Jeremiah 17:11

KJV

[As] the partridge sitteth [on eggs], and hatcheth [them] not; [so] he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the partridge {H7124} sitteth {H1716} on eggs, and hatcheth {H3205} them not; so he that getteth {H6213} riches {H6239}, and not by right {H4941}, shall leave {H5800} them in the midst {H2677} of his days {H3117}, and at his end {H319} shall be a fool {H5036}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A partridge hatches eggs it did not lay; like this are those who get rich unjustly: in the prime of life their wealth will desert them; in the end they will prove to be fools.

Berean Standard Bible

Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”

American Standard Version

As the partridge that sitteth on eggs which she hath not laid, so is he that getteth riches, and not by right; in the midst of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 17:11 issues a profound warning against the futility and ultimate disgrace of acquiring wealth through unjust means. Employing the vivid imagery of a partridge that labors over eggs it cannot successfully hatch or retain, the prophet illustrates that riches gained dishonestly are inherently unstable and will not endure. Such ill-gotten prosperity, far from providing security or lasting satisfaction, will be abruptly lost, often prematurely, leaving the unrighteous accumulator exposed as a fool—a person utterly devoid of true wisdom and moral integrity, both in the eyes of humanity and, more significantly, before God. This verse powerfully underscores divine justice, emphasizing that genuine wisdom and enduring blessing are found not in material accumulation, but in integrity, righteousness, and a right relationship with the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 17:11 is strategically positioned within a broader theological discourse that contrasts human trust with divine trust, serving as a concrete illustration of God's judicial oversight. The chapter commences with a stark indictment of Judah's ingrained sin, described as being "engraved with an iron pen" upon their hearts and altars, signifying a deep-seated spiritual rebellion against God's covenant, as detailed in [Jeremiah 17:1](/jeremiah/17-1 "Jeremiah 17:1 - Judah's Inscribed Sin"). This sets the stage for a critical distinction: the cursed state of those who rely on human strength and turn their hearts from the Lord, likened to a parched shrub in a desert, found in [Jeremiah 17:5-6](/jeremiah/17-5-6 "Jeremiah 17:5-6 - The Curse of Trusting in Man"), versus the blessedness of those who trust in the Lord, who are like a tree planted by water, bearing fruit even in drought, as depicted in [Jeremiah 17:7-8](/jeremiah/17-7-8 "Jeremiah 17:7-8 - The Blessing of Trusting in God"). Immediately preceding our verse, [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9-10 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart and God's Judgment") declares the heart to be "deceitful above all things" and "desperately sick," yet asserts God's absolute knowledge as the one who "searches the heart and tests the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." Within this profound framework, [Jeremiah 17:11](/jeremiah/17-11 "Jeremiah 17:11 - The Futility of Ill-Gotten Gain") functions as a vivid example of how God brings consequences upon those whose "ways" are characterized by injustice and dishonest gain, demonstrating the practical outworking of the divine judgment described in the preceding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Jeremiah ministered during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), a period characterized by profound political instability, widespread spiritual apostasy, and rampant social injustice, ultimately leading to the devastating Babylonian exile. The people of Judah, despite their covenant relationship with Yahweh, had largely abandoned His laws, engaging in idolatry, oppressing the vulnerable, and pervasive corruption. Wealth accumulation, often achieved through exploitative and unethical practices, was a significant societal problem, reflecting a nation that had lost its moral and spiritual compass. The analogy of the partridge (Hebrew: _qôrêʼ_) would have been immediately familiar and impactful to an agrarian society deeply connected to the natural world. Ancient Near Eastern observations of the partridge sometimes noted its tendency to lay eggs in other birds' nests or, conversely, its vulnerability to having its own nest disturbed, leading to the abandonment or destruction of its eggs. The concept of "right" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) was central to Israelite law and justice, encompassing fair judgment, equitable dealings, and adherence to God's righteous standards. To acquire riches "not by right" implied a severe violation of these foundational principles, a common and destructive practice in a society that increasingly valued material gain over covenant faithfulness and communal well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prominent in Jeremiah and throughout the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **futility of ill-gotten wealth**, emphasizing that material possessions acquired through injustice are inherently unstable and cannot provide lasting security, satisfaction, or true inheritance. This stands in stark contrast to the genuine prosperity that comes from God's blessing upon righteous endeavors, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine justice and retribution**, affirming that God, as the righteous judge who "searches the heart" (as declared in [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - God Searches the Heart")), will inevitably bring consequences upon those who deviate from His moral law. Their ill-gotten gains will be stripped away, often prematurely, demonstrating God's active involvement in upholding justice. Thirdly, it speaks to the **nature of true wisdom versus foolishness**. In biblical thought, a "fool" (Hebrew: _nâbâl_) is not merely intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually bankrupt—one who disregards God's commands and wisdom, leading to self-destruction. The pursuit of dishonest gain is thus presented as the epitome of foolishness, culminating in a bitter and ignominious end. Finally, the verse reinforces the pervasive theme of **consequences of disobedience and injustice**, serving as a potent warning against the covetousness, exploitation, and unethical practices prevalent in Judah, demonstrating that such actions lead to ruin rather than lasting prosperity or happiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Partridge (Hebrew, _qôrêʼ_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to call," refers to a specific type of bird known for its distinctive cry (e.g., the Chukar partridge). In ancient Near Eastern folklore and observation, the partridge was sometimes associated with stealing eggs from other birds' nests or with being easily disturbed from its own nest, leading to the destruction or abandonment of its eggs. The analogy here is crucial: just as the partridge's efforts to hatch eggs (whether its own or stolen) are ultimately fruitless, so too are the efforts of one who accumulates wealth unjustly. The "sitting" implies a period of effort and expectation, but the "not hatching" signifies a complete failure to achieve the desired outcome or to retain the fruit of that labor.
