but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just tell us what to boast in—knowing God—but also why: because God Himself delights in practicing steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. This isn't just about our subjective experience of knowing God; it's about aligning ourselves with the very character and actions that God finds most pleasing.
but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off pronouncements of impending judgment on Judah for their corruption, Jeremiah offers a stark contrast to the empty boasts of worldly wisdom, might, and riches. Instead of relying on their own cleverness or power, the prophet declares that true glory is found only in an intimate, experiential knowledge of God and His character. This verse provides the antidote to the nation's pride, pointing to the LORD's delight in His steadfast love, justice, and righteousness as the only things worthy of boasting.
Jeremiah calls out the popular sources of pride – wisdom, might, and riches. But what's the antidote? It's not about lacking these things, but knowing what truly matters.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 starts by contrasting what people typically boast about – their own abilities and possessions. The wise boast in wisdom, the strong in strength, the rich in wealth. But the prophet declares these are fleeting and ultimately useless in the face of God's judgment.
Instead, he offers a radical shift: the only true boasting is found in understanding and knowing God. This isn't just intellectual assent; it's a deep, personal acquaintance with Him. It's realizing that true security and happiness come not from what we have or can do, but from who God is.
What does it mean to 'know' God? Jeremiah gives us a powerful clue by describing God's very nature. It’s a nature that should inspire awe and deep trust.
The verse reveals why we should boast in knowing God: because of His unchanging character. He declares, "I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth."
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These aren't abstract concepts; they are the very way God operates. He delights in these actions, meaning they are central to His being and His interaction with the world.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
The covenant love of God, referring to His faithful, loyal, and merciful commitment to His people, rooted in His promise and character.
mishpat · Hebrew Noun
God's objective standard of right and wrong, referring to His moral administration and His faithfulness to His covenant obligations.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
A state of being in accordance with God's standards; it implies conformity to His moral law and ethical integrity in one's life.
Jeremiah delivers this profound message in the shadow of Jerusalem's destruction. He contrasts the fleeting glories of human wisdom, might, and wealth – the very things the people wrongly trusted – with the enduring reality of knowing God, whose character is defined by steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Power Dominates
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire exerted significant influence and control over Judah, leading to political instability and a growing sense of vulnerability among the people. This era saw prophetic voices calling for repentance and faithfulness to God amidst foreign domination.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, after defeating Egypt and Assyria, began deporting some of Judah's elite, including young men of noble birth, to Babylon. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile and instilled fear and uncertainty.
597 BC
Second Deportation and Jehoiachin's Exile
Following a rebellion by King Jehoiachin of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem again and deported a larger portion of the population, including the king and many skilled workers. This deepened the crisis and brought widespread despair.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's final siege resulted in the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the Solomonic Temple, the heart of Israel's worship and identity. This catastrophic event was a profound national trauma, leading to the final phase of the exile.
c. 580 BC
Jeremiah's Prophecies Continue
Jeremiah, having remained in Jerusalem after its fall, continued to deliver God's messages of judgment and future hope to the remnant left in the land and to those in exile. His writings during this period emphasize God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness.
This passage directly echoes Jeremiah, stating that boasting should only be in the Lord, aligning with the prophet's call to find true glory in knowing God rather than in human wisdom or strength.
John 17:3Jesus highlights that eternal life is found in 'knowing you, the only true God.' This strongly parallels Jeremiah's emphasis on the profound importance and salvific nature of knowing the LORD.
Micah 6:8This verse details what the LORD requires: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. This resonates deeply with Jeremiah's description of God's own delight in steadfast love, justice, and righteousness.
Psalm 5:12The Psalmist declares that the righteous are surrounded by God's favor like a shield. This connects to Jeremiah's theme of God's righteousness and the security found in knowing and aligning with Him.
barnesJeremiah 9:24: "But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."
This is the prophet's remedy for the healing of the nation. It is the true understanding and knowledge of God, of which the first means the spiritual enlightenment of the mind 1 Corinthians 2:13-14 , the other the training of the heart unto obedience John 8:31-32…
clarkeJeremiah 9:24: "But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."
But let him that glorieth - To glory in a thing is to depend on it as the means or cause of procuring happiness. But there can be no happiness but in being experimentally acquainted with that God who exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the e…
The verse doesn't just tell us what to boast in—knowing God—but also why: because God Himself delights in practicing steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. This isn't just about our subjective experience of knowing God; it's about aligning ourselves with the very character and actions that God finds most pleasing.
Fresh off pronouncements of impending judgment on Judah for their corruption, Jeremiah offers a stark contrast to the empty boasts of worldly wisdom, might, and riches. Instead of relying on their own cleverness or power, the prophet declares that true glory is found only in an intimate, experiential knowledge of God and His character. This verse provides the antidote to the nation's pride, pointing to the LORD's delight in His steadfast love, justice, and righteousness as the only things worthy of boasting.
Fresh off pronouncements of impending judgment on Judah for their corruption, Jeremiah offers a stark contrast to the empty boasts of worldly wisdom, might, and riches. Instead of relying on their own cleverness or power, the prophet declares that true glory is found only in an intimate, experiential knowledge of God and His character. This verse provides the antidote to the nation's pride, pointing to the LORD's delight in His steadfast love, justice, and righteousness as the only things worthy of boasting.
"but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”" — The verse doesn't just tell us what to boast in—knowing God—but also why: because God Himself delights in practicing steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. This isn't just about our subjecti…
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Last reviewed October 2026