Jeremiah 5:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God challenges anyone to find a single just person in Jerusalem, promising forgiveness if found.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:1
God sends Jeremiah to search Jerusalem for righteous people, offering forgiveness if even one is found.
What Does Jeremiah 5:1 Mean?
Jeremiah is sent on a desperate search through Jerusalem's streets and gathering places. God's command to 'run to and fro' conveys urgency and thoroughness—the prophet must look everywhere for evidence of righteousness. The condition is specific: someone who both executes judgment (acts justly) and seeks truth (pursues what is right and honest).
God's offer of pardon hangs on finding even one righteous person. This echoes Abraham's intercession for Sodom and suggests mercy remains available to the city if genuine righteousness can be found. The implication of the verse—that Jeremiah's search will fail—foreshadows the chapter's verdict on Jerusalem's spiritual state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:1
What does Jeremiah 5:1 mean?
God challenges anyone to find a single just person in Jerusalem, promising forgiveness if found.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:1?
God sends Jeremiah to search Jerusalem for righteous people, offering forgiveness if even one is found.