Jeremiah 5:29 Meaning and Explanation
“Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God again asks the rhetorical question: must He not execute judgment on a nation whose injustice toward the defenseless is complete?
The Context of Jeremiah 5:29
God reiterates that He must judge a nation that oppresses the defenseless and denies them justice.
What Does Jeremiah 5:29 Mean?
This verse repeats verse 9 almost exactly, marking a structural turning point. The first occurrence followed the indictment of idolatry and false gods; now it follows the indictment of social injustice and oppression of the poor. Both times, the answer to God's rhetorical question is clearly 'yes'—judgment must come. The repetition emphasizes that whether the sin is spiritual (covenant breaking, idolatry) or social (exploitation, injustice), God's response is the same: divine visitation and judgment.
The phrase 'shall not my soul be avenged' expresses God's deep commitment to justice. His very nature demands response to such wickedness. To overlook the corruption of judges, the victimization of orphans, and the exploitation of the vulnerable would be to contradict His character as a just God. The repeated question underscores the inevitability and necessity of judgment. There is no alternative; God must act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:29
What does Jeremiah 5:29 mean?
God again asks the rhetorical question: must He not execute judgment on a nation whose injustice toward the defenseless is complete?
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:29?
God reiterates that He must judge a nation that oppresses the defenseless and denies them justice.