Jeremiah 7:5

KJV

For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;

KJV (with Strong's)

For if ye throughly {H3190} amend {H3190} your ways {H1870} and your doings {H4611}; if ye throughly {H6213} execute {H6213} judgment {H4941} between a man {H376} and his neighbour {H7453};

Complete Jewish Bible

No, but if you really improve your ways and actions; if you really administer justice between people;

Berean Standard Bible

For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another,

American Standard Version

For if ye thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbor;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 7:5 stands as a critical declaration within the prophet's "Temple Sermon," articulating God's non-negotiable conditions for Judah's continued dwelling in the land and the preservation of His presence among them. It directly challenges the people's false security in the Jerusalem Temple, asserting that divine favor is not an automatic guarantee but is contingent upon genuine, comprehensive moral transformation and the consistent practice of social justice in all their dealings. This verse underscores that true faith is evidenced by righteous living and equitable treatment of one's neighbor, rather than by mere ritualistic observance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 7:5 is embedded within the powerful "Temple Sermon" (Jeremiah 7:1-15), a direct prophetic indictment delivered by Jeremiah at the gate of the Lord's house. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 7:1-4) establish the core problem: the people's misplaced trust in the physical Temple building, believing its mere presence would protect them regardless of their moral and spiritual decay. The repeated, almost incantatory phrase, "The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these" ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")) is a scathing rebuke of their empty religiosity. Verse 5 then shifts from diagnosis to prescription, outlining the specific, tangible actions required for a restoration of God's blessing and a reversal of the impending judgment. It sets the stage for the dire warnings of destruction that follow if these conditions are not met, culminating in the prophecy of the Temple's desolation, akin to Shiloh ([Jeremiah 7:12-14](/jeremiah/7-12 "Jeremiah 7:12-14 - The Example of Shiloh")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). This era was marked by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and a pervasive spiritual apostasy within Judah. Despite Josiah's earlier reforms, idolatry, social injustice, and moral corruption had deeply re-entrenched themselves. The people had adopted pagan practices, engaged in child sacrifice ([Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Topheth and Child Sacrifice")), and exploited the vulnerable, all while maintaining outward religious observances at the Temple. Culturally, there was a strong belief in the inviolability of Jerusalem and the Temple, a theological concept often referred to as "Zion theology," which erroneously suggested that God would never allow His dwelling place or His chosen city to fall. Jeremiah's sermon directly confronts this dangerous presumption, emphasizing that God's covenant relationship with Israel was always conditional upon obedience, not merely upon the existence of sacred institutions.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 7:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature generally. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Authentic Repentance**, emphasizing that God demands a holistic, internal transformation that manifests in external, righteous actions, rather than superficial religious rituals. This call to "amend your ways and your doings" underscores a desire for genuine heart change that impacts daily life. Secondly, the verse champions **Practical Justice**, asserting that true piety is inseparable from how one treats others. The command to "execute judgment between a man and his neighbour" reveals God's deep concern for fairness, equity, and ethical conduct within the community, particularly for the vulnerable. This echoes the broader prophetic emphasis on social righteousness found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Isaiah 1:16-17](/isaiah/1-16 "Isaiah 1:16-17 - A Call to Justice and Righteousness"). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the principle of **Conditional Covenant**, demonstrating that God's covenant blessings and promises are contingent upon the people's faithfulness and obedience. It directly challenges the prevalent notion of automatic divine favor, reminding Judah that their privileged status did not exempt them from accountability for their moral failings, a theme consistently reiterated throughout Jeremiah's prophecies, including the warnings of exile found in [Jeremiah 25](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Captivity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **amend (Hebrew, _yâṭab'_):** From H3190, this primitive root means "to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)." It encompasses the idea of doing good, making right, or improving. In this context, it signifies a thorough and complete reformation of character and conduct, not merely a superficial adjustment. The KJV's "throughly" emphasizes the depth and sincerity required, implying a full commitment to moral and spiritual betterment.
* **ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** From H1870, this term refers to "a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action." It denotes one's habitual path, conduct, or lifestyle. When paired with "amend," it calls for a fundamental change in the direction and pattern of one's life, moving away from sinful habits and towards righteous living. It's about the entire trajectory of one's existence.
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this word is rich in meaning, referring to "properly, a verdict... especially a sentence or formal decree... abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege." It encompasses legal rulings, ethical standards, and the broader concept of righteous living and equity. To "execute judgment" means actively to uphold fairness, ensure justice for all, and administer what is right in societal interactions, particularly concerning the vulnerable and oppressed. It signifies the practical outworking of God's moral law in daily life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings;":** This initial clause sets forth the first condition for God's continued blessing. The emphatic "throughly amend" (derived from the intensive use of the Hebrew verb _yâṭab_) demands a complete and sincere transformation of both inner character ("ways," referring to one's habitual conduct and moral path) and outer actions ("doings," referring to specific acts and practices). It is a call for comprehensive repentance that impacts every aspect of life, moving away from the patterns of sin and idolatry that characterized Judah.
* **"if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;":** This second clause presents the specific, tangible manifestation of that amendment: the consistent and impartial application of justice in interpersonal relationships. "Throughly execute judgment" (from the Hebrew _ʻâsâh mishpâṭ_) means to actively and completely uphold fairness, equity, and righteousness in all social and legal dealings. It speaks to the ethical treatment of fellow human beings, ensuring that the rights of all, especially the vulnerable, are protected and that disputes are resolved with integrity. This demonstrates that true piety is not merely vertical (relationship with God) but also horizontal (relationship with others).

