Old Testament
Jeremiah 17:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Like a partridge that sits on eggs but does not hatch them, so is the person who gains wealth dishonestly. In the middle of his life, he will leave it behind, and in the end, he will be a fool.
Compare translations
As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.
What Jeremiah 17:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse uses the imagery of a partridge sitting on eggs that will never hatch to illustrate the futility of gaining wealth through dishonest means. Just as the partridge will not see the fruits of its labor, a person who acquires riches unethically will ultimately lose them. The verse warns that such a person will not enjoy their wealth for long and will face foolishness in the end. This reflects a broader biblical principle that emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in all pursuits. Wealth gained through deceit may seem appealing, but it leads to emptiness and regret. The message encourages individuals to seek wealth through righteous means, ensuring that their efforts yield lasting and meaningful results, rather than temporary gains that lead to downfall.
How to apply Jeremiah 17:11 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to pursue wealth and success through honest and ethical means. It encourages individuals to reflect on their methods of gaining resources and to prioritize integrity over quick gains. Ultimately, true fulfillment comes from hard work and righteousness.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Jeremiah 17:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Jeremiah 17:11
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 17:11 mean?
Jeremiah 17:11 compares a dishonest person who gains wealth to a partridge sitting on eggs that will never hatch. It illustrates that acquiring riches through unethical means leads to loss and foolishness in the end.
What is the meaning of dishonestly gained wealth in Jeremiah 17:11?
In Jeremiah 17:11, dishonestly gained wealth refers to riches obtained through deceitful or unethical practices. The verse warns that such wealth is ultimately futile and will not bring lasting satisfaction.
How does Jeremiah 17:11 relate to integrity?
Jeremiah 17:11 underscores the value of integrity by showing that wealth gained dishonestly is fleeting and leads to foolishness. It encourages individuals to seek success through honest efforts.
What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 17:11?
The lesson from Jeremiah 17:11 is to prioritize ethical practices in the pursuit of wealth. It teaches that true fulfillment comes from hard work and integrity rather than quick, dishonest gains.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.