Jeremiah 9:24
But 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.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
2 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל
But let him that glorieth
H1984
הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל
But let him that glorieth
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
4 of 21
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל
But let him that glorieth
H1984
הַמִּתְהַלֵּ֗ל
But let him that glorieth
Strong's:
H1984
Word #:
5 of 21
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
הַשְׂכֵּל֮
in this that he understandeth
H7919
הַשְׂכֵּל֮
in this that he understandeth
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
6 of 21
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
וְיָדֹ֣עַ
and knoweth
H3045
וְיָדֹ֣עַ
and knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 21
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אוֹתִי֒
H853
אוֹתִי֒
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָֽה׃
me that I am the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
me that I am the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֹ֥שֶׂה
which exercise
H6213
עֹ֥שֶׂה
which exercise
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
12 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
חֶ֛סֶד
lovingkindness
H2617
חֶ֛סֶד
lovingkindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
13 of 21
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
judgment
H4941
מִשְׁפָּ֥ט
judgment
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
וּצְדָקָ֖ה
and righteousness
H6666
וּצְדָקָ֖ה
and righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
15 of 21
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:17But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.Galatians 6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.1 Corinthians 1:31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.Micah 6:8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Micah 7:18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Psalms 44:8In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.John 17:3And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.Psalms 51:1Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.Psalms 91:14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Historical Context
This verse became foundational for Jewish and Christian theology of knowing God. The three attributes—lovingkindness, judgment, righteousness—summarize God's covenant character. Micah 6:8's requirements (justice, mercy, humble walk with God) reflect similar theology. Paul quotes verse 24 in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17, applying it to boasting only in Christ. The Reformed tradition emphasized knowing God as life's chief purpose based partly on this text.
Questions for Reflection
- What does glorying in knowing God look like practically, contrasted with glorying in wisdom, strength, or wealth?
- How do lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness together reveal God's complete character?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse provides the positive corollary to verse 23's negatives: 'But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me.' The Hebrew yithalel (יִתְהַלֵּל, glory, boast) should focus on sakal (שָׂכַל, understanding, acting wisely) and yada (יָדַע, knowing intimately). Knowledge of God combines intellectual understanding with personal relationship. 'That I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth.' Three attributes define God's character: chesed (חֶסֶד, covenant love, loyalty), mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט, justice, judgment), and tsedaqah (צְדָקָה, righteousness). 'For in these things I delight, saith the LORD'—God takes pleasure in exercising and seeing these qualities. True glory is knowing this God and reflecting His character.