Jeremiah 15:13

KJV

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and [that] for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy substance {H2428} and thy treasures {H214} will I give {H5414} to the spoil {H957} without price {H4242}, and that for all thy sins {H2403}, even in all thy borders {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will give away your wealth and your treasures as plunder, and you will not be paid for them, because of all your sins throughout your territory;

Berean Standard Bible

Your wealth and your treasures I will give up as plunder, without charge for all your sins within all your borders.

American Standard Version

Thy substance and thy treasures will I give for a spoil without price, and that for all thy sins, even in all thy borders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 15:13 delivers a severe prophetic declaration of divine judgment against Judah, foretelling the comprehensive plunder of their wealth and possessions by an invading enemy. This economic devastation, described as occurring "without price," is explicitly stated as a direct and unavoidable consequence for the nation's cumulative and pervasive sins, impacting every corner of their land. The verse underscores God's unwavering justice in response to persistent unfaithfulness and covenant disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 15:13 is embedded within a section (chapters 14-15) that powerfully portrays the prophet Jeremiah's intercession for Judah, which is met with God's resolute determination to execute judgment. Following a severe drought (Jeremiah 14:1-6) and the people's confession of sin (Jeremiah 14:7-10), Jeremiah pleads for mercy (Jeremiah 14:19-22). However, God declares in Jeremiah 15:1 that even Moses and Samuel, renowned intercessors, could not avert the impending doom. The Lord then pronounces a four-fold judgment—sword, famine, captivity, and pestilence (Jeremiah 15:2-3)—against Judah, emphasizing their irreversible fate due to Manasseh's sins (Jeremiah 15:4). Verse 13, therefore, specifies the economic dimension of this widespread judgment, highlighting that their material security would be utterly stripped away as part of the broader divine retribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (c. 627-586 BC), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the rising threat of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. Despite the reforms under King Josiah, Judah quickly reverted to widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to the Mosaic covenant after his death. The people placed their trust in alliances, false prophets, and the perceived inviolability of the Jerusalem Temple, rather than in the Lord. Economically, Judah was an agricultural society, with wealth often measured in land, livestock, and accumulated treasures. Plunder by invading armies was a common consequence of defeat in ancient Near Eastern warfare, signifying complete subjugation and the loss of national sovereignty. The prophecy in Jeremiah 15:13 directly addresses this vulnerability, declaring that their accumulated wealth, a symbol of their prosperity and security, would be forfeited to their enemies, specifically the Babylonians who would eventually carry out the exile.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating that God is not merely a benevolent deity but also a righteous judge who holds His covenant people accountable for their actions. The explicit link between "all thy sins" and the impending economic ruin underscores the principle that sin has tangible, devastating consequences, a theme consistently echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Covenant Disobedience**. Judah's prosperity was contingent upon their faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant, and their persistent idolatry and moral corruption directly violated its terms, leading to the curses outlined in the law. Thirdly, it speaks to the **Futility of Earthly Security** when divorced from God. Judah trusted in its wealth and alliances, but God declares these very foundations of their security would be stripped away, illustrating that true security rests in Him alone. Finally, the phrase "in all thy borders" reinforces the theme of **Comprehensive National Judgment**, indicating that no part of the nation would be exempt from the impending devastation, a stark warning found throughout Jeremiah's prophecies concerning the coming [Babylonian exile](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah 25 - Prophecy of the Seventy-Year Babylonian Captivity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Substance (Hebrew, _chayil'_):** From H2428, this word primarily denotes force, strength, or ability, but it also extends to "means" or "resources," encompassing wealth, riches, goods, and even an army or valiant men. In Jeremiah 15:13, it refers to Judah's material assets, their accumulated wealth, and the very means by which they sustained themselves, emphasizing that their economic power would be utterly dismantled.
* **Treasures (Hebrew, _ʼôwtsâr'_):** From H214, this term signifies a depository, a storehouse, or accumulated riches. It speaks of valuable possessions, often stored in a treasury or cellar. Coupled with "substance," it paints a comprehensive picture of all forms of wealth—from general resources to specific, valuable hoards—that would be seized.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _baz'_):** From H957, this word means plunder, booty, or prey. It refers to goods taken by force during war or conquest. The declaration that Judah's wealth would be "given to the spoil" means it would become the rightful plunder of their conquerors, illustrating their complete helplessness and loss of ownership.
* **Without price (Hebrew, _mᵉchîyr'_):** From H4242, the root meaning is "to buy," and the term itself refers to price, payment, or wages. The phrase "without price" (בְּלֹא מְחִיר - _b'lo m'chir_) carries significant weight. It implies that the plunder would be taken without any compensation or payment whatsoever to Judah. It could also suggest that the enemy would take it effortlessly, without having to "pay a price" in terms of a difficult battle or negotiation. Theologically, it underscores the utter worthlessness of Judah's material wealth in the face of God's judgment, rendering it fit only for uncompensated seizure.
* **Sins (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** From H2403, this term denotes an offense, habitual sinfulness, its penalty, or even a sin offering. Here, it refers to Judah's collective and persistent transgressions against God's covenant, encompassing idolatry, injustice, and disobedience. The plural form "sins" emphasizes the cumulative and widespread nature of their unfaithfulness, which is explicitly stated as the direct cause of the catastrophic judgment.
* **Borders (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** From H1366, this word refers to a boundary, a limit, or by extension, the territory enclosed within those boundaries. The phrase "in all thy borders" signifies the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the judgment, indicating that no part of the nation, no city, and no individual within Judah would escape the plunder and loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price":** This opening clause highlights God's active role as the sovereign agent of judgment. He is the one who "gives" Judah's accumulated wealth—their general resources ("substance") and specific valuable possessions ("treasures")—over to be plundered ("spoil"). The phrase "without price" emphasizes the absolute and unhindered nature of this confiscation. It means the enemy would seize these assets freely, without compensation to Judah, or perhaps even without having to exert significant effort or "pay a price" themselves in terms of a costly conquest. It underscores Judah's utter helplessness and the worthlessness of their material security in the face of divine wrath.
* **"and [that] for all thy sins":** This crucial phrase unequivocally states the divine rationale for the impending devastation. The economic ruin is not random misfortune but a direct, just retribution for the nation's comprehensive and persistent transgressions against God. The plural "sins" points to the cumulative weight of their idolatry, covenant breaking, and moral corruption that had provoked God's judgment. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Judah's unfaithfulness and the severe consequences they would experience.
* **"even in all thy borders":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the widespread and inescapable nature of the judgment. The plunder and loss would not be confined to a specific region or city but would extend throughout the entire national territory of Judah. It signifies a comprehensive national calamity, indicating that no part of the land or its inhabitants would be exempt from the devastating effects of God's righteous wrath.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 15:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The primary device is **Divine Pronouncement**, where God Himself speaks directly, declaring His intentions with absolute authority ("will I give"). This direct address underscores the certainty and inevitability of the judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "in all thy borders," which emphasizes the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the devastation, suggesting that no corner of the land would escape the plunder. While literally possible, it serves to amplify the sense of total destruction. The phrase "without price" functions as a form of **Irony** or **Paradox**, as something valuable (substance, treasures) is rendered utterly worthless or freely taken, highlighting the complete reversal of Judah's fortunes and the futility of their material security. Furthermore, the verse uses **Metonymy**, where "substance and treasures" stand in for the nation's entire economic well-being and security, which is being targeted by divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 15:13 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is a righteous judge who holds His people accountable for their covenant fidelity. It demonstrates that persistent sin, particularly against a covenant relationship, inevitably leads to severe consequences, often manifested in the loss of material blessings and security that were once symbols of divine favor. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true prosperity and security are not found in accumulated wealth but in a right relationship with God. It foreshadows the ultimate stripping away of all earthly comforts when divine judgment is fully executed, emphasizing the transient nature of material possessions in the face of eternal spiritual realities. The judgment described here is not arbitrary but a just response to Judah's deep-seated spiritual rebellion, aligning with God's consistent character revealed throughout Scripture as both merciful and just.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath")
* [Hosea 13:16](/hosea/13-16 "Hosea 13:16 - Samaria's judgment for rebellion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 15:13 serves as a sobering reminder that actions have consequences, particularly in our relationship with a holy God. While believers today live under the new covenant of grace, the underlying principles of God's justice and His call to faithfulness remain immutable. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: where do we place our trust and security? Is it in our accumulated wealth, our material possessions, or our earthly achievements? Or is our ultimate security and treasure found in Christ alone? The "sins" of Judah were not merely individual transgressions but a collective turning away from God, a spiritual adultery. This prompts us to consider the state of our communities and nations, urging us to advocate for righteousness and justice, and to repent of any collective departure from God's ways. Ultimately, the verse calls us to prioritize spiritual fidelity over material accumulation, recognizing that true and lasting security is found only in obedience to God and a life surrendered to His will, preparing us for an eternal inheritance that cannot be plundered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be placing my trust in earthly "substance and treasures" rather than in God?**
* **How does the concept of "sins" leading to "spoil" challenge my understanding of divine justice and its implications for both individuals and communities today?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a deeper spiritual fidelity that prioritizes God's will above all material concerns?**

