O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.

JEREMIAH 17:3KJV
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Jeremiah 17:3 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 17:3 mean?

Jeremiah 17:3 describes God’s warning that the people’s wealth, treasures, and sacred places will be handed over to their enemies as punishment for their sins. The verse uses the image of “my mountain in the field” to refer to Jerusalem or Zion, highlighting that even what is most valued and secure will be lost.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Judah. The situation is one of looming judgment because the people have turned to idolatry and sin. The mention of “high places for sin” points to the locations where the people worshipped other gods, and God declares that these, along with all their possessions, will be given over to “the spoil”—that is, to plunder by foreign invaders.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 17:3

  • “Mountain” (הַר, har): This word often refers to a place of strength or significance. Here, it likely points to Jerusalem or the temple mount, emphasizing that even the most sacred or secure place is not exempt from judgment.
  • “Substance” (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean wealth, resources, or strength. It highlights that not just physical treasures, but all sources of strength and prosperity, will be lost.
  • “High places” (בָּמָה, bamah): These were elevated sites used for worship, often associated with idolatry. God singles out these places as especially offensive and subject to destruction.
  • “Sin” (חַטָּאת, chatta’th): The word used here is the common term for sin, underlining that the reason for this loss is the people’s wrongdoing, especially their idolatry.

Why Jeremiah 17:3 matters

  • Jeremiah 17:3 clarifies that judgment is not just about losing material wealth but also about the loss of spiritual and cultural identity, as even sacred places are included in what will be taken.
  • The verse connects the people’s sin directly to the coming disaster, making it clear that the punishment is not arbitrary but a direct result of their actions.
  • This verse helps set the tone for the surrounding passage, showing how deeply the people’s unfaithfulness has affected their relationship with God and the security of their nation.

Where else these words appear

“mountain” Hebrew H2042 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 14:6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
  • Psalms 30:7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
  • Psalms 87:1 A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah. His foundation is in the holy mountains.

“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.

“places” Hebrew H1116 · used in 92 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • 2 Kings 15:35 Howbeit the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the LORD.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:12 Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away his high places and his altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon it?