Jeremiah 22:17 Meaning
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.
Context Explained
15Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?
16He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.
17But 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.
18Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!
19He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Proverbs 1:19
Both verses warn against the destructive nature of greed.
Matthew 5:21-22
Jesus expands on the consequences of violence, echoing Jeremiah's concerns.
Isaiah 10:1
Isaiah also condemns oppression and injustice, similar to Jeremiah.
Source: Jeremiah 22:17