Jeremiah 22:16
He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
דָּ֛ן
He judged
H1777
דָּ֛ן
He judged
Strong's:
H1777
Word #:
1 of 12
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
דִּין
the cause
H1779
דִּין
the cause
Strong's:
H1779
Word #:
2 of 12
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
אָ֣ז
H227
ט֑וֹב
then it was well
H2896
ט֑וֹב
then it was well
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
6 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
הֲלוֹא
H3808
הֲלוֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִ֛יא
H1931
הִ֛יא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
8 of 12
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:24But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.Isaiah 1:17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Jeremiah 9:16I will scatter them also among the heathen, whom neither they nor their fathers have known: and I will send a sword after them, till I have consumed them.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Psalms 109:31For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.Psalms 9:10And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.Jeremiah 5:28They 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.1 Chronicles 28:9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.Jeremiah 9:3And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
King Josiah (640-609 BC) led Judah's last great reformation, rediscovering the Book of the Law and purging idolatry (2 Kings 22-23). His son Jehoiakim (609-598 BC) reversed these reforms, exploiting the poor to fund lavish building projects. Jeremiah contrasts father and son to expose Judah's covenant rebellion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your 'knowledge' of God manifest in tangible concern for the poor and marginalized?
- What modern equivalents exist to Jehoiakim's religious profession divorced from social justice?
- In what ways might prosperity tempt you toward exploitation rather than generosity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? The Hebrew verb יָדַע (yada, 'to know') signifies far more than intellectual awareness—it denotes intimate, covenantal relationship expressed through obedient action. Jeremiah contrasts righteous King Josiah with his wicked son Jehoiakim: true knowledge of Yahweh manifests in justice for the vulnerable (dal, 'poor'; evyon, 'needy'). This verse demolishes any dichotomy between 'knowing God' and practicing social righteousness.
The phrase then it was well with him (טוֹב, tov) echoes covenant blessings—prosperity flows from righteousness, not exploitation. Josiah's reign demonstrated that authentic theology produces ethical fruit. Jesus later embodied this principle, declaring that loving God and neighbor are inseparable (Matthew 22:37-40). The prophetic indictment remains: religious profession without justice is spiritual fraud.