### FAQ

**What does "without price" truly signify in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "without price" (Hebrew: *b'lo m'chir*) carries multiple layers of meaning in Jeremiah 15:13. Primarily, it signifies that Judah's wealth and treasures would be taken by the invading enemy without any compensation or payment being given to Judah. This highlights the complete helplessness and subjugation of the nation; they would have no power to negotiate or demand recompense for their losses. Secondly, it can imply that the enemy would seize these goods effortlessly, without having to "pay a price" in terms of a difficult battle or significant resistance. From a theological perspective, it could also underscore the utter worthlessness of Judah's material wealth in God's eyes, given their persistent sin. Their treasures, which they perhaps relied upon for security, were so devalued by their spiritual unfaithfulness that they were fit only for uncompensated seizure, a stark demonstration of divine judgment.

**Was this prophecy literally fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, this prophecy was literally and devastatingly fulfilled with the Babylonian invasions and subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah, culminating in the exile in 586 BC. Historical accounts and archaeological evidence corroborate the extensive plunder of Judah's wealth, the destruction of its cities, and the deportation of its people. The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, systematically looted the Temple treasures, royal palaces, and private residences, taking valuable items back to Babylon (e.g., [2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Plunder of the Temple by Babylon")). This comprehensive economic devastation, reaching "in all thy borders," was a direct consequence of Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 15:13, with its stark declaration of judgment and the stripping away of earthly treasures due to sin, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a similar judgment upon believers, but in Christ's radical reversal of sin's consequences and His offer of an unplunderable inheritance. While Judah's "substance and treasures" were given to spoil "for all thy sins," Christ became the ultimate "spoil" for *our* sins, allowing Himself to be stripped, shamed, and crucified, becoming poor so that we might become rich (see [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He bore the full "price" of sin, the divine wrath that Judah experienced economically, upon Himself on the cross, thereby offering forgiveness and reconciliation "without price" to all who believe (see [Romans 3:24](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified freely by His grace")). The true "treasures" He offers are not earthly riches that can be plundered, but an eternal inheritance, a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and spiritual wealth that is incorruptible and undefiled (see [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay up treasures in heaven") and [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). In Christ, the devastating consequences of sin, once experienced "in all thy borders," are overcome by the boundless grace that extends to all who are "in Christ," offering a security and spiritual abundance that transcends any earthly loss.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 17:3

O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance [and] all thy treasures to the spoil, [and] thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.

Psalms 44:12

Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase [thy wealth] by their price.

Isaiah 52:3

For thus saith the LORD, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money.

Jeremiah 20:5

Moreover I will deliver all the strength of this city, and all the labours thereof, and all the precious things thereof, and all the treasures of the kings of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies, which shall spoil them, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

Isaiah 52:5

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day [is] blasphemed.

Jeremiah 15:8

Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused [him] to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city.