To investigate the effects of exogenous methyl jasmonate(MeJA)on seed germination and seedling physiological characteristics of soybean under cadmium stress，different concentrations of exogenous MeJA were used to treat the seeds and seedlings of soybean under cadmium stress. The germination and physiological index of soybean were studied. The result showed that the germination of soybean seeds and physiological indicators of seedlings were significantly inhibited at a cadmium concentration of 0.1 mmol/L. Application of lower concentrations of exogenous MeJA effectively promoted the germination of soybean seeds，reduced the content of free proline and malondialdehyde in soybean seedling leaves，and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase，peroxidase，catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Application of exogenous MeJA at high concentrations greater than 150 μmol/L actually exhibited inhibitory effects on seed germination and reactive oxygen species metabolism. The results indicated that appropriate concentrations of exogenous MeJA effectively alleviated the damage of heavy metal cadmium stress to soybean seedlings，while excessively high concentrations of MeJA had adverse effects on the growth and metabolism of soybean seedlings. Therefore，100 μmol/L of exogenous MeJA could effectively promote the germination and seedling growth of soybean seeds under cadmium stress.