Jeremiah 22:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 22:13 mean?

Jeremiah 22:13 warns against building personal wealth or comfort through injustice, especially by exploiting others and refusing to pay them for their labor. The verse declares trouble for anyone who gains a house and its rooms by treating others unfairly and withholding rightful wages.

Jeremiah, speaking God’s message to the leaders of Judah, addresses those in power who build luxurious homes while ignoring justice and fairness. The verse specifically calls out the practice of using a neighbor’s work without proper payment, highlighting how social and economic injustice was a real problem among the ruling class in Jerusalem at that time.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 22:13

• "Woe" (הוֹי, hoy): This word is often used in prophetic texts to announce judgment or sorrow, signaling that something is seriously wrong and consequences are coming.
• "Unrighteousness" (בְּלִי־צֶדֶק, b’li-tzedek): This term points to a lack of justice or fairness, not just legal wrongdoing but a deeper moral failure in how people are treated.
• "Service" (עָבַד, avad): This word means labor or work, and here it emphasizes that the neighbor’s efforts are real, valuable work that deserves compensation.
• "Wages" (חִנָּם, khinnam): This word can mean "without pay" or "for nothing," stressing that the worker is not being given what is due for their work, which is a direct violation of justice.

Why Jeremiah 22:13 matters

• Jeremiah 22:13 clarifies that God cares deeply about economic justice and the fair treatment of workers, not just religious rituals or outward piety.
• The verse highlights that exploiting others for personal gain is not just a social issue but a spiritual one, bringing God’s judgment.
• This warning fits into Jeremiah’s larger message to Judah’s leaders, showing that their disregard for justice is one reason for the coming national disaster.