King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:24 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:24 in the King James Version says “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingk...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 9:24 · KJV

Context

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

26

Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. in the utmost: Heb. cut off into corners, or, having the corners of their hair polled

Read Jeremiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse provides the positive corollary to verse 23's negatives: 'But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me.' The Hebrew yithalel (יִתְהַלֵּל, glory, boast) should focus on sakal (שָׂכַל, understanding, acting wisely) and yada (יָדַע, knowing intimately). Knowledge of God combines intellectual understanding with personal relationship. 'That I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth.' Three attributes define God's character: chesed (חֶסֶד, covenant love, loyalty), mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, justice, judgment), and tsedaqah (צְדָקָה, righteousness). 'For in these things I delight, saith the LORD'—God takes pleasure in exercising and seeing these qualities. True glory is knowing this God and reflecting His character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became foundational for Jewish and Christian theology of knowing God. The three attributes—lovingkindness, judgment, righteousness—summarize God's covenant character. Micah 6:8's requirements (justice, mercy, humble walk with God) reflect similar theology. Paul quotes verse 24 in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17, applying it to boasting only in Christ. The Reformed tradition emphasized knowing God as life's chief purpose based partly on this text.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does glorying in knowing God look like practically, contrasted with glorying in wisdom, strength, or wealth?
  2. How do lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness together reveal God's complete character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
כִּ֣י1 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 21
H518

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

בְּזֹ֞את3 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל4 of 21

“But let him that glorieth”

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

הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל5 of 21

“But let him that glorieth”

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

הַשְׂכֵּל֮6 of 21

“in this that he understandeth”

H7919

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

וְיָדֹ֣עַ7 of 21

“and knoweth”

H3045

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

אוֹתִי֒8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כִּ֚י9 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י10 of 21
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃11 of 21

“me that I am the LORD”

H3068

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

עֹ֥שֶׂה12 of 21

“which exercise”

H6213

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

חֶ֛סֶד13 of 21

“lovingkindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

מִשְׁפָּ֥ט14 of 21

“judgment”

H4941

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

וּצְדָקָ֖ה15 of 21

“and righteousness”

H6666

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

בָּאָ֑רֶץ16 of 21

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּֽי17 of 21
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְאֵ֥לֶּה18 of 21
H428

these or those

חָפַ֖צְתִּי19 of 21

“for in these things I delight”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

נְאֻם20 of 21

“saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃21 of 21

“me that I am the LORD”

H3068

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

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 9:24 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 9:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10:17Galatians 6:141 Corinthians 1:31Micah 6:8Micah 7:18Psalms 44:8

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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