Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

JEREMIAH 8:10KJV
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Jeremiah 8:10 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 8:10 mean?

Jeremiah 8:10 says that God will allow the people’s wives and fields to be taken by others because everyone, from the lowest to the highest—including prophets and priests—has become greedy and dishonest. The verse points to widespread corruption and unfaithfulness as the reason for this judgment.

Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah, warning them about the consequences of their actions. The leaders, who should have set an example, are just as guilty as everyone else. This verse shows that the whole society, not just a few individuals, has turned away from what is right, leading to serious consequences for families and property.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 8:10

  • The word for "covetousness" is בֶּצַע (betza‘, H1215), which means unjust gain or greed. This highlights that the problem is not just desire, but a willingness to do wrong for personal benefit.
  • "Dealeth falsely" comes from שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, H8267), meaning to act with deception or falsehood. This shows that dishonesty is a core issue, even among religious leaders.
  • "Others" is אֲחֵרִים (’acherim, H312), meaning "other people" or "strangers," emphasizing that outsiders will take what belonged to the people because of their unfaithfulness.
  • "Inherit" is יָרַשׁ (yarash, H3423), meaning to take possession or dispossess. This word often refers to taking over land, underlining the loss of what was once theirs.

Why Jeremiah 8:10 matters

  • Jeremiah 8:10 makes clear that corruption and greed are not limited to a few bad people, but have spread through every level of society, including those expected to be spiritual guides.
  • The verse warns that unfaithfulness and dishonesty have real, painful consequences, affecting families and livelihoods.
  • By connecting the leaders’ actions to the nation’s downfall, Jeremiah 8:10 helps explain why judgment is coming, tying personal choices to national disaster.

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 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;