Jeremiah 5:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
שָׁמְנ֣וּ
They are waxen fat
to shine, i.e., (by analogy) be (causatively, make) oily or gross
#2
עָשְׁת֗וּ
they shine
probably to be sleek, i.e., glossy; hence (through the idea of polishing) to excogitate (as if forming in the mind)
#3
גַּ֚ם
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#4
עָֽבְר֣וּ
yea they overpass
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
#5
דִבְרֵי
the deeds
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
רָ֔ע
of the wicked
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#7
דִּ֥ין
not the cause
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
#8
לֹא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
דָ֔נוּ
they judge
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
#10
דִּ֥ין
not the cause
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
#11
יָת֖וֹם
the cause of the fatherless
a bereaved person
#12
וְיַצְלִ֑יחוּ
yet they prosper
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#13
וּמִשְׁפַּ֥ט
and the right
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#14
אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
H34
of the needy
destitute
#15
לֹ֥א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
שָׁפָֽטוּ׃
do they not judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

Analysis

Within the broader context of Jeremiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Jeremiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People