Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

JEREMIAH 15:13KJV
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Jeremiah 15:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:13 mean?

Jeremiah 15:13 says that God will allow all the wealth and treasures of the people to be taken away as plunder, without any payment, because of their sins throughout the land. This verse is a warning that the consequences of wrongdoing will reach every part of their territory and affect everything they value.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah. The situation is one of judgment: the people have repeatedly sinned, and now God declares that their possessions will be handed over to invaders as punishment. The loss is described as total and unavoidable, showing how serious the consequences of their actions have become.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:13

  • "Substance" (חַיִל, ḥayil) often means strength, wealth, or resources. Here, it emphasizes that not just luxury items, but all that gives the people security and standing, will be lost.
  • "Treasures" (אוֹצָר, ʾotsar) refers to stored valuables or riches. The use of this word highlights that even what is hidden or carefully guarded will not be spared.
  • "Spoil" (בַּז, baz) means plunder or loot taken by force. This word underlines the violence and helplessness of the loss—they will not be able to defend or bargain for their possessions.
  • "Without price" (בְּלִי מְחִיר, beli mekhir) means without payment or compensation. The people will not receive anything in return for what is taken; it will be a complete loss.
  • "Sins" (חַטָּאָה, ḥatta’ah) points to moral failings or offenses against God. The verse ties the coming disaster directly to the people's wrongdoing.
  • "Borders" (גְּבוּל, gevul) refers to the boundaries of the land. This shows that the judgment will be widespread, affecting every part of the nation.

Why Jeremiah 15:13 matters

  • Jeremiah 15:13 makes clear that the coming disaster is not random but is directly linked to the people's sins, helping readers understand the cause-and-effect nature of the judgment.
  • The verse stresses that no part of society or any possession is exempt from the consequences, highlighting the seriousness of turning away from what is right.
  • This warning fits into the broader message of Jeremiah, where God repeatedly calls the people to account for their actions and warns of real, tangible consequences for persistent disobedience.

Where else these words appear

“price” Hebrew H4242 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Isaiah 45:13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

“spoil” Hebrew H957 · used in 25 verses

  • Numbers 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt?
  • Jeremiah 2:14 Is Israel a servant? is he a homeborn slave? why is he spoiled?
  • Ezekiel 29:19 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.

“treasures” Hebrew H214 · used in 70 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.
  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.
  • Proverbs 21:20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.