Jeremiah 4:2

KJV

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt swear {H7650}, The LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}, in truth {H571}, in judgment {H4941}, and in righteousness {H6666}; and the nations {H1471} shall bless {H1288} themselves in him, and in him shall they glory {H1984}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and if you will swear, 'As ADONAI lives,' in truth, justice and righteousness; then the nations will bless themselves by him, and in him will they glory."

Berean Standard Bible

and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.”

American Standard Version

and thou shalt swear, As Jehovah liveth, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 4:2 presents a pivotal condition for Judah's restoration and a profound prophetic vision for the nations. It declares that if Judah truly returns to the LORD, they must swear allegiance to Him, not merely in word, but "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness." This sincere and ethically grounded commitment is presented as the prerequisite for a future where all nations will find blessing and glory in the God of Israel, echoing the universal redemptive purpose inherent in God's covenant promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jeremiah's urgent call for repentance in [Jeremiah 4:1](/jeremiah/4-1 "Jeremiah 4:1 - Call to Repentance"). The prophet, speaking on behalf of God, outlines the precise conditions for Judah's return and restoration. The "if...then" structure, though not explicitly stated with "if" in verse 2, is implied from verse 1: "If you return, O Israel... then you shall swear, 'The LORD lives...'" This establishes a direct causal link between Judah's genuine repentance and their future blessing, which then extends to the nations. The subsequent verses in [Jeremiah 4](/jeremiah/4 "Jeremiah 4 - Judah's Impending Judgment and Call to Repentance") continue to lament Judah's stubbornness and warn of impending judgment, making the conditions laid out in verse 2 all the more critical and poignant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was steeped in idolatry, syncretism, and social injustice, despite Josiah's earlier reforms. Oaths were common in ancient Near Eastern culture, often invoked to confirm truth or solemnize agreements, frequently by the name of a deity. However, the problem in Judah was not the absence of oaths, but their insincerity and the practice of swearing by false gods. Jeremiah's call for an oath "The LORD liveth" was a direct challenge to their spiritual infidelity, demanding a commitment to Yahweh as the sole living God, contrasted with the lifeless idols they worshipped. The emphasis on "truth, judgment, and righteousness" directly addressed the prevalent moral decay and corruption within the society, from the king to the common people.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 4:2 is rich with several overarching themes central to Jeremiah's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Repentance**. God demands not just outward religious observance but a deep, internal commitment to His covenant, characterized by genuine turning from sin. Secondly, the verse highlights **Ethical Living as a Mark of True Faith**. The qualifiers "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness" are not optional additions but essential components of authentic allegiance to God, demonstrating that true worship must be expressed through righteous conduct and social justice. This resonates with the prophetic tradition emphasizing justice (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")) and righteousness. Finally, the verse powerfully introduces the theme of **Universal Redemption and God's Global Purpose**. The prophecy that "the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory" expands the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel, echoing the original Abrahamic promise that [all families of the earth would be blessed through Abraham's descendants](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant"). This foreshadows a future when the knowledge and glory of the true God will extend to all peoples.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** (H7650) This primitive root means "to seven oneself," implying to make a solemn declaration as if by repeating it seven times, thus signifying completeness or certainty. It denotes taking an oath or making a covenant. In this context, it's not merely a verbal affirmation but a profound, binding commitment to Yahweh, contrasting with the superficial or idolatrous oaths common in Judah. It implies a full and complete allegiance.
* **nations (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This term refers to foreign nations or Gentiles, distinct from Israel. Its inclusion here is highly significant, expanding the scope of God's redemptive plan beyond the immediate covenant people. It highlights God's universal sovereignty and His ultimate intention for all peoples to acknowledge and benefit from His presence.
* **glory (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** (H1984) A primitive root meaning "to be clear," "to shine," "to make a show," or "to boast." It encompasses celebration, commendation, and praise. In this verse, it signifies that the nations will not merely acknowledge God but will boast in Him, praise Him, and find their ultimate honor and renown in Him, reflecting His inherent glory. This is a profound act of worship and recognition of His supreme worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth":** This clause sets the fundamental condition for Judah's return. It demands a solemn oath, a public and sincere declaration of allegiance to Yahweh (H3068), the "self-Existent or Eternal" God. The phrase "The LORD liveth" (Hebrew, _Yahweh chay'_ H2416) was a common oath form, but here it is infused with new meaning, requiring a genuine recognition of Yahweh as the only true, active, and living God, in stark contrast to the lifeless idols of the surrounding nations and those adopted by Judah. It implies a total commitment to Him as sovereign.
* **"in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness;":** These three ethical qualifiers are crucial, defining the *manner* and *substance* of the required allegiance. "Truth" (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_ H571) implies faithfulness, certainty, and trustworthiness—an oath that is not deceitful or superficial. "Judgment" (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_ H4941) refers to justice, fair verdicts, and adherence to divine law, signifying a commitment to ethical conduct in legal and social matters. "Righteousness" (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_ H6666) denotes moral rectitude, integrity, and conformity to God's moral standards in all aspects of life. Together, these terms demand an internal disposition and external conduct that fully aligns with God's character, moving beyond mere ritual to holistic ethical living.
* **"and the nations shall bless themselves in him,":** This clause introduces the universal, prophetic dimension. If Judah fulfills the conditions of genuine repentance and ethical allegiance, their restoration will have far-reaching implications. The nations (H1471), the non-Israelite peoples, will "bless themselves" (Hebrew, _bârak'_ H1288) in Yahweh. This means they will find their own blessing, prosperity, and well-being by associating themselves with the God of Israel, acknowledging Him as the source of all good. It implies a recognition of His supremacy and a desire to partake in the blessings that flow from Him.
* **"and in him shall they glory.":** This final clause parallels the previous one, intensifying the prophetic vision. The nations will not only find blessing but will also "glory" (Hebrew, _hâlal'_ H1984) in Yahweh. To glory in someone means to boast in them, to celebrate their greatness, and to find one's ultimate honor and renown in them. This signifies a profound act of worship and adoration, where the nations openly acknowledge and praise the God of Israel as the supreme and glorious One, bringing Him the honor due His name.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 4:2 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Conditional Promise**, implicitly linking Judah's repentance and sincere oath-taking to the subsequent universal blessing. While "if" is in [Jeremiah 4:1](/jeremiah/4-1 "Jeremiah 4:1 - Call to Repentance"), the "then" is clearly articulated in verse 2, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's faithfulness and the global impact. There is also striking **Parallelism** in the latter half of the verse: "and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory." This synonymous parallelism emphasizes and reinforces the dual outcome for the nations—finding both benefit and honor in God. The phrase "The LORD liveth" functions as a **Metonymy** for the living God's active presence and power, contrasting implicitly with the lifeless idols of Judah's syncretistic worship. Finally, the verse contains profound **Prophecy**, foretelling a future where God's redemptive plan extends beyond Israel, ultimately encompassing all nations in a display of universal blessing and glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 4:2 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His expansive, global redemptive purposes. It underscores that true faith is never merely intellectual assent or ritualistic performance, but a holistic transformation that impacts one's ethical conduct and social interactions. The demand for an oath "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness" echoes the very character of God, who is inherently truthful, just, and righteous. The prophetic declaration that "the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory" is a profound theological statement, revealing God's ultimate desire for all humanity to come into a relationship with Him, finding their ultimate fulfillment and purpose in His glory. This universal vision is a consistent thread throughout biblical theology, from the earliest promises to the final consummation.

* [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")
* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord")
* [Zechariah 8:20-23](/zechariah/8-20 "Zechariah 8:20-23 - Many Peoples Seek the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 4:2 calls us to a radical authenticity in our faith. It challenges us to examine whether our profession of allegiance to God is merely a set of words or if it is deeply rooted in "truth, judgment, and righteousness"—a life characterized by integrity, justice, and moral uprightness. In a world often marked by hypocrisy and superficiality, this verse reminds us that our witness for Christ is most powerful when our lives consistently reflect the character of the God we claim to serve. Furthermore, it expands our vision beyond our immediate communities, reminding us of God's global heart. Our faithful living, rooted in genuine repentance and ethical conduct, is not just for our own benefit but is part of God's grand design to draw "the nations" to Himself, so that they too might find blessing and glory in Him. This should compel us to live intentionally, knowing that our transformed lives can be a beacon, drawing others to the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "oath" to the LORD lack "truth, judgment, or righteousness"?**
* **How does my commitment to ethical living contribute to God's desire for "the nations" to find blessing and glory in Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my faith is lived out with greater integrity and justice in my daily interactions?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "swear, The LORD liveth" in this context?**

Answer: In Jeremiah 4:2, to "swear, The LORD liveth" is far more than a casual oath. It signifies a profound and exclusive declaration of allegiance to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as the one true and living God. It's a rejection of idolatry and a commitment to worship Him alone. Crucially, Jeremiah adds the qualifiers "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness," meaning this oath must be sincere, ethically grounded, and reflected in one's entire life—a commitment to integrity, justice, and moral uprightness in all actions and decisions. It's about a holistic, covenantal faithfulness.

**How do "truth, judgment, and righteousness" relate to the nations blessing themselves in God?**

Answer: The ethical qualifiers "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness" are presented as the necessary conditions for Judah's restoration and, consequently, for the universal blessing of the nations. When God's people live according to His character—demonstrating faithfulness, justice, and moral integrity—they become a light to the world. Their transformed lives and society serve as a compelling witness to the nature of the living God. It is through this authentic, ethical witness that the nations will be drawn to "bless themselves" in Him, meaning they will find their own well-being, prosperity, and ultimate fulfillment by associating with and acknowledging the God of Israel. This aligns with the principle that God's glory is revealed through the righteous living of His people, drawing others to Him (e.g., [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 4:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The call for Judah to swear allegiance "in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness" points directly to the perfect and complete obedience of Christ, who perfectly embodied these attributes. He is the very **Truth** (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the one through whom God's **judgment** is perfectly administered (e.g., [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son Judges All")), and the only one who lived a life of perfect **righteousness** (e.g., [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Furthermore, the prophetic vision of "the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory" is realized through Christ's atoning work and the expansion of His kingdom. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the means by which the Abrahamic promise—that [all families of the earth would be blessed](/genesis/12-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")—is fulfilled. The Great Commission (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")) is the direct outworking of this prophecy, as believers are sent to make disciples of "all nations," inviting them to find blessing, salvation, and ultimate glory in the name of Jesus. Indeed, it is in Christ that people from every tribe, tongue, and nation are empowered by the Spirit to genuinely swear allegiance to the living God and to bring Him eternal glory (e.g., [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Isaiah 65:16

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Jeremiah 9:24

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.

Genesis 22:18

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

2 Corinthians 10:17

But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Deuteronomy 10:20

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

Galatians 3:8

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.