In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

JEREMIAH 33:15KJV
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What does Jeremiah 33:15 mean?

Jeremiah 33:15 promises that, in a future time, God will raise up a leader from David’s family line called the “Branch of righteousness,” who will rule with justice and do what is right in the land. This verse points to a coming era when fairness and righteousness will be restored through this special descendant.

Jeremiah is speaking God’s words to the people of Judah during a time of trouble and uncertainty, when their nation is threatened and their kingly line seems in danger. The verse assures them that God has not forgotten His promise to David (the great king of Israel) and that a new, just ruler will come from David’s lineage to set things right.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 33:15

  • “Branch” (צֶמַח, tsemach): This word means a sprout or new growth, often used in the prophets to symbolize a new leader or hope springing up from a seemingly dead or cut-off line. Here, it highlights the idea of a fresh start for David’s family.
  • “Righteousness” (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word means doing what is morally right and just. The verse repeats it, stressing that the coming leader’s rule will be marked by fairness and integrity.
  • “Judgment” (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word means justice or the act of making fair decisions. Its use here underlines that the promised leader will govern with true justice, not just power.
  • “Land” (אֶרֶץ, erets): This word means the physical territory or nation. The promise is not just spiritual but involves real change in the people’s everyday lives and society.

Why Jeremiah 33:15 matters

  • Jeremiah 33:15 reassures readers that God’s promises to David’s family are not forgotten, even when circumstances look hopeless.
  • The verse emphasizes that the coming leader will be defined by justice and righteousness, not just royal blood or military strength.
  • This promise connects to earlier prophecies about a future king from David’s line, helping readers see the continuity of God’s plan throughout the Bible.

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.

“up” Hebrew H6779 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • 2 Samuel 23:5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
  • Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

“righteousness” 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.