Jeremiah 5:28
Jeremiah 5:28 in Multiple Translations
They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.
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.
They are waxed fat, they shine: yea, they overpass in deeds of wickedness; they plead not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
They have become fat and strong: they have gone far in works of evil: they give no support to the cause of the child without a father, so that they may do well; they do not see that the poor man gets his rights.
They've grown fat and smooth, and have become experts in evil. They deny justice to orphans, and they don't defend the rights of those in need.
They are waxen fat and shining: they doe ouerpasse the deedes of the wicked: they execute no iudgement, no not the iudgement of the fatherlesse: yet they prosper, though they execute no iudgement for the poore.
They have been fat, they have shone, Yea, they have overpassed the acts of the evil, Judgment they have not judged, The judgment of the fatherless — and they prosper, And the judgment of the needy they have not judged.
They have grown fat. They shine; yes, they excel in deeds of wickedness. They don’t plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and they don’t defend the rights of the needy.
They have become fat, they shine: yes, they surpass 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.
They are grown gross and fat: and have most wickedly transgressed my words. They have not judged the cause of the widow, they have not managed the cause of the fatherless, they have not judged the judgement of the poor.
They are big and fat, and there is no limit to the evil things that they have done. They do not try to defend orphans in the courtrooms, and they do not help poor people to get what they have a right to receive.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 5:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמְנ֣וּ
עָשְׁת֗וּ
גַּ֚ם
עָֽבְר֣וּ
דִבְרֵי
רָ֔ע
דִּ֣ין
לֹא
דָ֔נוּ
דִּ֥ין
יָת֖וֹם
וְ/יַצְלִ֑יחוּ
וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
לֹ֥א
שָׁפָֽטוּ
שָׁמְנ֣וּ
shâman
H8080
to grow fat
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָשְׁת֗וּ
ʻâshath
H6245
to gleam
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
עָֽבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דִבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
רָ֔ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
דִּ֣ין
dîyn
H1779
judgment
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
דָ֔נוּ
dîyn
H1777
to judge
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
דִּ֥ין
dîyn
H1779
judgment
N-ms
יָת֖וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
orphan
N-ms
וְ/יַצְלִ֑יחוּ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-ms
אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁפָֽטוּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 5:28
שָׁמְנ֣וּ
shâman
H8080
"to grow fat"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to grow fat or become wealthy, often describing a state of abundance or prosperity. It is used in various contexts, including physical health and financial wealth. In some cases, it implies a sense of luxury or excess.
Definition: 1) to be or become fat, grow fat 1a) (Qal) fat (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) to make fat, show fatness
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: become (make, wax) fat. See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Isaiah 6:10; Jeremiah 5:28.
עָשְׁת֗וּ
ʻâshath
H6245
"to gleam"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This word means to think or reflect, often describing a process of careful consideration or planning. It appears in the Bible to describe the thoughts and intentions of individuals, such as King David. The word is also related to the idea of polishing or refining one's thoughts.
Definition: (Qal) to be smooth, be shiny, gleam
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: shine, think. See also: Jeremiah 5:28; Jonah 1:6.
גַּ֚ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עָֽבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
דִבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
רָ֔ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
דִּ֣ין
dîyn
H1779
"judgment"
N-ms
Judgment or a legal suit is the meaning of this word, used to describe a cause, plea, or dispute in the Bible.
Definition: 1) judgment 1a) judgment 1b) cause, plea 1c) condemnation, judgment 1d) dispute, legal suit, strife 1e) government Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "judgment" H1780)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: cause, judgement, plea, strife. See also: Deuteronomy 17:8; Proverbs 20:8; Psalms 9:5.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דָ֔נוּ
dîyn
H1777
"to judge"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To judge or plead a cause is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe acting as a judge or governing.
Definition: 1) to judge, contend, plead 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as judge, minister judgment 1a2) to plead a cause 1a3) to execute judgment, requite, vindicate 1a4) to govern 1a5) to contend, strive 1b) (Niphal) to be at strife, quarrel Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "to judge" H1778)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: (come) with a straight course. See also: Genesis 6:3; Psalms 72:2; Psalms 7:9.
דִּ֥ין
dîyn
H1779
"judgment"
N-ms
Judgment or a legal suit is the meaning of this word, used to describe a cause, plea, or dispute in the Bible.
Definition: 1) judgment 1a) judgment 1b) cause, plea 1c) condemnation, judgment 1d) dispute, legal suit, strife 1e) government Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "judgment" H1780)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: cause, judgement, plea, strife. See also: Deuteronomy 17:8; Proverbs 20:8; Psalms 9:5.
יָת֖וֹם
yâthôwm
H3490
"orphan"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an orphan or a child without a father, like in Exodus where God commands the Israelites to care for the fatherless.
Definition: an orphan, fatherless
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: fatherless (child), orphan. See also: Exodus 22:21; Psalms 10:18; Psalms 10:14.
וְ/יַצְלִ֑יחוּ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
אֶבְיוֹנִ֖ים
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁפָֽטוּ
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 5:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
- Sermons on Jeremiah 5:28
Context — Judgment Proclaimed
26For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men.
27Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich.
28They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy.
29Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this? 30A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:23 | Your rulers are rebels, friends of thieves. They all love bribes and chasing after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, and the plea of the widow never comes before them. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:15 | But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 7:6 | if you no longer oppress the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow, and if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place or follow other gods to your own harm, |
| 4 | Zechariah 7:10 | Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 73:12 | Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:70 | Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law. |
| 7 | James 5:4–5 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 22:15–19 | Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. |
| 9 | Job 12:6 | The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure— those who carry their god in their hands. |
| 10 | Job 29:12–14 | because I rescued the poor who cried out and the fatherless who had no helper. The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; justice was my robe and my turban. |
Jeremiah 5:28 Summary
Jeremiah 5:28 describes a people who have become wealthy and powerful, but have forgotten to care for the vulnerable, such as the fatherless and needy. This verse teaches us that true prosperity comes not from wealth, but from following God's commands and caring for others, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:9. When we prioritize our own interests over the needs of others, we risk provoking God's judgment, as warned in Isaiah 1:17. By contrast, caring for the vulnerable and seeking righteousness can bring true blessing and prosperity, as promised in Psalms 37:3-4 and Proverbs 19:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'grown fat and sleek' in Jeremiah 5:28?
This phrase is a metaphor for becoming complacent and self-satisfied, often due to wealth and power, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:20 and Hosea 12:8. It describes a condition where people are more concerned with their own well-being than with following God's commands.
Why does the Bible emphasize the importance of helping the fatherless and needy?
The Bible teaches that caring for the vulnerable is a key aspect of following God, as seen in Psalms 82:3 and Proverbs 31:8-9. By neglecting the fatherless and needy, the people in Jeremiah 5:28 are essentially rejecting God's commands and values.
How does this verse relate to God's judgment on a nation?
Jeremiah 5:28 sets the stage for God's judgment on the nation, as declared in Jeremiah 5:29. The people's refusal to care for the vulnerable and their pursuit of wicked deeds have provoked God's wrath, as also seen in Isaiah 1:17 and Ezekiel 16:49.
What can we learn from the contrast between the people's wealth and their wicked deeds?
The contrast highlights the emptiness of worldly wealth and power when not accompanied by righteousness, as warned in 1 Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 19:21. True prosperity and blessing come from following God's commands and caring for the vulnerable, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:9 and Psalms 37:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that my own pursuit of wealth and success does not lead me to neglect the needs of others, as warned in Jeremiah 5:28?
- In what ways can I take up the cause of the fatherless and defend the rights of the needy in my own community, as commanded in Psalms 82:3 and Proverbs 31:8-9?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'growing fat and sleek' and becoming complacent, and how can I seek God's help to change, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:11-14 and Hosea 13:6?
- How can I balance my own needs and desires with the needs of those around me, and seek to prioritize God's commands, as taught in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:28
They are waxen fat, they shine,.... Becoming rich they grew fat, and their faces shone through fatness; so oil, delicious food, and good living, as it fattens men, it makes their faces to shine; see
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:28
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
They are waxen fat, they shine; or, so fat that they shine; by reason.of their wealth and riches they pamper themselves till their eyes stand out with fatness, ; their wrinkles are filled up with fat, which makes their faces shine. They overpass the deeds of the wicked; either, they go beyond the very heathen themselves in wickedness, ,7; or rather, they escape the hardships and sufferings that others undergo, , they escape better than others; or they slightly pass over judgments threatened. They judge not the cause of the fatherless; such whom even the law of nature commits to their patronage, they either disregard them, or wrong and injure them, either by refusing them a fair hearing, , or giving wrong sentence against them in courts of judicature, , expressly forbidden, . Yet they prosper; things go well with them, they live happily, according to their desire, prosperum scelus, , &c.; or, that they might prosper, viz. that God might bless them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
Jeremiah 5:28 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.Ver. 28. They are waxen fat, they shine.] Pingues, nitidi sunt; cutem curant ut Epicuri de grege porci; fat they are, and fair-liking, slick, and smooth. Yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked.] They outsin others. Or, as some sense it, they escape better than others.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
(28) They overpass the deeds of the wicked.—Better (the English being ambiguous), they exceed in deeds (literally, words or things) of wickedness. The prophet dwells not only on the prosperity of the wicked, but on their callous indifference to the well-being of the poor. Yet they prosper.—Better, so that they (the fatherless) may prosper. They do not judge with a view to that result. The words admit, however, in Hebrew as in English, of the sense that they (the wicked themselves) may prosper. That was all they aimed at or cared for.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
Verse 28. They judge not the cause, yet they prosper] Perhaps we might be justified in translating, "And shall they prosper?"
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:28
28. waxen fat] Fatness was looked on as a mark of prosperity. Cp. Deuteronomy 32:15; Psalms 92:14; Proverbs 28:25. shine] referring to their sleekness of skin. that they should prosper] i.e. that the orphans by their help may receive succour.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:28
26-28. Wicked men — The fact of their rebellion, as well as its extent and bitter fruits, is set forth in the prevalent corruption.
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:28
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Deferred Obedience 2 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon addresses the issue of dishonesty and corruption, highlighting the consequences of cheating and unethical practices, especially during times of crisis. It emphasizes th |
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(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Reign by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of unfairness and exploitation in society. He condemns those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, such as the poor, widow |
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Signs Seen, and Not Seen by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of not seeing the signs of God's favor, highlighting the importance of recognizing outward marks of God's presence and grace upon the soul. |
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When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fai |
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Isaiah (Part 1) - Introduction by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God does not shy away from hopeless cases, despite our limited resources and narrow hearts. He highlights how God speaks to nations and |
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The Depravity of Jealousy by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being spiritually "fattened" in the wrong way. He uses the example of Moses coming down from Mount Sinai and finding th |
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America's Godly Heritage by John Franklin | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of the early pilgrims and Puritans who settled in America, seeing themselves as a type of the children of Israel. The sermon referenc |