Jeremiah 22:13

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {H1945} unto him that buildeth {H1129} his house {H1004} by {H3808} unrighteousness {H6664}, and his chambers {H5944} by wrong {H4941}; that useth his neighbour's {H7453} service {H5647} without wages {H2600}, and giveth {H5414} him not for his work {H6467};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Woe to him who builds his palace unfairly, its upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbor work for free and will not give him his wages;

Berean Standard Bible

“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages,

American Standard Version

Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by injustice; that useth his neighbor’s service without wages, and giveth him not his hire;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:13 delivers a potent prophetic denunciation, a "woe" oracle aimed at corrupt leaders who exploit the vulnerable for personal gain. It specifically condemns those who construct their lavish dwellings and accumulate wealth through unjust means, particularly by withholding fair wages and compensation from the laborers who serve them. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His severe displeasure with economic oppression, highlighting a profound breach of both divine law and basic human equity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This "woe" oracle is situated within a broader section of Jeremiah (chapters 21-23) that contains prophetic pronouncements against the kings of Judah, particularly during the tumultuous period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah frequently contrasts the righteous reign of King Josiah with the subsequent corrupt and idolatrous rule of his sons, especially Jehoiakim. The immediate verses preceding Jeremiah 22:13, such as [Jeremiah 22:3](/jeremiah/22-3 "Jeremiah 22:3 - Do Justice and Righteousness"), call for justice and righteousness, setting the stage for the condemnation of those who fail to uphold these divine standards. The verses immediately following, like [Jeremiah 22:18-19](/jeremiah/22-18 "Jeremiah 22:18-19 - Prophecy of Jehoiakim's Burial"), vividly describe the ignominious end of Jehoiakim, strongly suggesting he is the primary target of this specific condemnation due to his known oppressive building projects (cf. [2 Kings 23:35](/2_kings/23-35 "2 Kings 23:35 - Jehoiakim's Taxation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) was marked by political instability, moral decay, and increasing social injustice within Judah. Kings like Jehoiakim, installed by foreign powers, often sought to emulate the grandeur of neighboring empires through ambitious building programs, financed by heavy taxation and, as this verse reveals, the exploitation of their own people. Ancient Near Eastern societies, including Israel, had established norms for labor and compensation, often rooted in religious law. The Mosaic Law, in particular, contained explicit commands to pay hired laborers promptly and fairly, recognizing their vulnerability (e.g., [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Justice for the Hired Servant")). The prophet's condemnation here speaks directly to a flagrant disregard for these established ethical and legal principles, which were foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 22:13 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. A central theme is **Divine Judgment** for covenant infidelity and social injustice. The "woe" pronouncement itself signals God's impending wrath against those who oppress. Another key theme is **Social Justice and Righteousness**, emphasizing that true leadership and national prosperity are predicated on upholding justice, especially for the poor and vulnerable, rather than on material accumulation through exploitation. This verse starkly contrasts the superficial grandeur of a king's palace with the moral decay beneath, highlighting the importance of **Ethical Leadership**. It also reinforces the prophetic call for **Repentance and Covenant Faithfulness**, as the nation's failure to adhere to God's righteous standards ultimately leads to its downfall and exile, a fate exemplified by the condemned king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Hebrew, _hôwy'_):** This exclamation is a common prophetic interjection, serving as a solemn pronouncement of impending judgment, sorrow, or doom. It functions as a lament or an indictment, signaling God's severe displeasure and the inevitable consequences for the actions described. It is a powerful opening that immediately establishes the gravity of the condemnation.
* **unrighteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** While _tsedeq_ itself means "the right, justice, equity, or righteousness," its use here in the KJV "by unrighteousness" (with the preceding "not" H3808) signifies a deliberate and profound *lack* or *perversion* of righteousness. It points to actions that are contrary to what is morally, legally, and divinely right, indicating a systematic failure to uphold justice and fairness. The building is founded on the antithesis of God's character.
* **without wages (Hebrew, _chinnâm'_):** This term literally means "gratis," "for nothing," or "devoid of cost." In this context, it explicitly condemns the act of compelling labor without providing due compensation. It highlights the exploitation of vulnerable workers who are forced to provide their service without receiving the rightful payment for their toil, a practice explicitly forbidden by Mosaic Law and deeply offensive to God's justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness":** This opening clause immediately sets a tone of divine judgment ("Woe") against an individual, likely a king or powerful figure, who is engaged in a building project. The crucial element is that this construction is founded "by unrighteousness," meaning it is financed or executed through unjust, immoral, or illegal means, violating principles of fairness and equity.
* **"and his chambers by wrong;":** This clause parallels the first, broadening the scope of the condemnation. "Chambers" refers to private rooms or upper stories, implying luxury and comfort. "By wrong" (Hebrew: _mishpâṭ_, but here implying a lack of _mishpâṭ_, or justice) reinforces the idea that these lavish accommodations are acquired through a perversion of justice, a disregard for what is lawful and right.
* **"that useth his neighbour's service without wages,":** This clause specifies the primary form of "unrighteousness" and "wrong." The individual in question compels his "neighbour" (referring to fellow Israelites, often the poor or vulnerable) to perform "service" (labor). The critical offense is that this service is rendered "without wages," meaning the laborers are not compensated for their work, essentially forced into unpaid servitude.
* **"and giveth him not for his work;":** This final clause reiterates and reinforces the previous point, emphasizing the active withholding of payment. It highlights the deliberate refusal to provide due recompense ("for his work"), confirming the exploitative nature of the building project and the profound injustice committed against the laborers.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The entire verse functions as a **Woe Oracle**, a common prophetic form that begins with an exclamation of "Woe" (or "Alas!") to announce impending judgment or lamentation over sinful behavior. This immediately establishes a tone of divine condemnation. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, particularly in the pairing of "house by unrighteousness" with "chambers by wrong," and "useth his neighbour's service without wages" with "giveth him not for his work." This repetition emphasizes the pervasive and deliberate nature of the injustice. The act of "building his house" serves as a **Metonymy** for establishing one's reign or personal prosperity, suggesting that the very foundation of the king's power and comfort is built on corruption. The stark contrast between the grandeur of the "house" and the ignominy of "unrighteousness" and "wrong" creates a powerful **Irony**, highlighting the moral bankruptcy beneath the outward display of wealth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:13 is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and His deep concern for the oppressed. It reveals that true prosperity and stability, whether for an individual or a nation, cannot be built on the exploitation of others. The withholding of wages, as condemned here, was a direct violation of Mosaic Law and a profound offense against God, who identifies with the poor and vulnerable. This verse underscores that economic practices are not morally neutral but are subject to divine scrutiny and judgment. It teaches that God demands not only ritual obedience but also ethical conduct, particularly in how power is exercised over the less fortunate. The "woe" serves as a reminder that God will hold those in authority accountable for their treatment of their subjects and that injustice, no matter how outwardly grand the results, will ultimately lead to ruin.

