Jeremiah 12:1
New International Version
You are always righteous, LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

New Living Translation
LORD, you always give me justice when I bring a case before you. So let me bring you this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy?

English Standard Version
Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?

Berean Standard Bible
Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

King James Bible
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

New King James Version
Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?

New American Standard Bible
Righteous are You, LORD, when I plead my case with You; Nevertheless I would discuss matters of justice with You: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?

NASB 1995
Righteous are You, O LORD, that I would plead my case with You; Indeed I would discuss matters of justice with You: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?

NASB 1977
Righteous art Thou, O LORD, that I would plead my case with Thee; Indeed I would discuss matters of justice with Thee: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are all those who deal in treachery at ease?

Legacy Standard Bible
Righteous are You, O Yahweh, when I would plead my case with You; Indeed I would speak matters of justice with You: Why has the way of the wicked succeeded? Why are all those who deal in treachery complacent?

Amplified Bible
You, O LORD are [uncompromisingly] righteous and consistently just when I plead my case with You; Yet let me discuss issues of justice with You: Why has the way of the wicked prospered? Why are those who deal in treachery (deceit) at ease and thriving?

Christian Standard Bible
You will be righteous, LORD, even if I bring a case against you. Yet, I wish to contend with you: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the treacherous live at ease?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You will be righteous, LORD, even if I bring a case against You. Yet, I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the treacherous live at ease?

American Standard Version
Righteous art thou, O Jehovah, when I contend with thee; yet would I reason the cause with thee: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they at ease that deal very treacherously?

Contemporary English Version
Whenever I complain to you, LORD, you are always fair. But now I have questions about your justice. Why is life easy for sinners? Why are they successful?

English Revised Version
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet would I reason the cause with thee: wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they at ease that deal very treacherously?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
O LORD, even if I would argue my case with you, you would always be right. Yet, I want to talk to you about your justice. Why do wicked people succeed? Why do treacherous people have peace and quiet?

Good News Translation
"LORD, if I argued my case with you, you would prove to be right. Yet I must question you about matters of justice. Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why do dishonest people succeed?

International Standard Version
You are righteous, LORD, even when I bring a complaint to you. But I want to discuss justice with you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper, while all who are treacherous are at ease?

Majority Standard Bible
Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

NET Bible
LORD, you have always been fair whenever I have complained to you. However, I would like to speak with you about the disposition of justice. Why are wicked people successful? Why do all dishonest people have such easy lives?

New Heart English Bible
You are righteous, LORD, when I contend with you; yet I would reason the cause with you: why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are they all at ease who deal very treacherously?

Webster's Bible Translation
Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me speak with thee of thy judgments: Why doth the way of the wicked prosper? why are they all happy that deal very treacherously?

World English Bible
You are righteous, Yahweh, when I contend with you; yet I would like to plead a case with you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are they all at ease who deal very treacherously?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
You [are] righteous, O YHWH, "" When I plead toward You, "" Only, let me speak judgments with You, "" Why did the way of the wicked prosper? All treacherous dealers have been at rest.

Young's Literal Translation
Righteous art Thou, O Jehovah, When I plead towards thee, Only, judgments do I speak with Thee, Wherefore did the way of the wicked prosper? At rest have been all treacherous dealers.

Smith's Literal Translation
Just art thou, O Jehovah, for I will strive to thee: surely I will speak judgments with thee: Wherefore did the way of the evil prosper? all they acting faithlessly with treachery were secure?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Thou indeed, O Lord, art just, if I plead with thee, but yet I will speak what is just to thee: Why doth the way of the wicked prosper: why is it well with all them that transgress, and do wickedly?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Certainly, O Lord, you are just. But if I may contend with you, while still speaking what is just to you: Why does the way of the impious prosper? Why is it well with all those who transgress and act unfairly?

New American Bible
You would be in the right, O LORD, if I should dispute with you; even so, I must lay out the case against you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper, why do all the treacherous live in contentment?

New Revised Standard Version
You will be in the right, O LORD, when I lay charges against you; but let me put my case to you. Why does the way of the guilty prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
RIGHTEOUS art thou. O LORD, when I plead with thee; yet let me talk of justice before thee. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are all the treacherous men rich?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
You are righteous, LORD JEHOVAH, that I may judge with you, however, I am speaking justice before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper, and why are all liars rich?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Right wouldest Thou be, O LORD, Were I to contend with Thee, Yet will I reason with Thee: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they secure that deal very treacherously?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Righteous art thou, O Lord, that I may make my defence to thee, yea, I will speak to thee of judgments. Why is it that the way of ungodly men prospers? that all hat deal very treacherously are flourishing?
Audio Bible



Context
The Prosperity of the Wicked
1Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? 2You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts.…

Cross References
Habakkuk 1:13
Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

Psalm 73:3-17
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. / They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed. / They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. ...

Job 21:7-13
Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. ...

Psalm 37:1-2
Of David. Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. / For they wither quickly like grass and wilt like tender plants.

Malachi 3:15
So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”

Psalm 94:3-7
How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? / They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast. / They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage. ...

Ecclesiastes 8:14
There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.

Psalm 49:16-17
Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.

Job 12:6
The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure—those who carry their god in their hands.

Psalm 92:7
that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed.

Matthew 13:24-30
Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. / But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away. / When the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. ...

Romans 9:14-21
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not! / For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” / So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ...

Revelation 6:10
And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge those who dwell upon the earth and avenge our blood?”

