Jeremiah 5:28

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

They are waxen fat {H8080}, they shine {H6245}: yea, they overpass {H5674} the deeds {H1697} of the wicked {H7451}: they judge {H1777} not the cause {H1779}, the cause of the fatherless {H3490}, yet they prosper {H6743}; and the right {H4941} of the needy {H34} do they not judge {H8199}.

sleek and bloated; they excel in acts of wickedness but do not plead on behalf of the orphan, thus enabling his cause to succeed; nor do they judge in favor of the poor.

They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.

They are waxed fat, they shine: yea, they overpass in deeds of wickedness; they plead not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Commentary

Jeremiah 5:28 KJV delivers a scathing indictment against the corrupt leaders and wealthy elite of Judah, highlighting their profound moral decay and blatant disregard for justice. This verse is part of a larger prophetic lament by Jeremiah, revealing God's grief and anger over His people's rebellion.

Context

Chapter 5 of Jeremiah paints a grim picture of Jerusalem's spiritual and moral state. God challenges Jeremiah to find even one righteous person in the city, but none can be found (Jeremiah 5:1). The people have forsaken the Lord, engaged in widespread idolatry, and committed all manner of social injustices. Jeremiah 5:28 specifically targets those in positions of power and influence who have become complacent in their wealth while actively neglecting the most vulnerable in society, thereby provoking divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • Gross Injustice and Corruption: The verse vividly describes a society where those in power are not only morally bankrupt but actively commit deeds worse than typical wickedness. Their corruption is so pervasive that it "overpass[es] the deeds of the wicked."
  • Oppression of the Vulnerable: A central accusation is their failure to "judge the cause of the fatherless" and the "right of the needy." This highlights a profound disregard for God's covenant commands to care for the marginalized and defenseless, a theme echoed throughout the Law and Prophets (Deuteronomy 10:18, Isaiah 1:17).
  • Prosperity of the Unrighteous: The phrase "yet they prosper" underscores the perplexing reality that these corrupt individuals continued to thrive despite their egregious sins. This theme, often explored in the Psalms (Psalm 73:3-12), raises questions about divine justice, which God promises to ultimately address.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "waxen fat" (Hebrew: shamenลซ) implies becoming plump or prosperous, often with a connotation of being insensitive or dull due to overindulgence. "They shine" (Hebrew: tsฤbลซ) suggests a sleek, well-fed appearance or an outward display of their opulence. Together, these terms paint a picture of individuals who are physically thriving and outwardly impressive, yet inwardly corrupt. Their failure to "judge" (Hebrew: dฤnลซ) the cause of the fatherless means they refuse to plead or administer justice for them, directly violating their ethical and spiritual responsibilities.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 5:28 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked power, wealth, and moral indifference. For contemporary society, it calls us to:

  • Advocate for Justice: We are reminded of our responsibility to speak up for and defend the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized, especially those without a voice or means to defend themselves.
  • Examine Our Own Prosperity: The verse challenges us to consider the source and use of our own resources and influence. Are we using them to uplift others, or are we becoming indifferent to suffering?
  • Trust in God's Justice: While the prosperity of the wicked may seem disheartening, this passage, like many others in Scripture, assures us that God sees all injustice and will ultimately bring about righteous judgment (Proverbs 29:7).
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 1:23

    Thy princes [are] rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.

  • Deuteronomy 32:15

    ยถ But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered [with fatness]; then he forsook God [which] made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.

  • Psalms 73:12

    Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.

  • Zechariah 7:10

    And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.

  • Jeremiah 7:6

    [If] ye oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt:

  • Psalms 119:70

    Their heart is as fat as grease; [but] I delight in thy law.

  • Ezekiel 16:47

    Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as [if that were] a very little [thing], thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.