Jeremiah 9:23
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:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jeremiah prophesied during Judah's final decades (627-586 BC), warning of Babylonian conquest due to persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. Judah's leaders trusted political alliances (Egypt, Babylon), military strength, and religious ritual while ignoring justice and true worship of Yahweh. Jeremiah 9 comes amid extended judgment oracles condemning national sin.
Ancient Near Eastern cultures gloried in precisely these three areas. Egyptian wisdom literature celebrated intellectual achievement. Assyrian and Babylonian annals boasted military conquests and imperial might. Solomon's wealth made Israel internationally famous (1 Kings 10). Yet all these kingdoms fell despite their wisdom, might, and riches. Jeremiah witnessed this firsthand as Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.
The prophet's contemporary audience included educated scribes and priests (wise men), military leaders and warriors (mighty men), and wealthy merchants and nobles (rich men). Each group trusted their particular advantage for security and status. Jeremiah's message—that none of these provide ultimate security or significance—contradicted every human instinct and cultural value. Jesus later taught that life doesn't consist in possessions (Luke 12:15), that the meek inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), and that God hides truth from the wise and reveals it to children (Matthew 11:25).
Questions for Reflection
- Which of these three (wisdom, might, riches) do you most naturally trust instead of God?
- How does modern culture's glorification of intelligence, power, and wealth contradict God's values?
- What does it mean practically to "glory in" knowing God rather than personal achievements?
- How should this passage shape Christian attitudes toward education, success, and wealth?
- Why does God oppose human boasting but command boasting in Him (verse 24)?
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Analysis & Commentary
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: Jeremiah delivers God's prohibition against humanity's three primary sources of self-confidence. The Hebrew al-yithalel (אַל־יִתְהַלֵּל, "let not glory") uses the reflexive form of halal, meaning to boast, praise oneself, or glory—the root from which "hallelujah" derives. The threefold repetition creates powerful emphasis and comprehensive scope.
"The wise man" (hakham, הֶחָכָם) refers to human intellect, education, and philosophical understanding. "His wisdom" (chokmato, חָכְמָתוֹ) encompasses all human reasoning and knowledge. "The mighty man" (gibbor, גִּבּוֹר) means warrior, strong man, hero—representing physical strength, military power, and human achievement. "The rich man" (ashir, עָשִׁיר) denotes material wealth, economic power, and financial security.
God targets the three pillars of human pride: intellectual superiority, physical/political power, and material prosperity. These represent what cultures across time value most highly and what individuals trust for security and significance. The command "let not... glory" forbids making these the basis of identity, confidence, or ultimate value. Verse 24 provides the proper object of boasting—knowing and understanding Yahweh who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. Paul echoes this passage in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, declaring that God chose the foolish, weak, and lowly to shame human boasting.