Jeremiah 23:6

KJV

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

KJV (with Strong's)

In his days {H3117} Judah {H3063} shall be saved {H3467}, and Israel {H3478} shall dwell {H7931} safely {H983}: and this is his name {H8034} whereby he shall be called {H7121}, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS {H3072}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In his days Y'hudah will be saved, Isra'el will live in safety, and the name given to him will be ADONAI Tzidkenu [ADONAI our righteousness].

Berean Standard Bible

In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

American Standard Version

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:6 stands as a luminous Messianic prophecy, foretelling the advent of a righteous King from the Davidic line who will usher in an era of unprecedented salvation and security for God's people. This verse culminates in the profound declaration of His unique and glorious name: "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," revealing the divine source of all true justice and the ultimate means by which humanity can be made right with God. It offers a powerful counterpoint to the spiritual and political decay of Jeremiah's time, pointing to a future where divine rule establishes perfect peace and integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23:6 is embedded within a larger prophetic oracle (Jeremiah 23:1-8) where God sternly condemns the unfaithful and negligent "shepherds" (leaders) of Israel and Judah. These leaders, both kings and prophets, have scattered and destroyed God's flock through their unrighteousness and false teachings. In stark contrast to their failure, God promises to raise up a "righteous Branch" from the lineage of David (Jeremiah 23:5), a true shepherd who will gather the remnant of His flock and rule with justice and righteousness. Verse 6 specifically elaborates on the nature and impact of this coming King's reign, culminating in His divinely revealed name, which encapsulates His essence and mission. This prophecy serves as a beacon of hope amidst the impending judgment and exile described throughout the book of Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation was plagued by idolatry, social injustice, and political instability, caught between the rising power of Babylon and the declining influence of Egypt. The Davidic monarchy, though divinely established, had largely failed to uphold God's covenant, leading to widespread corruption and a sense of insecurity among the people. False prophets offered deceptive messages of peace, further exacerbating the spiritual confusion. In this climate of despair and moral decay, the promise of a truly righteous King who would bring salvation and safe dwelling would have resonated deeply with a people longing for stability, justice, and the restoration of God's favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Jeremiah and the broader Old Testament. The central theme is the **Messianic King** and the **Davidic Covenant**, as the "Branch" (צֶמַח, *tsemach*) is a well-established Old Testament title for the coming Messiah, emphasizing His organic growth from the stump of Jesse (see [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse")). This King will not be like the unrighteous rulers of Jeremiah's day but will execute judgment and righteousness in the land, fulfilling the promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David"). Another key theme is **Salvation and Security**, as the promise that "Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely" speaks to a comprehensive restoration—not merely political, but spiritual and existential. It anticipates a time when both the southern kingdom (Judah) and the northern kingdom (Israel) will experience deliverance and live without fear under the reign of this perfect King, foreshadowing the ultimate reunification of God's people under one shepherd. Finally, the verse climaxes in the theme of **Divine Righteousness**, articulated through the name "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." This title signifies that the coming King is not only righteous Himself but is also the very source and embodiment of righteousness for His people, through whom they are declared just and made right with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** This primitive root means "to be open, wide or free," and by implication, "to be safe." Causatively, it means "to free or succor." In this context, it speaks of a comprehensive deliverance, not just from physical enemies or exile, but also from spiritual bondage and the consequences of sin. It implies rescue, preservation, and the experience of salvation in its fullest sense.
* **dwell safely (Hebrew, _shâkan'_ and _beṭach'_):** The verb *shâkan* means "to reside or permanently stay," often implying a secure and settled habitation, akin to God's dwelling among His people. The adverb *beṭach* means "safety" or "security," often implying confidence and trust. Together, "dwell safely" paints a picture of profound peace, stability, and freedom from fear, a direct contrast to the insecurity and displacement experienced by Judah and Israel. It speaks of a secure and lasting presence under the righteous King's rule.
* **THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw'_):** This is a compound name, a symbolic epithet of the Messiah. *Yᵉhôvâh* (Jehovah or Yahweh) is the sacred, covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness. *Tsidqênûw* is derived from *tsedeq* ("righteousness," "justice," or "vindication") with the pronominal suffix "-enu," meaning "our." Thus, the name proclaims that Yahweh Himself is the source and embodiment of the righteousness that becomes "ours" through this promised King. It signifies that the King's righteousness is not merely human but divine, and it is a righteousness that is imparted to His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In his days Judah shall be saved":** This clause establishes the timeframe of the prophecy: the era of the promised righteous King. "Judah" represents the remnant of God's people, particularly the southern kingdom, who will experience a profound and comprehensive salvation under His reign. This salvation encompasses deliverance from oppression, sin, and the consequences of their unfaithfulness.
* **"and Israel shall dwell safely":** This parallel clause extends the promise of salvation to "Israel," signifying the reunification of both the northern and southern kingdoms, or perhaps the entire covenant people of God. The phrase "dwell safely" emphasizes a state of profound peace, security, and freedom from fear, a direct contrast to the instability and threat of exile prevalent in Jeremiah's time. It speaks of a secure and lasting habitation under the King's benevolent rule.
* **"and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS":** This climactic declaration reveals the very essence and mission of the coming King. His name is not merely a label but a descriptive title that encapsulates His divine nature and His role as the source of righteousness for His people. "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Yahweh Tsidkenu) signifies that the King Himself is Yahweh, and that through Him, God's perfect justice and righteousness are not only manifested but also imputed to His people, enabling them to stand just before God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. It is primarily a **Messianic Prophecy**, a forward-looking declaration about the coming of a divinely appointed deliverer, a common feature in the Old Testament prophetic books. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly in the phrases "Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely," which emphasizes the comprehensive and unified nature of the restoration and security promised to God's people. There is a strong element of **Contrast** in the broader passage, setting the righteous rule of the coming King against the unrighteous leadership of Jeremiah's contemporary "shepherds." Finally, the naming of the King as "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" serves as powerful **Symbolism** and **Epithet**, encapsulating His divine identity and His essential role in providing righteousness for His people. This name is a theological statement, not merely an identifier, pointing to the very character of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:6 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, particularly in its revelation of God's plan for ultimate salvation and righteousness through a divinely appointed King. The name "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of *tzedeq*, which encompasses not only moral uprightness but also justice, vindication, and right relationship with God. In a world marred by sin and unrighteousness, this verse declares that true righteousness is not something humanity can achieve on its own, but rather it is a gift from God, embodied in and mediated through His chosen Messiah. This concept lays crucial groundwork for the New Testament understanding of justification by faith, where God's righteousness is imputed to believers through Christ. The comprehensive salvation and security promised reflect God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating His commitment to restore His people fully, both spiritually and physically, under a perfect, divine rule.

