Old Testament
Jeremiah 22:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"But your eyes and your heart care about nothing except your own greed, shedding innocent blood, and crushing people through oppression and violence."
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But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.
What Jeremiah 22:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing a leader who is focused solely on personal gain and wealth. The leader's priorities are misguided, as they care only about their own desires, leading to harmful actions like violence and oppression. The shedding of innocent blood signifies the moral corruption and injustice that arise when leaders prioritize greed over the well-being of their people. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of selfishness and the consequences of neglecting justice and compassion. It highlights the importance of having a heart that cares for others rather than being consumed by personal ambition. Ultimately, it calls for leaders to reflect on their motivations and to act with integrity and responsibility towards those they govern.
How to apply Jeremiah 22:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own motivations and priorities. Are we acting out of self-interest, or are we considering the needs of others? We should strive to promote justice and compassion in our actions, ensuring that we do not contribute to oppression or harm in our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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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 22:17 teach about leadership?
Jeremiah 22:17 highlights the dangers of selfish leadership. It shows that leaders who focus solely on their own greed and desires can lead to oppression and violence. This verse serves as a reminder that true leadership should prioritize the well-being of others and promote justice rather than personal gain.
How can we apply Jeremiah 22:17 in our daily lives?
We can apply Jeremiah 22:17 by regularly examining our motivations and actions. It's important to ask ourselves if we are acting out of self-interest or if we are considering the needs of those around us. Striving for justice and compassion in our interactions can help us avoid contributing to harm or oppression in our communities.
What does 'shedding innocent blood' mean in this context?
In Jeremiah 22:17, 'shedding innocent blood' refers to the moral corruption and injustice that occur when leaders prioritize their own greed over the welfare of others. It symbolizes the harmful consequences of selfish actions that lead to violence and oppression against vulnerable individuals.
Why is greed considered dangerous according to Jeremiah 22:17?
Greed is considered dangerous in Jeremiah 22:17 because it blinds leaders to the needs of their people, leading to decisions that result in oppression and violence. When leaders are consumed by their own desires, they neglect justice and compassion, ultimately harming those they are meant to protect.
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