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 7:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The verse functions as a **Conditional Statement**, implicitly setting up an "if... then..." scenario, where the "then" (God's continued presence and blessing) is dependent upon the fulfillment of the "if" clauses. This highlights the covenantal nature of God's relationship with Israel, which was always predicated on obedience. Furthermore, there is clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses: "amend your ways and your doings" is paralleled by "execute judgment between a man and his neighbour." Both phrases emphasize a comprehensive, active righteousness, one focusing on personal conduct and the other on social ethics. The repetition of the concept of "throughly" (implied by the intensive Hebrew verb forms and explicitly added in the KJV) serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute completeness and sincerity required for this transformation. It's not a partial or superficial change that God desires, but a radical and holistic commitment to living righteously.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 7:5 encapsulates a foundational theological truth: God's desire for genuine righteousness that extends beyond mere ritual to permeate every aspect of life, especially in how His people interact with one another. This prophetic call for moral integrity and social justice is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, revealing God's character as one who is just and who demands justice from His covenant people. The verse directly challenges the human tendency to compartmentalize faith, separating religious observance from ethical conduct. It teaches that true worship is holistic, encompassing both devotion to God and compassionate, equitable treatment of one's neighbor. This principle remains eternally relevant, reminding believers that their faith must be evidenced by tangible actions of love, fairness, and integrity in the world.

* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - The Weightier Matters of the Law")
* [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - True Fasting and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 7:5 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to examine the authenticity of our faith. It compels us to ask whether our spiritual practices are accompanied by a genuine transformation of character and a commitment to justice in our daily lives. In a world often marked by inequality, prejudice, and self-interest, this verse calls us to embody the very righteousness of God in our interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers. It reminds us that our walk with God is not merely about personal piety but also about actively seeking the well-being and equitable treatment of our neighbors. True faith is not a passive belief system but an active, transformative force that compels us to "amend our ways" and "execute judgment," striving to reflect God's heart for justice and compassion in all we do. This means confronting our own biases, advocating for the marginalized, and ensuring that our actions align with our confession, thereby bringing glory to God through lives that are both devoted and just.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "throughly amend my ways and my doings" to align more fully with God's will?**
* **How am I actively "executing judgment" or promoting fairness and justice in my relationships and community, particularly towards those who are vulnerable or marginalized?**
* **Am I prone to relying on outward religious observance while neglecting the "weightier matters" of righteousness and justice, as Jeremiah's audience did?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to demonstrate greater integrity and equity in my interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "throughly amend your ways and your doings" mean in practical terms?**

Answer: "Throughly amend your ways and your doings" signifies a comprehensive and sincere transformation of one's entire life—both internal character and external behavior. It's not about superficial changes or temporary fixes, but a deep, heart-level repentance that leads to a consistent pattern of righteous living. Practically, this means abandoning sinful habits, rejecting idolatry (whether of physical idols or modern-day pursuits like wealth, power, or self), and adopting a lifestyle that reflects God's moral standards. It involves a willingness to critically evaluate one's thoughts, attitudes, and actions, and to intentionally align them with divine principles, as outlined in passages like [Psalm 119:9-11](/psalm/119-9 "Psalm 119:9-11 - How to Keep One's Way Pure").

**Why is "executing judgment between a man and his neighbour" so important to God?**

Answer: God's emphasis on "executing judgment between a man and his neighbour" underscores His character as a God of justice and righteousness. For God, true worship is inseparable from how His people treat one another. This command highlights the social dimension of faith, where ethical conduct, fairness, and equity in all interpersonal dealings are paramount. It means upholding the rights of others, especially the vulnerable, resolving disputes impartially, and actively working to prevent and correct injustice. This is crucial because a community that practices justice reflects God's own nature and demonstrates the authenticity of its covenant relationship with Him. Neglecting justice, as Judah did, is a direct affront to God's character and a violation of the covenant, as seen in the warnings of [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 7:5, with its urgent call for a thorough amendment of ways and the execution of justice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant demanded obedience to the Law for blessing, it also revealed humanity's inherent inability to perfectly "amend their ways" or "execute judgment" consistently. Jesus, however, perfectly embodied the righteousness that Jeremiah called for. He lived a life of flawless obedience, perfectly fulfilling the Law's demands for both devotion to God and love for neighbor ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Furthermore, Christ's teaching, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes")), elevates the standard of righteousness from outward legalism to inward transformation, moving beyond mere external acts to address the heart's intentions, which is precisely what "throughly amend your ways" implies. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus provides the means for true amendment; He takes away the sin that hinders our ability to live righteously, offering forgiveness and empowering believers through the Holy Spirit to genuinely "walk in newness of life" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). The New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), is established in Christ's blood, where God writes His laws on our hearts, enabling us to truly "execute judgment" and live justly, not by our own strength but by His indwelling Spirit ([Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Working in You")). Thus, the call to righteousness in Jeremiah 7:5 is ultimately realized in Christ, who is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")) and through whom we are empowered to live lives that genuinely reflect God's justice and love to our neighbors ([Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

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 7:3

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.

Isaiah 1:19

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

1 Kings 6:12

[Concerning] this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:

1 Kings 6:13

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

Jeremiah 4:1

¶ If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.

Jeremiah 4:2

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.

Jeremiah 22:3

Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.