Jeremiah 22:3 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Lord demands that the king uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and prohibit oppression and violence.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:3
God defines the king's primary duty: justice and protection of the vulnerable.
What Does Jeremiah 22:3 Mean?
The command is unambiguous: the ruler must actively 'execute judgment and righteousness' and actively rescue the oppressed. Three groups—the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow—represent those without natural protectors, making their protection a test of true justice. The prohibition against shedding innocent blood points to abuse of power through judicial murder.
This is the standard by which the king will be measured. Justice is not abstract; it is demonstrated through concrete protection of the defenseless and refusal to exploit those with no recourse.
Jeremiah 22:3 in the Original Language
mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט), 'judgment'—legal judgment and justice; tsedaqah (צְדָקָה), 'righteousness'—moral rightness in conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:3
What does Jeremiah 22:3 mean?
The Lord demands that the king uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and prohibit oppression and violence.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:3?
God defines the king's primary duty: justice and protection of the vulnerable.