Jeremiah 5:28 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The corrupt are prosperous and confident, outdo other sinners in wickedness, and refuse justice to the defenseless while thriving.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:28
The corrupt thrive despite their extraordinary wickedness, particularly their refusal to provide justice for orphans and the poor.
What Does Jeremiah 5:28 Mean?
The repeated language—'waxen fat' and 'shine'—shows satisfaction and self-satisfaction. They are sleek with success and proud of their position. Yet their wickedness exceeds even that of typical sinners: 'they overpass the deeds of the wicked'—their corruption is distinctive for its intensity. Particularly damning is their judicial corruption: they refuse to judge the cause of the fatherless or defend the rights of the needy. These are precisely the vulnerable who most need protection and advocacy.
The social picture is complete: the powerful exploit the defenseless, especially the most vulnerable—orphans and the poor. Justice itself has been perverted. The courts, which should protect the weak, serve the strong. Yet despite this grave wickedness—defying God's law and victimizing the defenseless—they prosper. They 'shine' with confidence, unafraid of consequences. This prospering of the wicked despite their injustice intensifies the need for judgment. God must act to restore justice and protect the vulnerable.
Jeremiah 5:28 in the Original Language
yateру (יִשְׁפְּטוּ), 'judge' — to execute judgment, to rule justly; their refusal is deliberate rejection of judicial duty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:28
What does Jeremiah 5:28 mean?
The corrupt are prosperous and confident, outdo other sinners in wickedness, and refuse justice to the defenseless while thriving.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:28?
The corrupt thrive despite their extraordinary wickedness, particularly their refusal to provide justice for orphans and the poor.