Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

JEREMIAH 23:5KJV
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Jeremiah 23:5 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 23:5 mean?

Jeremiah 23:5 promises that God will one day raise up a new, righteous king from David’s family line who will rule wisely and bring true justice and fairness to the land. This verse looks forward to a time when leadership will be good, just, and in line with God’s standards.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah during a time of corrupt leadership and uncertainty. God, through Jeremiah, assures them that despite their current troubles, a future leader—a “Branch” from David—will come who will rule rightly. The verse is meant to give hope that God has not forgotten His promises and will restore justice through a coming king.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:5

  • The word “Branch” is צֶמַח (tsemach), which means a new shoot or growth from a plant. Here, it pictures a fresh, legitimate leader springing up from David’s royal line, not just any descendant but one who brings new life and hope.
  • The word “righteous” is צַדִּיק (tsaddiq), meaning just, upright, or morally right. This highlights that the coming king will not be corrupt or self-serving, but will act in line with God’s standards.
  • The word “judgment” is מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat), often used for fair decision-making or justice in society. It shows that the king’s rule will be marked by fairness and proper order.
  • The word “justice” is צְדָקָה (tsedaqah), which refers to righteousness or doing what is right, especially in relationships and community life. This adds to the picture of a king who brings not just legal fairness but also moral goodness.

Why Jeremiah 23:5 matters

  • Jeremiah 23:5 clears up the idea that God’s promises to David’s family are forgotten or broken, showing that God still plans to fulfill them even in dark times.
  • The verse emphasizes that true leadership, in God’s eyes, is marked by righteousness and justice, not just power or lineage.
  • Jeremiah 23:5 connects to the wider passage by contrasting the coming righteous king with the failed, unjust leaders of Jeremiah’s day, offering hope for a better future.

Where else these words appear

“Branch” Hebrew H6780 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 19:25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
  • Isaiah 61:11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
  • Ezekiel 17:10 Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

“prosper” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

“justice” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.