* [Isaiah 11:1-5](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1-5 - The Righteous Branch from Jesse")
* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21 "Romans 3:21-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")
* [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:6 offers immense comfort and profound theological insight for believers today. In a world still grappling with injustice, insecurity, and a pervasive sense of unrighteousness, this prophecy reminds us that God has provided the ultimate solution in His Son. We are not left to our own devices to achieve a righteousness that can satisfy a holy God, nor are we condemned to live in perpetual fear. Instead, our hope and security are found in the King whose very name declares Him to be "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." This truth liberates us from the burden of self-justification and invites us into a secure relationship with God, founded on Christ's perfect work. It also calls us to live as reflections of His righteousness in a fallen world, trusting in His sovereign rule and anticipating the full manifestation of His kingdom where perfect justice and peace will reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the name "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" challenge your understanding of personal righteousness and your efforts to be right with God?**
* **In what ways does the promise of "safe dwelling" provide comfort and security in your current circumstances, especially amidst global or personal uncertainties?**
* **How does this prophecy deepen your appreciation for Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises, and what implications does this have for your daily walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**Who is "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" in Jeremiah 23:6?**

Answer: "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Hebrew: *Yahweh Tsidkenu*) is a prophetic title for the coming Messiah, the righteous King whom God promised to raise up from the lineage of David. While the Old Testament prophets anticipated a future human king who would rule justly, the profound nature of this name, incorporating the divine name Yahweh, points to a ruler who is more than just a man. In Christian theology, this title is understood as a direct prophecy of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly embodies divine righteousness and, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, imputes His righteousness to all who believe in Him, making them right with God. As [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption") states, Christ "has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "righteousness" in the Bible?**

Answer: This verse is central to understanding the biblical concept of righteousness (*tzedeq*). In the Old Testament, righteousness often refers to conformity to God's moral standards, living in right relationship with God and others, and acting justly. However, humanity's fallen nature makes perfect righteousness impossible (see [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). Jeremiah 23:6 reveals that true righteousness for humanity is not achieved through human effort but is a divine gift. The Messiah, "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," is the one through whom God's own perfect righteousness is made available to His people. This foreshadows the New Testament doctrine of justification by faith, where believers are declared righteous in God's sight not because of their own merit, but because Christ's perfect righteousness is credited to them (as seen in [Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - God Justifies the Ungodly")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the promised "Righteous Branch" (as introduced in [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch")), the true King from the lineage of David, who alone could perfectly embody and execute divine righteousness. His birth, life, death, and resurrection are the means by which Judah and Israel—and indeed, all who believe—are truly "saved" and "dwell safely." Jesus, whose very name means "Yahweh saves" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People")), brought about a salvation far greater than mere political deliverance; He rescued humanity from the dominion of sin and death. He is "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" because He, being fully God and fully man, lived a perfectly righteous life, died a substitutionary death for our unrighteousness, and rose again, conquering sin and death. Through His obedience, "the many will be made righteous" ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Through Christ's Obedience, Many Made Righteous")). God "made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, our standing before God is not based on our own flawed efforts but on the imputed righteousness of Christ, a righteousness received by faith ([Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the "Root and the Offspring of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Offspring of David")), the fulfillment of every Messianic hope, and the eternal source of our salvation and security.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Jeremiah 33:16

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.

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Romans 11:26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: