Old Testament

Jeremiah 6:13

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Jeremiah 6:13, the prophet highlights a pervasive problem in society: greed and dishonesty.

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
CBTClear Bible Translation

From the least to the greatest, everyone is driven by greed; from the prophet to the priest, everyone acts deceitfully.

KJVKing James Version

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jeremiah 6:13, the prophet highlights a pervasive problem in society: greed and dishonesty. He points out that this issue affects everyone, from the poorest to the richest, and even those in positions of spiritual leadership, like prophets and priests. This indicates a moral decay where people prioritize their desires over integrity and truth. The verse serves as a warning about the consequences of such behavior, suggesting that when leaders and the general populace are driven by selfishness, it leads to a breakdown of trust and righteousness in the community. The mention of both religious leaders and common people emphasizes that no one is exempt from this corruption, and it calls for self-examination and repentance. The overarching message is a call to return to honesty and genuine faithfulness, as the current state of affairs is detrimental to both individuals and society as a whole. Explore related materialism.

Key themes

Related topics

materialism, deceit, corruption

How to apply Jeremiah 6:13 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own motivations and actions. Are we driven by greed or honesty in our daily lives? It challenges us to seek integrity in our dealings, whether in personal relationships or professional settings, and to hold ourselves accountable to higher moral standards.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 6:13 say about greed?

Jeremiah 6:13 addresses the issue of greed by stating that everyone, from the least to the greatest, is driven by covetousness. This highlights how greed permeates all levels of society, indicating that it is a widespread problem that affects individuals regardless of their social status.

How does Jeremiah 6:13 relate to leadership?

In Jeremiah 6:13, the prophet points out that even those in positions of spiritual authority, like prophets and priests, are not immune to deceit. This suggests that leadership failure contributes to societal corruption, as leaders set examples for others. The verse serves as a reminder that integrity is crucial for those in power.

What is the main message of Jeremiah 6:13?

The main message of Jeremiah 6:13 is a warning about the moral decay caused by greed and dishonesty in society. It emphasizes the need for self-examination and repentance, urging individuals and leaders alike to prioritize integrity and truth over selfish desires to restore trust and righteousness.

How can we apply Jeremiah 6:13 in our lives today?

We can apply Jeremiah 6:13 by reflecting on our own motivations and ensuring that we act with honesty and integrity in our daily interactions. This verse challenges us to hold ourselves accountable to higher moral standards, whether in personal relationships or professional environments, and to resist the temptation of greed.

The Book of Jeremiah
Book Summary

The Book of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah

The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.

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