They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
JEREMIAH 5:28KJVWhat does Jeremiah 5:28 mean?
Jeremiah 5:28 describes a group of people who have become wealthy and self-satisfied, yet they ignore justice and fail to defend the rights of the vulnerable, such as orphans and the needy. The verse highlights that these people prosper while neglecting their responsibility to judge fairly and help those in need.
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah. He is pointing out the corruption and moral failure among those who should be leading or upholding justice. Instead of caring for the fatherless and needy, they overlook their cases and allow injustice to continue, even as they themselves thrive.
The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 5:28
- "fat" (שָׁמֵן, shamen): This word means to be physically fat or figuratively prosperous. Here, it paints a picture of people who are comfortable and well-off, suggesting excess and self-indulgence.
- "shine" (עָשַׁת, 'ashat): This word can mean to be sleek or polished, further emphasizing the idea of outward prosperity and well-being.
- "judge" (דִּין, din) and "cause" (רִיב, riv): These words refer to legal judgment and a legal case or dispute. The verse stresses that those in power are not giving fair judgment, especially in cases involving the fatherless and needy.
- "prosper" (צָלַח, tsalach): This word means to succeed or thrive. The verse notes the irony that these unjust people continue to prosper materially, even as they fail in their moral duties.
Why Jeremiah 5:28 matters
- Jeremiah 5:28 clarifies that material success does not mean someone is righteous or just; the verse exposes how prosperity can coexist with deep injustice.
- The verse highlights the specific failure to care for the fatherless and needy, showing that God’s concern for justice is especially focused on society’s most vulnerable.
- In the wider context of Jeremiah 5, this verse helps explain why judgment is coming upon Judah: their leaders and influential people have abandoned justice and compassion, which are central to God’s expectations for His people.