Jeremiah 9:24 Meaning: What It Means to Boast in God
But let him who glories glory in this, that he has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for I delight in these things,” says Yahweh.
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 glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.
But--in this let the boaster boast himself, In understanding and knowing Me, For I am Jehovah, doing kindness, Judgment, and righteousness, in the earth, For in these I have delighted, An affirmation of Jehovah.
but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] Jehovah, who exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith Jehovah.
Meaning in one sentence
Jeremiah 9:24 teaches that true boasting is in understanding and knowing God, who delights in lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
Context
Jeremiah spoke to a people facing disaster. The walls of Jerusalem would fall, and exile was coming. In the middle of these warnings, God gives a different kind of message. He strips away every false source of confidence. Wisdom cannot save you. Military strength will not protect you. Riches mean nothing when judgment arrives. Then comes the turning point. God points to something that never fails: knowing Him. Not knowing facts about Him, but knowing Him as the God who shows lovingkindness, does what is just, and always acts rightly. That knowledge becomes the one thing worth boasting in.
Key Words
The verse pairs two kinds of knowing. The word 'understands' points to the mind grasping something true. The word 'knows' goes deeper, it means to experience and live in relationship with the One you know. Together they describe a knowledge that is both accurate and intimate.
The three attributes God names are the heart of His character. 'Lovingkindness' is steady, faithful love that does not give up. 'Justice' means God sets things right. 'Righteousness' means He always acts in perfect fairness. These are not distant ideas, God exercises them actively on the earth.
Then comes the surprising line: God delights in these things. He does not just do them; He enjoys them. When we know a God like that, we find something solid to rest our confidence on. We are no longer bragging about ourselves, but about the God who is truly worthy.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions hear this verse as the antidote to human pride. Reformed commentators like Calvin emphasize that all human glory must be stripped away so that glory in God alone remains. Wesley and Clarke, from the Methodist tradition, focus on the experiential knowledge of God, not just thinking rightly but living in relationship with Him. Catholic interpreters have seen here the call to center one’s life on God’s mercy and justice rather than on human achievement. The apostle Paul later echoes this very verse when he writes that the one who boasts should boast in the Lord. Across all these readings, the point holds: knowing God as He reveals Himself is the only safe foundation for boasting.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers take this verse as permission to boast about their spiritual knowledge, as if the point is 'I know God, so I am special.' In fact, the verse redirects all boasting away from ourselves and onto God. It is not a claim that we have superior insight. It is an invitation to find our confidence in who God is: the One who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. The glory belongs to Him, not to our understanding.
Living This Out
This week, notice where you look for your sense of worth. Is it in your intelligence, your success, your reputation, or your things? When those feel shaky, remember Jeremiah 9:24. Let your confidence rest in God's character instead. Spend a few minutes each day thanking God for one specific way He has shown lovingkindness, justice, or righteousness in your life. Let conversations with others naturally turn to what God is like rather than what you have done. This is not about ignoring your gifts, it is about putting them in their proper place, underneath the God who gives them.
Main takeaway: Knowing God's lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness is the one true boast, for God Himself delights in these things.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God says the very best thing to be proud of is knowing Him. He is loving, fair, and always good. When you know God, you have something to be really happy about!
For ages 9, 12
Sometimes we feel proud of being smart, strong, or having lots of stuff. But God tells us that the best thing to be proud of is knowing Him and understanding that He is loving, fair, and good. When you know God like that, you start to love what He loves: kindness, fairness, and doing what is right. That is something worth boasting about!
Questions People Ask
What does it mean to 'glory' or 'boast' in Jeremiah 9:24?
In the Bible, 'glory' or 'boast' means to put your confidence in something and celebrate it as your source of worth. The verse redirects that pride away from human achievements and toward knowing God. It does not forbid all positive feeling, it invites you to find your deepest joy in who God is.
How is 'knowing God' different from just knowing about God?
The word 'knows' in this verse implies a personal, experiential relationship, not just facts in your head. It is the same word used for Adam 'knowing' Eve (Genesis 4:1). Knowing God means trusting Him, walking with Him, and letting His character shape your life. It goes beyond information into intimacy.
Why does God mention lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness together?
These three attributes are a summary of God's character that runs through the Old Testament. Lovingkindness is His faithful covenant love. Justice is His setting things right. Righteousness is His perfect fairness. Together they show that God is both merciful and just. He does not have to choose between them, He exercises all three at once.
What does it mean that God 'delights' in these things?
God does not perform lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness reluctantly or out of duty. He enjoys them. They are what He wants to do. This tells us something beautiful: when we seek to know God, we are drawing near to a God who is happy in His own good character. His delight becomes our delight.
How does Jeremiah 9:24 connect to the New Testament?
The apostle Paul quotes the principle of this verse in 1 Corinthians 1:31: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' Paul applies it to the cross of Christ, where God's lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness are perfectly displayed. The New Testament does not replace this verse, it fills it out with the story of Jesus.
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