Old Testament
Jeremiah 6:13
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From the least to the greatest, everyone is driven by greed; from the prophet to the priest, everyone acts deceitfully.
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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.
What Jeremiah 6:13 means
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.
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
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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 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.
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