For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

JEREMIAH 6:13KJV
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Jeremiah 6:13 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 6:13 mean?

Jeremiah 6:13 says that everyone in the society, from the most unimportant person to the most important, is greedy and dishonest—even those who are supposed to be spiritual leaders. The verse points out that both prophets and priests are acting falsely, showing that corruption has spread everywhere.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah, warning them about the deep moral decay in their nation. He highlights that the problem is not limited to ordinary people but includes those who should be guiding the nation spiritually. This verse is part of a larger warning about coming judgment because the people and their leaders have turned away from what is right.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 6:13

  • "least" (קָטֹן, qaton): This word refers to those who are considered insignificant or of low status. Jeremiah includes everyone, not just the powerful, in his criticism.
  • "greatest" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means those with high status or influence. The pairing with "least" shows that the problem is universal.
  • "given" (בָּצַע, batsá): This verb often means to be greedy for gain or to pursue dishonest profit. It suggests an active desire for more, even at the expense of others.
  • "covetousness" (בֶּצַע, betsa): This noun refers to unjust gain or selfish greed. The verse emphasizes that this is not just a passing temptation but a defining trait of the people.
  • "prophet" (נָבִיא, navi): Prophets were supposed to speak God’s truth, but Jeremiah accuses them of failing in their role.
  • "priest" (כֹּהֵן, kohen): Priests were responsible for spiritual leadership and teaching, yet they too are acting dishonestly.
  • "dealeth" (עָשָׂה, asah) and "falsely" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): Together, these words mean to act in a false or deceitful way, stressing that the dishonesty is active and deliberate.

Why Jeremiah 6:13 matters

  • Jeremiah 6:13 clears up any idea that only certain groups were to blame for Judah’s problems; it shows that corruption was widespread, affecting every level of society.
  • The verse highlights that even those who were supposed to be moral examples—the prophets and priests—were deeply compromised, which would have shocked Jeremiah’s audience.
  • This verse sets up the seriousness of the warnings in the surrounding passage, explaining why judgment was coming and why it would be so severe.

Where else these words appear

“given” Hebrew H1214 · used in 16 verses

  • Job 6:9 Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
  • Isaiah 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
  • Ezekiel 22:27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.

“covetousness” Hebrew H1215 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 37:26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood?
  • Proverbs 1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
  • Jeremiah 22:17 But thine eyes and thine heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

“least” Hebrew H6996 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • 1 Samuel 15:17 And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel?
  • 2 Chronicles 31:15 And next him were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brethren by courses, as well to the great as to the small:

“falsely” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.