Jeremiah 33:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In those days {H3117} shall Judah {H3063} be saved {H3467}, and Jerusalem {H3389} shall dwell {H7931} safely {H983}: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called {H7121}, The LORD our righteousness {H3072}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When those days come, Y'hudah will be saved, Yerushalayim will live in safety, and the name given to her will be ADONAI Tzidkenu [ADONAI our Righteousness]."

Berean Standard Bible

In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

American Standard Version

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is the name whereby she shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 33:16 delivers a powerful prophetic promise of future restoration and security for Judah and Jerusalem, spoken during a period of intense national crisis and impending exile. It foretells a time when God's people will experience comprehensive salvation and dwell in profound safety, culminating in a new, divinely bestowed identity for Jerusalem: "The LORD our righteousness." This profound renaming signifies that the very essence of their peace, security, and renewed identity is rooted entirely in God's character and His sovereign provision of perfect righteousness, ultimately foreshadowing the redemptive work of the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 33:16 is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah 30-33), a distinct section of Jeremiah's prophecy that offers hope and promises of future restoration following extensive pronouncements of judgment. This particular verse immediately follows a pivotal Messianic prophecy in [Jeremiah 33:15](/jeremiah/33-15 "Jeremiah 33:15 - The Righteous Branch"), which speaks of a "righteous Branch" from David who will execute justice and righteousness on the earth. The preceding verses detail God's unwavering commitment to restore both Israel and Judah, to rebuild their devastated cities, and to renew their covenant relationship with Him. Thus, verse 16 serves as a climactic declaration, inextricably linking the promised security and salvation of the people to the righteous reign of this future Davidic King, making the city's new name a corporate reflection and embodiment of His divine identity and righteous character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies contained in Jeremiah 33 were delivered while Jeremiah was imprisoned in the court of the guard, with Jerusalem under siege by the formidable Babylonian army (as noted in [Jeremiah 33:1](/jeremiah/33-1 "Jeremiah 33:1 - Jeremiah Imprisoned")). The nation of Judah was on the precipice of total collapse, facing the imminent destruction of their beloved capital and temple, and the bitter reality of exile. In this context of profound despair and national catastrophe, God's message through Jeremiah was one of radical, counter-intuitive hope. Culturally, the naming of places and people in ancient Near Eastern societies was deeply significant, often conveying their character, destiny, or commemorating a pivotal event. The renaming of Jerusalem to "The LORD our righteousness" would have been understood as a monumental declaration of its future nature and the divine source of its blessing, standing in stark contrast to its current state of unrighteousness and impending judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. It prominently highlights **Divine Restoration**, promising a dramatic reversal of Judah's dire circumstances, a return from exile, and a comprehensive spiritual renewal, echoing similar promises found in passages like [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Return from Captivity"). The theme of **Covenant Faithfulness** is profoundly evident, as God reaffirms His enduring commitment to His people despite their persistent unfaithfulness, recalling the eternal promises made to Abraham and David (e.g., [Jeremiah 33:20-21](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20-21 - Covenant with David and Levi")). Most significantly, it underscores **Messianic Hope** and **Righteousness by God's Provision**. The unique name "The LORD our righteousness" directly links the future well-being and security of both Judah and Jerusalem to the righteous reign of the promised "Branch" (cf. [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch")), powerfully emphasizing that their salvation and security are not earned through human merit but are a gracious, unmerited gift from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Judah (Hebrew, _Yᵉhûwdâh'_):** From H3063, meaning "celebrated; Jehudah (or Judah), the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory." In this context, it refers to the southern kingdom of Judah, representing the remnant of God's covenant people. The name itself, linked to "praise," foreshadows the future state of celebration and divine favor.
* **saved (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** From H3467, meaning "properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor." This term signifies a comprehensive deliverance that extends beyond mere physical rescue from enemies to encompass a holistic state of well-being, security, and freedom from oppression. It implies a decisive divine act of rescue and the establishment of a lasting state of peace and flourishing.
* **dwell safely (Hebrew, _shâkan beṭach'_):** _Shâkan_ (H7931) means "to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively); to abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell." _Beṭach_ (H983) means "properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact (security) and the feeling (trust); often (adverb with or without preposition) safely." Together, this phrase paints a vivid picture of secure, permanent habitation, where the inhabitants are free from fear, threat, and instability. It signifies a profound and enduring state of *shalom*, a holistic peace that only God can ultimately provide.
* **The LORD our righteousness (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsidqênûw'_):** From H3072, a compound name formed from YHWH (Jehovah/LORD) and _tsedeq_ with a pronominal suffix ("our righteousness"). This is a profound symbolic epithet referring to the Messiah and, by extension, to Jerusalem. It declares that God Himself is the ultimate source and embodiment of the righteousness that makes His people acceptable, secure, and truly blessed. It is a climactic theological statement, indicating that the perfect righteousness required for salvation and lasting peace is not achieved by human effort but is graciously provided by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In those days shall Judah be saved":** This opening clause points to a specific future epoch, a time of divine intervention and comprehensive deliverance for the southern kingdom of Judah. The promised salvation is multifaceted, encompassing liberation from their enemies, restoration from the impending Babylonian exile, and a profound spiritual renewal, signifying a complete reversal of their current state of judgment and oppression.
* **"and Jerusalem shall dwell safely":** This parallel clause extends the promise of salvation to the capital city, Jerusalem, which was the heart of the nation and the symbol of God's presence. "Dwell safely" emphasizes a state of profound peace, security, and stability, where the inhabitants can reside without fear of attack, displacement, or any form of threat. This is a prophetic vision of *shalom*, a holistic well-being and flourishing that only God's sovereign hand can establish and maintain.
* **"and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness":** This climactic declaration reveals the glorious new identity of Jerusalem. The phrase "The LORD our righteousness" (YHWH Tsidkenu) is not merely a descriptive title but a profound theological statement of identity. It signifies that the ultimate source of Judah's salvation and Jerusalem's safety and secure dwelling is God's own perfect righteousness, which He graciously imputes to and embodies for His people. This new name intrinsically links the city's destiny and character directly to the very nature of God and, by extension, to the promised Messiah, who is explicitly called by this same name in [Jeremiah 23:6](/jeremiah/23-6 "Jeremiah 23:6 - The Righteous Branch").

