Translations
Modern
Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
Traditional
Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
Literal
Therefore I will give their wives to others, and their fields to those possessing them; for from the least and to the greatest, everyone is greedy for dishonest gain; from the prophet and to the priest, everyone deals falsely.
Latin
Propterea dabo mulieres eorum exteris, agros eorum hæredibus, quia a minimo usque ad maximum omnes avaritiam sequuntur: a propheta usque ad sacerdotem cuncti faciunt mendacium.
Original
Hebrew
English
Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
Notes
The phrase the wise is sarcastic. The Lord called their teachings foolish and revealed their greed (see Job 28:28). This sin controlled the prophets and priests, making them all frauds.
These verses repeat Jeremiah 6:13–15 from earlier.
The people protested God's judgment because they had the word of the Lord. God condemned them because they did not follow his word (see Matthew 7:26; James 1:22–25).
These three short poems were likely shared during the reign of Jehoiakim.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
- Prophecies of Jeremiahc. 628 BC
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (Old Testament) Book of Jeremiah Jeremiah (Person)
Topics
Backsliders: Backsliding of Israel Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Church: Backslidden Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning