Jeremiah 9:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But let him that glorieth {H1984} glory {H1984} in this, that he understandeth {H7919} and knoweth {H3045} me, that I am the LORD {H3068} which exercise {H6213} lovingkindness {H2617}, judgment {H4941}, and righteousness {H6666}, in the earth {H776}: for in these things I delight {H2654}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

instead, let the boaster boast about this: that he understands and knows me - that I am ADONAI, practicing grace, justice and righteousness in the land; for in these things I take pleasure," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth— for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 9:24 profoundly reorients human boasting from fleeting worldly achievements to an enduring, intimate knowledge of God's character. This pivotal verse declares that true glory is found not in wisdom, might, or riches, but in understanding and knowing the LORD as the one who faithfully exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness throughout the earth. It culminates in God's own declaration that these very attributes are the things in which He delights, thereby establishing the ultimate standard for human aspiration and the proper object of all praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 9:24 serves as the divine counterpoint to the preceding verse, [Jeremiah 9:23](/jeremiah/9-23 "Jeremiah 9:23 - Warning Against Boasting in Worldly Things"), which explicitly warns against boasting in human wisdom, strength, or wealth. This immediate juxtaposition highlights a stark contrast between the transient and ultimately vain objects of human pride and the singular, eternal object of true glory: the LORD Himself. The broader context of [Jeremiah 9](/jeremiah/9 "Jeremiah 9 - Lament over Judah's Sin") is a lament over Judah's deep spiritual apostasy, moral decay, and impending judgment. Amidst pronouncements of desolation and calls for repentance, this verse offers a profound theological redirection, pointing to the only source of genuine stability and worth in a collapsing society. It frames the covenant relationship not merely as adherence to law, but as a deep, personal acquaintance with God's very nature.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), a period marked by political instability, the rising threat of Babylon, and pervasive syncretism. The people of Judah, despite their covenant relationship with Yahweh, had largely adopted the practices and values of surrounding pagan cultures, often boasting in their military alliances, economic prosperity, or perceived wisdom, much like their neighbors. Idolatry and social injustice were rampant, leading to a profound disconnect from the LORD's commands and character. In this environment, Jeremiah's message was counter-cultural, challenging the prevailing worldview that equated success with material possessions or human power. The emphasis on "knowing" God (Hebrew: *yada'*) was particularly significant in a culture where knowledge often implied intimate, experiential relationship, contrasting sharply with superficial religious observance or intellectual assent.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the prophetic tradition. It underscores the theme of **True Wisdom and Knowledge**, asserting that genuine understanding is not merely intellectual but involves a relational apprehension of God's character, contrasting with the superficial wisdom condemned in [Jeremiah 8:9](/jeremiah/8-9 "Jeremiah 8:9 - The Wise are Put to Shame"). It also develops the theme of **God's Immutable Character**, revealing the LORD as fundamentally defined by His **lovingkindness** (*hesed*), **judgment** (*mishpat*), and **righteousness** (*tzedakah*). These attributes are not just abstract concepts but active expressions of His governance "in the earth." Furthermore, the verse introduces the theme of **God's Delight**, indicating that the divine will and pleasure are found in the active demonstration of these moral qualities, thereby setting a standard for human behavior and the proper focus of human glory, echoing principles found in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glory (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** From H1984, a primitive root meaning "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make ashow, to boast." It can also mean "to celebrate" or "to praise." In this context, it refers to the act of boasting or taking pride in something. The repetition of the verb emphasizes the redirection of this inherent human tendency from self-exaltation to God-exaltation.
* **knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root meaning "to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially." This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, experiential, and intimate acquaintance, implying relationship, recognition, and understanding gained through personal encounter and ongoing relationship. It's a transformative knowledge that shapes one's identity and actions.
* **lovingkindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, a rich theological term encompassing "kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing." It denotes God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, unfailing mercy, and benevolent faithfulness, particularly towards His covenant people. It is an active, relational attribute of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But let him that glorieth glory in this,"**: This clause immediately contrasts with the preceding verse's admonition against worldly boasting. It sets the stage for a radical redefinition of what is truly worthy of human pride and celebration, shifting the focus from self-aggrandizement to a divinely ordained object of glory.
* **"that he understandeth and knoweth me,"**: This is the core redirection. The true object of glory is not an external achievement but an internal, relational reality: understanding and intimately knowing the LORD. "Understandeth" (Hebrew: *sâkal*) implies discernment and insight, while "knoweth" (*yâda'*) signifies a deep, experiential, and personal relationship, far beyond mere intellectual assent.
* **"that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth:"**: Here, God reveals the specific aspects of His character that are to be known and delighted in. He is not an abstract deity but the active, sovereign LORD (YHWH, the covenant God) who consistently demonstrates **lovingkindness** (His faithful, steadfast love), **judgment** (His just and equitable rule, upholding what is right), and **righteousness** (His moral perfection and adherence to His own holy standards). These attributes are not confined to heaven but are actively exercised "in the earth," impacting human affairs and establishing His moral order.
* **"for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD."**: This concluding declaration underscores the divine endorsement. God Himself finds pleasure and satisfaction in these very attributes. This statement serves as both a powerful motivation for humanity to pursue this knowledge and a profound theological truth about God's intrinsic nature and His moral priorities. It reveals what truly matters to the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 9:24 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is paramount, directly opposing the false boasting of [Jeremiah 9:23](/jeremiah/9-23 "Jeremiah 9:23 - Boasting in Worldly Things") with the true glory found in knowing God. The **repetition** of "glory" ("let him that glorieth glory") emphasizes the central theme and the radical shift in focus. The verse also uses **Personification** or **Anthropomorphism** by stating that God "delights" (Hebrew: *châphêts*) in His own attributes of lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness. This human-like emotion helps the audience grasp the depth of God's commitment to these qualities and His desire for humanity to reflect them. The overall tone is **Didactic**, serving as a direct instruction and theological teaching from the prophet, conveying divine truth in a clear and authoritative manner.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 9:24 is a foundational statement on the nature of true wisdom, the proper object of human boasting, and the very character of God. It asserts that genuine understanding and lasting glory are not found in human achievements or possessions, but in an intimate, experiential knowledge of the LORD. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but involves recognizing and embracing God's active demonstration of *hesed* (lovingkindness/covenant loyalty), *mishpat* (justice/judgment), and *tzedakah* (righteousness). These three attributes form the bedrock of God's moral governance and His relationship with humanity, revealing His delight in His own holy and benevolent character. This verse thus calls humanity to align its values and aspirations with God's own divine priorities, seeking to embody these attributes in their lives as a reflection of His nature.