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 33:16 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is evident in the naming of Jerusalem, as the city itself is given a name that reflects a divine attribute, "The LORD our righteousness," as if it were a living entity embodying this truth. This leads to profound **Symbolism**, where Jerusalem transcends its physical boundaries to become a symbol of the redeemed people of God, whose identity, security, and very existence are rooted entirely in God's justice and righteousness. The phrase "The LORD our righteousness" itself is a prime example of **Theophoric Naming**, a name that incorporates the divine name (YHWH) and attributes, signifying God's active presence and character as foundational to the entity being named. This particular naming also functions as a powerful **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, pointing beyond the immediate, physical restoration of Judah to the ultimate spiritual reality found in the Messiah, who perfectly embodies and provides this divine righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 33:16 stands as a cornerstone prophecy, revealing God's ultimate and sovereign solution for humanity's greatest spiritual need: righteousness. It profoundly teaches that true, lasting salvation and peace are not achieved through human effort, adherence to law, or personal merit, but are an unmerited divine gift, flowing directly from God's own character and His gracious provision. The renaming of Jerusalem to "The LORD our righteousness" underscores the profound theological truth that God Himself is the sole source of the perfect righteousness by which His people are saved, justified, and made eternally secure. This concept is absolutely central to the entire biblical narrative of redemption, moving from the Old Covenant's emphasis on a divinely imputed righteousness through faith to its full and glorious revelation in the New Covenant through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the face of human failure, rebellion, and judgment, assuring His people of a future where His perfect justice and abounding grace will reign supreme.

