This verse warns that when every part of society turns away from truth to greed, dire consequences follow.
“Therefore I will give their wives to others, Their fields to new owners; Because from the least even to the greatest Everyone is greedy for gain; From the prophet even to the priest Everyone practices deceit.” (Jeremiah 8:10) In this statement, the LORD declares that the people’s unfaithfulness carries real consequences. Jeremiah, a prophet who served from around 627 B.C. to at least 582 B.C., speaks to the southern kingdom of Judah. He warns them that their selfish desires, corruption, and pursuits of profit have not gone unnoticed by God. Notice that the pronouncement includes everyone—from ordinary citizens to the religious leaders—revealing how pervasive sin had become among the people. No segment of society is spared, because greed and deception have infiltrated all ranks.
When Jeremiah’s message says, “I will give their wives to others, Their fields to new owners” (Jeremiah 8:10), it paints a severe but fitting picture of the coming judgment. The land of Judah, located in the southern part of what is today Israel, was at risk of being seized. This warning would soon come to pass in the form of foreign invasion—likely pointing to the Babylonian forces—who would overtake Jerusalem and deport many of its inhabitants. This consequence serves as an illustration of how the people’s pursuit of personal gain above godly obedience removes the divine protection and blessings they once knew.
Furthermore, the text continues to show that “from the prophet even to the priest Everyone practices deceit” (Jeremiah 8:10). Spiritual leaders, responsible for guiding the nation toward righteousness, have also become ensnared in greed and falsehood. This tragic corruption of religious leadership mirrors warnings found throughout the Bible that those who are entrusted with teaching and shepherding must remain faithful (James 3:1). Ultimately, God intends to restore His people, but the severity of His message through Jeremiah underscores the seriousness of persisting in deceit, calling believers across time to examine their hearts and heed the invitation to repent and be reconciled to God—a theme echoed in Jesus’ call to integrity and repentance (Matthew 4:17).
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Jeremiah 8:10 meaning
“Therefore I will give their wives to others, Their fields to new owners; Because from the least even to the greatest Everyone is greedy for gain; From the prophet even to the priest Everyone practices deceit.” (Jeremiah 8:10) In this statement, the LORD declares that the people’s unfaithfulness carries real consequences. Jeremiah, a prophet who served from around 627 B.C. to at least 582 B.C., speaks to the southern kingdom of Judah. He warns them that their selfish desires, corruption, and pursuits of profit have not gone unnoticed by God. Notice that the pronouncement includes everyone—from ordinary citizens to the religious leaders—revealing how pervasive sin had become among the people. No segment of society is spared, because greed and deception have infiltrated all ranks.
When Jeremiah’s message says, “I will give their wives to others, Their fields to new owners” (Jeremiah 8:10), it paints a severe but fitting picture of the coming judgment. The land of Judah, located in the southern part of what is today Israel, was at risk of being seized. This warning would soon come to pass in the form of foreign invasion—likely pointing to the Babylonian forces—who would overtake Jerusalem and deport many of its inhabitants. This consequence serves as an illustration of how the people’s pursuit of personal gain above godly obedience removes the divine protection and blessings they once knew.
Furthermore, the text continues to show that “from the prophet even to the priest Everyone practices deceit” (Jeremiah 8:10). Spiritual leaders, responsible for guiding the nation toward righteousness, have also become ensnared in greed and falsehood. This tragic corruption of religious leadership mirrors warnings found throughout the Bible that those who are entrusted with teaching and shepherding must remain faithful (James 3:1). Ultimately, God intends to restore His people, but the severity of His message through Jeremiah underscores the seriousness of persisting in deceit, calling believers across time to examine their hearts and heed the invitation to repent and be reconciled to God—a theme echoed in Jesus’ call to integrity and repentance (Matthew 4:17).