He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 22:16KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 22:16 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 22:16 mean?

Jeremiah 22:16 says that defending the rights of the poor and needy is what God considers truly knowing Him. The verse explains that when a leader acts justly toward those in need, things go well for him, and this kind of justice is what God desires.

In this verse, God is speaking through Jeremiah to the king of Judah, recalling how a previous king (often understood as Josiah) cared for the vulnerable. The point is that genuine knowledge of God is shown by fair treatment of the poor and needy, not just by religious words or rituals. This statement is part of a larger warning to the current king about failing to live up to that standard.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 22:16

  • "Judged" (דּוּן, dun): This word means to decide a case or bring justice. Here, it highlights the king's responsibility to actively make things right for those who cannot defend themselves.
  • "Poor" (עָנִי, ani) and "needy" (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon): These words refer to people who are vulnerable—those lacking resources or protection. Their mention together stresses that God's concern is for all who are disadvantaged.
  • "Know" (דַּעַת, da‘at): This word means more than just intellectual knowledge; it carries the sense of relationship and recognition. In this context, God is saying that real relationship with Him is shown by how one treats others, especially the weak.

Why Jeremiah 22:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that knowing God is not just about beliefs or rituals but is proven by just and compassionate actions, especially toward the vulnerable.
  • Jeremiah 22:16 connects the king’s personal well-being ("then it was well with him") directly to his justice for the poor, showing that God’s blessing is tied to social justice.
  • The verse challenges leaders and readers to see justice for the needy as central to faithfulness, not as an optional extra. This theme runs throughout the prophets and helps explain God’s expectations for His people.

Where else these words appear

“cause” Hebrew H1779 · used in 17 verses

  • Deuteronomy 17:8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;
  • Psalms 9:4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
  • Proverbs 29:7 The righteous considereth the cause of the poor: but the wicked regardeth not to know it.

“judged” Hebrew H1777 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
  • Job 36:31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
  • Psalms 135:14 For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.

“needy” Hebrew H34 · used in 58 verses

  • Exodus 23:6 Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

“poor” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.