* **By right (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ_):** This term is foundational to biblical justice and law. It signifies a verdict, a judgment, or a legal right, encompassing what is just, fair, and lawful according to God's standards. When riches are obtained "not by right," it means they are acquired through unjust, unlawful, or unethical means—such as fraud, oppression, exploitation, or dishonest dealings. It implies a violation of God's moral order and the covenant principles of equity and righteousness. The absence of _mishpâṭ_ in the acquisition of wealth renders it illegitimate and condemned in God's eyes.
* **Fool (Hebrew, _nâbâl_):** In biblical wisdom literature, a _nâbâl_ is not merely unintelligent but morally perverse and spiritually bankrupt. This "fool" is one who acts contrary to God's wisdom, denies His existence or authority, and lives a life characterized by impiety, wickedness, and self-serving behavior. The ultimate consequence of acquiring wealth "not by right" is to be exposed as a _nâbâl_ at the end of one's days. This signifies not just a loss of wealth, but a profound moral and spiritual bankruptcy, a public revelation of one's true, misguided character, and a life ultimately devoid of true meaning or lasting value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not":** This opening clause establishes the simile, drawing a direct parallel from the natural world. The partridge expends effort in sitting on eggs, but for various reasons (abandonment, infertility, predation, or even the failure of stolen eggs to produce viable offspring), its labor is ultimately in vain. The eggs do not produce offspring, symbolizing a lack of true possession or lasting fruit despite initial effort and expectation.
* **"so he that getteth riches, and not by right":** This clause introduces the human equivalent of the partridge's futile endeavor. It refers to an individual who actively pursues and acquires wealth, but critically, does so through means that violate divine justice and moral integrity. This "getting" is tainted by unrighteousness, whether through deceit, exploitation, oppression, or any form of injustice that disregards God's moral law.
* **"shall leave them in the midst of his days":** This is the immediate, often temporal, consequence of acquiring wealth unjustly. The ill-gotten riches, which were intended to provide security and enjoyment, will be lost prematurely, before the natural end of one's life. This could occur through various means: confiscation, economic collapse, divine judgment, or simply the inability to truly enjoy or pass on what was unjustly gained. The "midst of his days" suggests a sudden, unexpected, and often humiliating reversal of fortune.
* **"and at his end shall be a fool":** This final clause describes the ultimate and inescapable spiritual and moral consequence. Regardless of how much wealth was accumulated, the unrighteous individual will, by the end of their life, be revealed as a _nâbâl_—a morally bankrupt and spiritually unwise person. Their life's pursuit will be exposed as misguided, their efforts futile, and their legacy one of folly rather than true wisdom or lasting value. This is a damning judgment not just on their actions, but on their very character and the ultimate outcome of a life lived contrary to God's wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 17:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Simile**, explicitly introduced by "As... so..." to draw a direct comparison between the partridge's futile brooding and the unrighteous acquisition of wealth. This simile functions as an **Analogy**, making an abstract moral truth concrete and relatable through a familiar natural phenomenon. The partridge itself serves as a **Symbolism** of deceptive appearance and ultimate fruitlessness; its "sitting" suggests effort and expectation, but its "not hatching" signifies a lack of true possession or lasting outcome. The "riches" acquired "not by right" are also symbolic, representing false security and a misplaced trust in material gain over divine principles. The phrase "in the midst of his days" employs **Irony**, as the very wealth intended for security is lost prematurely, undermining the accumulator's presumed success and exposing their vulnerability. Finally, the declaration that the unrighteous person "at his end shall be a fool" serves as a stark **Foreshadowing** of their ultimate spiritual and moral bankruptcy, a final, damning judgment on a life lived contrary to God's wisdom and righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 17:11 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice and the inherent instability of wealth acquired through unrighteous means. It underscores that God, as the sovereign judge, sees beyond outward appearances and evaluates the heart's intentions and the means by which prosperity is gained. True wealth, from a theological perspective, is not merely material accumulation but encompasses spiritual richness, integrity, and a right relationship with God. Any attempt to bypass God's moral order for financial gain is ultimately self-defeating, leading to a loss of both temporal possessions and eternal standing. The verse warns against the idolatry of mammon and emphasizes that lasting security and true honor are found only in obedience to God's righteous statutes. It aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God is actively involved in human affairs, ensuring that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail, exposing the folly of those who defy His ways and pursue transient gains over enduring righteousness.