* [1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Paul's Exhortation to Glory in the Lord")
* [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires of Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 9:24 serves as an eternal challenge to the human heart's propensity for self-exaltation and misplaced ambition. In a world that often measures success by wealth, power, or intellectual prowess, this verse radically redefines what is truly valuable and worthy of our ultimate devotion. It calls us away from the fleeting glories of human accomplishment and towards the enduring satisfaction found in a deep, personal, and transforming relationship with God. To "know" the LORD in this profound sense means to understand His character, to trust His ways, and to align our lives with His revealed will, particularly His active demonstration of lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. This knowledge should not remain theoretical but must translate into a life that actively pursues and embodies these divine attributes in our interactions with others and our engagement with the world, reflecting the very things in which God Himself delights.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the primary things I tend to boast in or derive my sense of worth from? How does Jeremiah 9:24 challenge these sources of pride?**
* **What does it mean for me to "know" God in an intimate, experiential way, beyond mere intellectual understanding?**
* **How can I more intentionally seek to understand and embody God's lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in my daily life and relationships?**
* **In what practical ways can I live a life that reflects God's delight in these attributes, rather than pursuing things that are contrary to His nature?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God delighting in "lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness"?**

Answer: The significance is profound because it reveals God's intrinsic character and His moral priorities. By declaring His delight (Hebrew: *châphêts*) in these attributes, the LORD establishes them as the ultimate standard for what is good, right, and pleasing in His sight. **Lovingkindness** (*hesed*) speaks to His steadfast, covenantal love and mercy; **judgment** (*mishpat*) refers to His just and equitable rule, ensuring fairness and upholding what is right; and **righteousness** (*tzedakah*) denotes His moral perfection and adherence to His own holy standards. God's delight in these attributes means they are not arbitrary rules but reflections of His very being, providing a clear blueprint for humanity's pursuit of true wisdom and a life that honors Him. It underscores that God is not merely powerful, but perfectly good and just, and He desires His people to emulate these qualities, as seen in passages like [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the LORD Requires").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 9:24 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of the LORD whom we are called to know and understand. In Christ, God's **lovingkindness** (*hesed*) is supremely manifested through His incarnation, His compassionate ministry, and His sacrificial death on the cross, demonstrating a steadfast love that pursued humanity even to its deepest sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated in Christ's Death")). Jesus perfectly exercised divine **judgment** and **righteousness** not only in His teachings and actions, which consistently upheld God's perfect standards, but also in His role as the righteous judge and the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness"); [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). To "know" the LORD, as Jeremiah exhorts, is now to know God through Christ, for Jesus declared, "He who has seen me has seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus is the Revelation of the Father")). Therefore, our boasting is rightly redirected to Christ alone, who "became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord'" ([1 Corinthians 1:30-31](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30-31 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")). In Him, we truly understand God's character, and in Him, God's delight in lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness is perfectly revealed and eternally satisfied.

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

2 Corinthians 10:17

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

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

1 Corinthians 1:31

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

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 7:18

Who [is] a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth [in] mercy.

Psalms 44:8

In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.