In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

JEREMIAH 23:6KJV
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Jeremiah 23:6 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 23:6 mean?

Jeremiah 23:6 promises that a future leader will bring safety and rescue to both Judah and Israel, and that this leader will be known as “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” The verse highlights a time when God’s people will experience security and recognize God as the source of their righteousness.

Jeremiah, speaking to the people of Judah during a time of political turmoil and fear, describes a coming day when both the southern kingdom (Judah) and the northern kingdom (Israel) will be united in safety. The name “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” signals that the leader’s character and actions will reflect God’s own justice and goodness, offering hope to a nation weary of corrupt rulers.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:6

  • “saved” (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This word means to be delivered or rescued, often from danger or oppression. Here, it points to a deep kind of rescue—more than just physical safety, but a restoration of well-being for Judah.
  • “dwell” (שָׁכַן, shakan): This verb means to settle down or live securely. The promise is not just survival, but a stable, peaceful life for Israel.
  • “safely” (בֶּטַח, betach): This word means in security or confidence, emphasizing that the people’s peace will be genuine, not just temporary or superficial.
  • “RIGHTEOUSNESS” (צִדְקֵנוּ, tsidqenu): This is the key term in the leader’s name, meaning “our righteousness.” It stresses that the people’s right standing and justice come from God, not their own efforts.

Why Jeremiah 23:6 matters

  • Jeremiah 23:6 clarifies that the hope for God’s people is not just political freedom, but a deeper kind of righteousness and security that comes from God Himself.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where Jeremiah criticizes unfaithful leaders and points to a future, ideal king who will embody God’s character.
  • By using the name “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS,” Jeremiah shifts the focus from human achievement to God’s action, showing that true justice and peace are gifts from God, not earned by the nation.

Where else these words appear

“RIGHTEOUSNESS” Hebrew H3072 · used in 2 verses

  • Jeremiah 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

“safely” Hebrew H983 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 34:25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males.
  • Psalms 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
  • Ezekiel 28:26 And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them; and they shall know that I am the LORD their God.

“dwell” Hebrew H7931 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:9 Also I will ordain a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place, and shall be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the beginning,
  • Proverbs 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.