Jeremiah 9:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Context of Jeremiah 9:23
This warning comes amid Jeremiah's laments over Judah's coming devastation, contrasting false confidence with the one thing worth knowing, God Himself, declared in the next verse.
What Does Jeremiah 9:23 Mean?
God forbids anyone from boasting in wisdom, strength, or wealth. The verse names the three things people most often rely on for security and status: intellect, power, and money. Each is a genuine good, yet each becomes a trap when it becomes the basis of a person's glorying, the place where they locate their confidence and identity. The repetition of "let not" hammers the point three times, sweeping away every self-made foundation. In a society about to lose its city, its temple, and its freedom, these supports were exposed as unable to save.
The verse is incomplete on its own; it clears the ground so verse 24 can plant the true object of boasting. By stripping away wisdom, might, and riches, God is dethroning them rather than condemning them. The deepest danger lies in trusting gifts as ultimate, not in having them. This is a mercy, because all three can fail in a single day, while the One who made them remains. The verse calls the reader to examine where their heart quietly says, "This is what keeps me safe."
Jeremiah 9:23 in the Original Language
The repeated verb "glory" is halal, to boast, praise, or shine. It is the same root behind "hallelujah," so the issue is what your praise points to: yourself or God.
Bible Verses Related to Jeremiah 9:23
“That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:31
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
- Proverbs 3:5
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”
- Psalms 20:7
How to Apply Jeremiah 9:23 Today
Identify which you most quietly trust, whether your cleverness, your capability, or your bank account, and refuse to make it the ground of your security or pride.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 9:23
What does Jeremiah 9:23 mean?
God forbids anyone from boasting in wisdom, strength, or wealth. The verse names the three things people most often rely on for security and status: intellect, power, and money. Each is a genuine good, yet each becomes a trap when it becomes the basis of a person's glorying, the place where they locate their confidence and identity. The repetition of "let not" hammers the point three times, sweeping away every self-made foundation. In a society about to lose its city, its temple, and its freedom, these supports were exposed as unable to save.
What is the context of Jeremiah 9:23?
This warning comes amid Jeremiah's laments over Judah's coming devastation, contrasting false confidence with the one thing worth knowing, God Himself, declared in the next verse.
How can I apply Jeremiah 9:23 today?
Identify which you most quietly trust, whether your cleverness, your capability, or your bank account, and refuse to make it the ground of your security or pride.