* [Jeremiah 23:6](/jeremiah/23-6 "The Righteous Branch")
* [Isaiah 45:24](/isaiah/45-24 "Righteousness and Strength in the LORD")
* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Righteousness through Faith in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 33:16 offers profound comfort and a robust, unshakeable foundation for faith in a world often characterized by instability, injustice, and pervasive unrighteousness. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful and timely reminder that our deepest security, our true identity, and our lasting peace are not to be found in human achievements, fleeting societal structures, or transient material possessions, but solely and completely in the perfect righteousness of God, which He graciously and freely provides. When we navigate personal crises, societal turmoil, or intense spiritual struggles, we can anchor our souls in the immutable truth that "The LORD our righteousness" is our ultimate refuge, our impregnable fortress, and our inexhaustible source of peace. This profound truth calls us to a posture of deep humility and absolute dependence upon God, recognizing that our salvation, our standing before Him, and our very ability to live righteously are entirely a work of divine grace. Furthermore, it inspires us to live out this imputed righteousness in our daily lives, reflecting the character of the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, knowing that true transformation and a life of peace begin with His perfect provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the promise of "The LORD our righteousness" challenge our natural human tendency to seek security or validation in our own efforts, accomplishments, or perceived goodness?**
* **In what specific ways does understanding God as "our righteousness" fundamentally change our perspective on sin, divine forgiveness, and our ultimate standing before a holy God?**
* **Considering the world's pervasive lack of justice and peace, how can we, as individual believers and as the collective body of the church, more fully embody and proclaim the truth of God's righteousness in our daily lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jerusalem being called "The LORD our righteousness"?**

Answer: The renaming of Jerusalem to "The LORD our righteousness" (Hebrew: *YHWH Tsidkenu*) is profoundly significant because it signifies a new, divinely ordained identity for the city and, by extension, for the people of God. It declares that their very being, their security, and their future flourishing are rooted entirely in God's character and His provision. In a historical context where Jerusalem was deeply unrighteous and facing imminent destruction, this prophetic name points to a future restoration where God Himself provides the perfect righteousness necessary for their salvation and secure dwelling. It emphasizes that their peace and well-being are not based on human merit or performance but solely on God's perfect justice and abounding grace. This name also directly links Jerusalem to the promised Messiah, who is also called "The LORD our righteousness" in [Jeremiah 23:6](/jeremiah/23-6 "Jeremiah 23:6 - The Righteous Branch"), indicating that the city's future glory and the people's ultimate security are intrinsically tied to His righteous reign and redemptive work.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of salvation in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Jeremiah 33:16 highlights a fundamental aspect of Old Testament salvation: it is ultimately dependent on God's divine intervention and gracious provision, rather than human works or perfect obedience to the Law. While the Mosaic Law provided a framework for righteous living and a system for atonement, it consistently pointed to humanity's inherent inability to perfectly fulfill God's holy standards. This verse, by declaring God Himself as "our righteousness," powerfully foreshadows the New Testament understanding that true righteousness comes as a gift from God, received by faith. The salvation promised to Judah and Jerusalem—being "saved" and dwelling "safely"—is a holistic deliverance that includes both physical restoration from exile and profound spiritual renewal, all of which are grounded in God's unwavering character and covenant faithfulness. It underscores that God's covenant promises are the ultimate basis for His people's security and redemption, thereby preparing the way for the ultimate revelation of righteousness through faith in Christ, as described in passages like [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 33:16 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the promised "Righteous Branch" of David (cf. [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch")). Just as the future Jerusalem would be named "The LORD our righteousness," so too is Christ Himself the perfect embodiment of God's flawless righteousness, which is graciously imputed to all who place their faith in Him. The New Testament profoundly declares that Christ "is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). Through His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection, Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, becoming the divine means by which sinful humanity can be declared righteous before a holy God. Believers are now "made the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Becoming the Righteousness of God")), experiencing the profound "salvation" and "safe dwelling" promised to Judah and Jerusalem in a spiritual, eternal, and far more comprehensive sense. The peace, security, and new identity that the physical city longed for are now found in the spiritual Jerusalem, the church, whose very foundation and identity are entirely in Christ, our *YHWH Tsidkenu*. This prophetic declaration thus beautifully bridges the Old Covenant longing for a righteous king and a secure dwelling with the New Covenant reality of salvation and eternal security found exclusively in Jesus, the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Jeremiah 23:6

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.

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:

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

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:

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

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:

Isaiah 45:22

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.