our righteousness") represents one of Scripture's most profound theological revelations. Remarkably, in Jeremiah 23:6 this name is applied to the Messianic Branch Himself, while here it names Jerusalem/Judah. This apparent discrepancy resolves beautifully in union with Christ—believers are called by Christ's name because they are united to Him (1 Corinthians 1:30). The righteousness is possessive ("our righteousness")—it belongs to God's people through covenant relationship.

This verse encapsulates the gospel: salvation comes not through human righteousness but through the LORD's righteousness imputed to His people. The Reformed doctrine of justification by faith alone finds powerful Old Testament support here. Believers don't generate righteousness; they receive it as a gift through union with Christ, the righteous Branch. The name itself becomes their identity—they are called by what they receive, not what they achieve.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The contrast between prophetic promise and historical reality intensifies this verse's impact. At the time of utterance, Judah faced imminent conquest, Jerusalem's destruction, and exile. The nation had proven utterly incapable of maintaining covenant righteousness, repeatedly violating God's law despite prophetic warnings. Their own righteousness had failed catastrophically.

The fulfillment pattern is complex: (1) Partial fulfillment in the return from exile under Zerubbabel (537 BCE) and subsequent restoration; (2) Substantial fulfillment in Christ's first advent, establishing the church as the new Jerusalem (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22); (3) Consummation in the New Jerusalem descending from heaven (Revelation 21:2-3). The early church understood itself as the community called by God's name, possessing Christ's righteousness through faith. This multi-layered fulfillment demonstrates the richness of biblical prophecy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding righteousness as received rather than achieved transform your relationship with God?
  2. In what ways does being 'called by Christ's name' through union with Him affect your daily identity and choices?
  3. How does this promise of safety and salvation address your deepest fears and insecurities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
בַּיָּמִ֤ים1 of 13

“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 13
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

תִּוָּשַׁ֣ע3 of 13

“be saved”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

יְהוּדָ֔ה4 of 13

“shall Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם5 of 13

“and Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

תִּשְׁכּ֣וֹן6 of 13

“shall dwell”

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

לָבֶ֑טַח7 of 13

“safely”

H983

properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely

וְזֶ֥ה8 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁר9 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִקְרָא10 of 13

“and this is the name wherewith she shall be called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָ֖הּ11 of 13
H0
יְהוָ֥ה׀12 of 13
H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צִדְקֵֽנוּ׃13 of 13
H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

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 33:16 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 33:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:61 Corinthians 1:30Isaiah 45:172 Corinthians 5:21Philippians 3:9Romans 11:26

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Jeremiah 33 →

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