Luke 18:7-8
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels


Treasury of Scripture

Righteous are you, O LORD, when I plead with you: yet let me talk with you of your judgments: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they happy that deal very treacherously?

Righteous.

Jeremiah 11:20
But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

talk.

Job 13:3
Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.

Isaiah 41:21
Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.

wherefore doth.

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.

Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.

Job 21:7-15
Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power? …

deal.

Jeremiah 12:6
For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; yea, they have called a multitude after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

Jeremiah 5:11
For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 48:8
Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

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Jeremiah 12
1. Jeremiah, complaining of the prosperity of the wicked, by faith sees their ruin.
5. God admonishes him of his brothers' treachery against him;
7. and laments his heritage.
14. He promises to the penitent return from captivity.














Righteous are You, O LORD
The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tsaddiq), which conveys the idea of being just, lawful, and morally right. In the context of ancient Israel, righteousness was not merely a legal status but a relational one, reflecting God's covenant faithfulness. Jeremiah acknowledges God's inherent righteousness, setting the stage for his lament. This acknowledgment is crucial, as it frames the prophet's complaint within a context of faith and reverence, recognizing God's ultimate authority and moral perfection.

when I plead with You
The phrase "plead with You" comes from the Hebrew "אָשִׁיב" (ashiv), meaning to argue or present a case. This reflects a legal metaphor, where Jeremiah approaches God as one would a judge. In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was common for individuals to present their grievances before a deity, seeking divine intervention or clarification. Jeremiah's plea is not one of rebellion but of seeking understanding, demonstrating a deep, personal relationship with God where honest dialogue is encouraged.

yet I would speak with You about Your justice
The term "justice" is translated from the Hebrew "מִשְׁפָּט" (mishpat), which encompasses judgment, rights, and ordinances. Jeremiah's desire to speak about God's justice indicates a struggle to reconcile his understanding of divine justice with the reality he observes. This reflects a common biblical theme where human perception of justice is challenged by divine wisdom, as seen in the books of Job and Habakkuk. Jeremiah's approach is one of humility and inquiry, seeking to understand God's ways rather than accusing Him of wrongdoing.

Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
The word "prosper" is derived from the Hebrew "צָלַח" (tsalach), meaning to advance or succeed. This question echoes a timeless human concern about the apparent success of those who act contrary to God's will. In the historical context of Jeremiah, this was particularly poignant as Judah faced external threats and internal corruption. The prosperity of the wicked challenges the covenantal promises of blessings for obedience, prompting Jeremiah to seek divine insight into this paradox.

Why do all the faithless live at ease?
"Faithless" is translated from the Hebrew "בֹּגְדִים" (bogedim), referring to those who are treacherous or unfaithful. The phrase "live at ease" suggests a life free from the struggles and judgments that the faithful might expect the wicked to face. This observation is not just a personal grievance but a theological dilemma, questioning the visible outcomes of faithfulness versus unfaithfulness. Jeremiah's inquiry reflects a deep yearning for understanding God's timing and purposes, trusting that divine justice, though delayed, is ultimately certain.

(1) Yet let me talk with thee.--The soul of the prophet is vexed, as had been the soul of Job (Jeremiah 21:7), of Asaph (Psalms 73), and others, by the apparent anomalies of the divine government. He owns as a general truth that God is righteous, "yet," he adds, I will speak (or argue) my cause (literally, causes) with Thee. He will question the divine Judge till his doubt is removed. And the question is the ever-recurring one, Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? (Comp. Psalm 37:1; Psalm 73:3.) The "treacherous dealing" implies a reference to the conspirators of the previous chapter.

Wherefore are all they happy . . .--Better, at rest, or secure.

Verse 1. - Painfully exercised by the mysteries of the Divine government, the prophet opens his grief to Jehovah. Righteous art thou, etc.; rather, Righteous wouldest thou be, O Jehovah, if I should plead with thee; i.e. if I were to bring a charge against thee, I should be unable to convict thee of injustice (comp. Psalm 51:4; Job 9:2). The prophet, however, cannot refrain from laying before Jehovah a point which seems to him irreconcilable with the Divine righteousness. The rendering, indeed, must be modified. Let me talk with thee of thy judgments should rather be, yet will I debate questions of right with thee. The questions remind us of those of Job in Job 21, 24. Thus to have been the recipient of special Divine revelations, and to be in close communion with God, gives no security against the occasional ingress of doubting thoughts and spiritual distress. Wherefore are all they happy, etc.? rather, secure. The statement must be qualified by what follows. In the general calamity the wicked still fare the best.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Righteous
צַדִּ֤יק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

[are] You,
אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

O LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

when
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I plead
אָרִ֖יב (’ā·rîḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7378: To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend

before You.
אֵלֶ֑יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Yet
אַ֤ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

I wish to contend
מִשְׁפָּטִים֙ (miš·pā·ṭîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4941: A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style

with You:
אוֹתָ֔ךְ (’ō·w·ṯāḵ)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Why
מַדּ֗וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘)
Interrogative
Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason?

does the way
דֶּ֤רֶךְ (de·reḵ)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

of the wicked
רְשָׁעִים֙ (rə·šā·‘îm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7563: Wrong, an, bad person

prosper?
צָלֵ֔חָה (ṣā·lê·ḥāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6743: To push forward

Why do all the faithless
בָֽגֶד׃ (ḇā·ḡeḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 898: To cover, to act covertly, to pillage

live at ease?
שָׁל֖וּ (šā·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7951: To be tranquil, secure, successful


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 12:1 Righteous are you Yahweh when I contend (Jer.)
Jeremiah 11:23
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