* [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Do Not Oppress a Hired Servant")
* [Leviticus 19:13](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13 - Do Not Oppress Your Neighbor")
* [James 5:4](/james/5-4 "James 5:4 - The Cry of Unpaid Laborers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:13 challenges us to examine the foundations upon which we build our own lives, careers, and even our communities. It prompts us to consider whether our comfort, success, or wealth are acquired through means that are just and equitable, or if they inadvertently, or even intentionally, rely on the exploitation or neglect of others. This verse calls us to a radical integrity in our economic dealings, urging us to prioritize fair labor practices, prompt and just compensation, and a deep concern for the dignity of every individual, especially those who are vulnerable or in less powerful positions. It reminds us that God's kingdom values righteousness and compassion above all material gain, and that true, lasting prosperity is found in aligning our practices with His divine justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the institutions I am part of, be inadvertently benefiting from unjust labor practices or economic systems?**
* **How can I actively advocate for fair wages and just treatment for all workers, especially those in vulnerable positions?**
* **What does "building my house by unrighteousness" look like in a modern context, and how can I ensure my own life is built on principles of justice and righteousness?**

### FAQ

**What is a "woe oracle" and why is it used here?**

Answer: A "woe oracle" is a common prophetic literary device, often beginning with the Hebrew word _hôwy_ (translated as "Woe!"). It serves as a solemn pronouncement of judgment, lament, or impending doom against individuals or nations for their sinful actions. In [Jeremiah 22:13](/jeremiah/22-13 "Jeremiah 22:13 - Woe to the Unjust Builder"), it is used to express God's severe displeasure and to declare the inevitable negative consequences for the king's exploitation of his people, highlighting the gravity of his injustice.

**Who is the "him" being condemned in this verse?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly name the individual, strong contextual evidence within [Jeremiah chapter 22](/jeremiah/22 "Jeremiah 22 - Prophecies Against Judah's Kings") points to King Jehoiakim of Judah as the primary target. Jeremiah frequently contrasted Jehoiakim's corrupt and oppressive reign with the righteous rule of his father, Josiah. Historical accounts (e.g., [2 Kings 23:35](/2_kings/23-35 "2 Kings 23:35 - Jehoiakim's Taxation")) confirm Jehoiakim's burdensome taxation and forced labor practices, which align perfectly with the accusations of building by "unrighteousness" and "without wages."

**How does this verse relate to modern economic justice?**

Answer: Jeremiah 22:13 provides a timeless principle for economic justice. It condemns the accumulation of wealth and comfort through the exploitation of labor, particularly by withholding fair compensation. In a modern context, this applies to issues such as unfair wages, unsafe working conditions, child labor, human trafficking, and any business practice that prioritizes profit over the dignity and fair treatment of workers. The verse serves as a divine mandate for ethical business practices and social responsibility, challenging individuals and systems to ensure that prosperity is built on righteousness, not oppression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:13, with its condemnation of building on unrighteousness and exploiting labor, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the Old Testament prophets condemned those who withheld wages, Jesus, the perfect Son, never exploited but rather served, even to the point of giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "woe" pronounced upon the unjust builder contrasts sharply with the blessedness of those who build their lives upon the solid foundation of Christ's teachings ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Furthermore, the ultimate "wage" that humanity deserved for its sin was death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")), yet Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, paid that debt in full, offering eternal life as a free gift, not based on our work or merit, but on His perfect work ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). He is the righteous builder of the new creation, establishing His kingdom not through forced labor or injustice, but through grace, truth, and the voluntary service of those redeemed by His blood ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). Thus, the prophetic cry against injustice in Jeremiah foreshadows the coming of the one true King who perfectly embodies justice and freely gives the ultimate, unearned reward.

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

Micah 3:10

They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

Leviticus 19:13

Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob [him]: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.

James 5:4

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Deuteronomy 24:14

¶ Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant [that is] poor and needy, [whether he be] of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that [are] in thy land within thy gates:

Deuteronomy 24:15

At his day thou shalt give [him] his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he [is] poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.

Habakkuk 2:9

Woe to him that coveteth an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil!