King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:1 Mean?

Jeremiah 5:1 in the King James Version says “Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye c... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.

Jeremiah 5:1 · KJV


Context

1

Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.

2

And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.

3

O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Detailed theological analysis of Jeremiah 5:1 with Hebrew word studies, doctrinal significance, and connections to broader biblical themes. This would reference original language terms, explain theological concepts, and show how the verse fits into redemptive history and points to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical and cultural context for Jeremiah 5:1, including the time period during Jeremiah's ministry (627-586 BC), the political situation with Babylon's rise to power, and how this verse relates to Judah's covenant unfaithfulness and coming judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jeremiah 5:1 challenge your understanding of God's character and His dealings with His people?
  2. What practical application can you draw from Jeremiah 5:1 for your walk with Christ today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
שׁוֹטְט֞וּ1 of 19

Run ye to and fro

H7751

properly, to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, i.e., (the sea with oars) to row; by implication, to travel

בְּחוּצ֣וֹת2 of 19

through the streets

H2351

properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֗ם3 of 19

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּרְאוּ4 of 19

and see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

נָ֤א5 of 19
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

וּדְעוּ֙6 of 19

now and know

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ7 of 19

and seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

בִרְחוֹבוֹתֶ֔יהָ8 of 19

in the broad places

H7339

a width, i.e., (concretely) avenue or area

אִם9 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּמְצְא֣וּ10 of 19

thereof if ye can find

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

אִ֔ישׁ11 of 19

a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אִם12 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יֵ֛שׁ13 of 19

if there be

H3426

there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)

עֹשֶׂ֥ה14 of 19

any that executeth

H6213

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

מִשְׁפָּ֖ט15 of 19

judgment

H4941

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

מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ16 of 19

and seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֱמוּנָ֑ה17 of 19

the truth

H530

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

וְאֶסְלַ֖ח18 of 19

and I will pardon

H5545

to forgive

לָֽהּ׃19 of 19
H0

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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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