As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

JEREMIAH 5:27KJV
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Jeremiah 5:27 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 5:27 mean?

Jeremiah 5:27 compares the homes of the people to cages full of birds, saying their houses are packed with deceit, which is why they have become powerful and wealthy. The verse points out that their prosperity comes from dishonest and deceptive behavior, not from honest work.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah on behalf of God. He uses the image of a cage (like a trap) overflowing with birds to describe how the people’s homes are filled with trickery and lies. The verse is part of a larger warning about widespread corruption and injustice in Jerusalem, showing that their success is built on wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 5:27

  • "Cage" (כֵּלֶא, kele’): This word often means a trap or enclosure, not just a simple birdcage. The image is of something designed to capture and confine, emphasizing how deceit is trapped and stored up in their homes.
  • "Deceit" (מִרְמָה, mirmah): This word means trickery, fraud, or dishonesty. The verse highlights that the wealth and greatness of the people come from schemes and unfair practices, not from integrity.

Why Jeremiah 5:27 matters

  • Jeremiah 5:27 clarifies that the problem is not just individual dishonesty but a society where corruption fills entire households, making deceit a normal part of life.
  • The verse uses a vivid picture to show that what looks like prosperity and success on the outside may actually be built on hidden wrongdoing.
  • This verse connects to the larger message in Jeremiah 5, where the prophet exposes the deep-rooted injustice and calls the people to recognize the true source of their troubles.

Where else these words appear

“cage” Hebrew H3619 · used in 3 verses

  • Amos 8:1 Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit.
  • Amos 8:2 And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.

“rich” Hebrew H6238 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 14:23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
  • Psalms 65:9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

“deceit” Hebrew H4820 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:35 And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing.
  • Psalms 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
  • Proverbs 14:25 A true witness delivereth souls: but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

“full” Hebrew H4392 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 23:9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you.
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.