King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 5:28 Mean?

“They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.”

Context

For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. they lay: or, they pry as fowlers lie in wait

As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. cage: or, coop

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; A wonderful: or, Astonishment and filthiness

Read full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **They overpass the deeds of the wicked.—**Better (the English being ambiguous), *they exceed in deeds *(literally, *words *or *things*)* of wickedness. *The prophet dwells not only on the prosperity of the wicked, but on their callous indifference to the well-being of the poor. **Yet they prosper.**—Better, *so that they *(the fatherless) *may prosper. *They do not judge with a view to that result. The words admit, however, in Hebrew as in English, of the sense *that they *(the wicked themselves) *may prosper. *That was all they aimed at or cared for.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 5:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.