Old Testament

Jeremiah 5:28

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Jeremiah 5:28, the prophet highlights the moral decay of the people, who have become complacent and corrupt.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

They've grown sleek and fat. Their evil knows no limits. They refuse to defend orphans in court or fight for the rights of the poor.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jeremiah 5:28, the prophet highlights the moral decay of the people, who have become complacent and corrupt. They are described as 'sleek and fat,' indicating their prosperity and indulgence, yet this has led them to neglect justice. They fail to defend orphans and the poor, showing a complete disregard for the vulnerable in society. Their evil actions exceed those of the wicked, suggesting that their moral decline is severe. The verse serves as a critique of those in power who prioritize their own comfort over the needs of the less fortunate, emphasizing the importance of justice and compassion in a society. The lack of advocacy for the marginalized reflects a broader societal failure to uphold righteousness and care for those in need, which is a central theme in the prophetic messages of Jeremiah.

How to apply Jeremiah 5:28 to your life

This verse challenges us to examine our own lives and communities. Are we advocating for those who cannot defend themselves? We should strive to support the marginalized, ensuring that justice is served and that we actively work against societal indifference to the plight of the poor and orphaned.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 5:28 mean?

Jeremiah 5:28 highlights the moral decline of the people, who have become corrupt and complacent despite their prosperity. It criticizes their failure to defend orphans and the poor, emphasizing the neglect of justice for the vulnerable in society.

What is the significance of 'sleek and fat' in Jeremiah 5:28?

The phrase 'sleek and fat' in Jeremiah 5:28 symbolizes the prosperity and indulgence of the people, indicating that their comfort has led to moral decay and a lack of concern for justice.

How does Jeremiah 5:28 relate to social justice?

Jeremiah 5:28 emphasizes the importance of social justice by condemning the neglect of orphans and the poor, urging society to actively defend the rights of the vulnerable and hold those in power accountable.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 5:28?

Key themes in Jeremiah 5:28 include social justice, corruption, neglect of the vulnerable, moral decay, and indifference to suffering, reflecting a broader critique of societal values.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

Premium

Unlock the full Jeremiah summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.