Jeremiah 5:9 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 asks whether He should not execute judgment on a nation whose corruption is this complete and deliberate.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:9
God declares that He must judge this corrupt nation; silence would betray justice itself.
What Does Jeremiah 5:9 Mean?
This rhetorical question demands a 'yes' answer. 'Shall I not visit' is God's formula for judicial visitation and punishment; He is not asking permission but stating that judgment must come. The question emphasizes that the corruption described—idolatry, broken covenants, sexual immorality, social injustice—leaves no alternative to judgment. To remain silent would be to abandon His own character and law.
The phrase 'my soul be avenged' expresses God's deep investment in justice. His vengeance is not petty anger but the necessary response of a righteous judge to willful rebellion. The contrast with verse 1's offer of pardon shows that opportunity for repentance has passed. A nation that hardens itself against truth, rejects God's discipline, and deliberately transgresses in every dimension cannot escape the consequences.
Jeremiah 5:9 in the Original Language
naqam (נָקַם), 'avenged' — to execute vengeance; not mere retaliation but restoration of justice and God's honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:9
What does Jeremiah 5:9 mean?
God asks whether He should not execute judgment on a nation whose corruption is this complete and deliberate.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:9?
God declares that He must judge this corrupt nation; silence would betray justice itself.