* [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Dishonest Wealth Dwindles")
* [Luke 12:20-21](/luke/12-20-21 "Luke 12:20-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Loving Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 17:11 stands as a timeless call to integrity, reminding us that the means by which we acquire our resources are as crucial as the resources themselves. In a world often driven by the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, and success, this verse challenges us to examine our motivations and methods. It compels us to ask whether our gains are truly "by right"—ethically, justly, and in alignment with God's principles—or if we are, like the partridge, attempting to possess what is not truly ours or what we cannot genuinely sustain. The ultimate outcome for the unrighteous is not just financial loss, but a deeper spiritual bankruptcy, being exposed as a "fool" in the grand scheme of eternity. This should prompt a profound re-evaluation of what constitutes true prosperity and lasting inheritance, shifting our focus from fleeting earthly accumulations to the enduring values of righteousness, character, and a life lived in humble obedience to God. It calls us to cultivate a heart that trusts in God's provision and wisdom, rather than resorting to dishonest schemes for temporary gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek gain "not by right," and what does "by right" truly mean in my context, both personally and professionally?**
* **How does the pursuit of wealth, even through seemingly legitimate means, sometimes blind me to God's ultimate judgment and the true measure of a life well-lived?**
* **What does it mean for me to be a "fool" in the biblical sense, and how can I actively cultivate true wisdom that prioritizes God's ways over worldly success and fleeting possessions?**
* **If all ill-gotten gains are ultimately lost, what kind of "treasures" am I truly investing in for the long term, and how do those investments reflect my ultimate priorities?**

