King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:23 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:23 in the King James Version says “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not th...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

21

For death is come up into our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, and the young men from the streets.

22

Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather them.

23

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:

24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

25

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; punish: Heb. visit upon

Read Jeremiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 delivers God's prohibition against humanity's three primary sources of self-confidence. The Hebrew al-yithalel (אַל־יִתְהַלֵּל, "let not glory") uses the reflexive form of halal, meaning to boast, praise oneself, or glory—the root from which "hallelujah" derives. The threefold repetition creates powerful emphasis and comprehensive scope.

"The wise man" (hakham, הֶחָכָם) refers to human intellect, education, and philosophical understanding. "His wisdom" (chokmato, חָכְמָתוֹ) encompasses all human reasoning and knowledge. "The mighty man" (gibbor, גִּבּוֹר) means warrior, strong man, hero—representing physical strength, military power, and human achievement. "The rich man" (ashir, עָשִׁיר) denotes material wealth, economic power, and financial security.

God targets the three pillars of human pride: intellectual superiority, physical/political power, and material prosperity. These represent what cultures across time value most highly and what individuals trust for security and significance. The command "let not... glory" forbids making these the basis of identity, confidence, or ultimate value. Verse 24 provides the proper object of boasting—knowing and understanding Yahweh who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. Paul echoes this passage in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, declaring that God chose the foolish, weak, and lowly to shame human boasting.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah prophesied during Judah's final decades (627-586 BC), warning of Babylonian conquest due to persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Judah's leaders trusted political alliances (Egypt, Babylon), military strength, and religious ritual while ignoring justice and true worship of Yahweh. Jeremiah 9 comes amid extended judgment oracles condemning national sin.

Ancient Near Eastern cultures gloried in precisely these three areas. Egyptian wisdom literature celebrated intellectual achievement. Assyrian and Babylonian annals boasted military conquests and imperial might. Solomon's wealth made Israel internationally famous (1 Kings 10). Yet all these kingdoms fell despite their wisdom, might, and riches. Jeremiah witnessed this firsthand as Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.

The prophet's contemporary audience included educated scribes and priests (wise men), military leaders and warriors (mighty men), and wealthy merchants and nobles (rich men). Each group trusted their particular advantage for security and status. Jeremiah's message—that none of these provide ultimate security or significance—contradicted every human instinct and cultural value. Jesus later taught that life doesn't consist in possessions (Luke 12:15), that the meek inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), and that God hides truth from the wise and reveals it to children (Matthew 11:25).

Reflection Questions

  1. Which of these three (wisdom, might, riches) do you most naturally trust instead of God?
  2. How does modern culture's glorification of intelligence, power, and wealth contradict God's values?
  3. What does it mean practically to "glory in" knowing God rather than personal achievements?
  4. How should this passage shape Christian attitudes toward education, success, and wealth?
  5. Why does God oppose human boasting but command boasting in Him (verse 24)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כֹּ֣ה׀1 of 15
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֣ר2 of 15

“Thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה3 of 15

“the LORD”

H3068

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

אַל4 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִתְהַלֵּ֥ל5 of 15

“man glory”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

חָכָם֙6 of 15

“Let not the wise”

H2450

wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)

בְּחָכְמָת֔וֹ7 of 15

“in his wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וְאַל8 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִתְהַלֵּ֥ל9 of 15

“man glory”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

הַגִּבּ֖וֹר10 of 15

“neither let the mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

בִּגְבֽוּרָת֑וֹ11 of 15

“in his might”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

אַל12 of 15
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִתְהַלֵּ֥ל13 of 15

“man glory”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

עָשִׁ֖יר14 of 15

“let not the rich”

H6223

rich, whether literal or figurative (noble)

בְּעָשְׁרֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“in his riches”

H6239

wealth

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 9:23 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 9:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:27-29Isaiah 5:21Ecclesiastes 9:11Romans 1:221 Corinthians 3:18-20Psalms 49:6-13

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