### FAQ
**What is the specific meaning of the partridge analogy in Jeremiah 17:11?**

Answer: The partridge analogy in [Jeremiah 17:11](/jeremiah/17-11 "Jeremiah 17:11 - The Futility of Ill-Gotten Gain") is interpreted in a few ways, all conveying the central theme of futility and ultimate loss. One common understanding, rooted in ancient observations, is that the partridge would sometimes steal eggs from other birds' nests and attempt to hatch them, only for the foreign chicks to abandon her once hatched, or for the eggs to fail to hatch at all. Another view suggests that the partridge is easily disturbed from its own nest, leading to the destruction or abandonment of its eggs. In either case, the core message is the same: despite the effort of "sitting," the partridge ultimately fails to bring forth or retain offspring. Similarly, a person who acquires wealth "not by right" (unjustly) expends effort but will ultimately fail to truly possess or enjoy that wealth; it will be lost, and their efforts will prove fruitless and ultimately self-defeating.

**What does it mean to "get riches, and not by right"?**

Answer: To "get riches, and not by right" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_) means to acquire wealth through unjust, unethical, or unlawful means, violating God's standards of righteousness and fairness. This could include a wide range of practices such as exploitation of the poor, fraud, deceit, extortion, bribery, or any form of dishonest dealing that takes advantage of others or circumvents established laws and moral principles. It contrasts sharply with wealth obtained through honest labor, fair dealings, and God's blessing, which is often affirmed in wisdom literature as a source of true and enduring prosperity, as seen in [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord"). Such ill-gotten gain is an affront to God's character and His desire for justice in human society.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of prosperity or success in contemporary society?**

Answer: Jeremiah 17:11 offers a crucial counter-narrative to many contemporary definitions of prosperity and success, particularly those that prioritize material gain above all else, or that imply God always blesses with physical wealth regardless of the means. The verse directly challenges the notion that financial success, however achieved, is a sign of divine favor or a guarantee of lasting happiness. Instead, it asserts that true, enduring prosperity is inextricably linked to righteousness and integrity. It warns against the dangers of covetousness and the deceptive allure of quick, dishonest gains, reminding us that such "success" is fleeting and ultimately leads to spiritual and moral bankruptcy. It calls believers to pursue success with integrity, trusting in God's provision and justice rather than worldly schemes, aligning perfectly with New Testament teachings on seeking God's kingdom first and His righteousness, knowing that all necessary things will be added ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 17:11, with its stark warning against the futility of ill-gotten gain and the ultimate foolishness of those who pursue it, finds its profound fulfillment and ultimate answer in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament condemnation of earthly treasures acquired unjustly and the declaration of the accumulator's folly are perfectly illuminated by Christ's radical redefinition of true wealth and wisdom. Jesus consistently warned against the deceptive nature and spiritual dangers of material possessions, famously declaring that "no one can serve two masters" and that we cannot serve both God and money ([Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve God and Money")). He exhorted His followers to "not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" ([Matthew 6:19-20](/matthew/6-19-20 "Matthew 6:19-20 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")), directly addressing the very transience and insecurity of earthly riches that Jeremiah highlights. The "fool" in Jeremiah 17:11 finds his New Testament counterpart in the chilling parable of the rich fool, who amassed great wealth but failed to prepare for eternity, only to have his life demanded of him, rendering his earthly gains utterly meaningless and exposing his ultimate spiritual bankruptcy ([Luke 12:13-21](/luke/12-13-21 "Luke 12:13-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")). Christ Himself, though "rich, yet for your sakes became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), perfectly embodies the counter-cultural wisdom that true riches are found not in accumulation, but in sacrificial giving, righteous living, and spiritual inheritance. In Christ, the pursuit of righteousness and the laying up of eternal treasures replace the futile chase after ill-gotten gains, offering a lasting security, wisdom, and an inheritance that transcends the temporal judgments of this world and endures for all eternity.

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

Proverbs 28:20

¶ A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

Proverbs 21:6

¶ The getting of treasures by a lying tongue [is] a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

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].

Jeremiah 22:13

Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

Proverbs 28:8

¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

Proverbs 15:27

¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

Ecclesiastes 5:13

There is a sore evil [which] I have seen under the sun, [namely], riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.