Jeremiah 22:17

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

But thine eyes {H5869} and thine heart {H3820} are not but for thy covetousness {H1215}, and for to shed {H8210} innocent {H5355} blood {H1818}, and for oppression {H6233}, and for violence {H4835}, to do {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In contrast, your eyes and heart are controlled entirely by your greed, your desire for shedding innocent blood, oppressing and extorting."

Berean Standard Bible

“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.”

American Standard Version

But thine eyes and thy heart are not but for thy covetousness, and for shedding innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 22:17 delivers a searing indictment against King Jehoiakim of Judah, exposing his profound moral corruption and unfitness to rule. In stark contrast to the righteous reign of his father, Josiah, Jehoiakim's "eyes and heart" are depicted as entirely consumed by self-serving desires: covetousness, the shedding of innocent blood, oppression, and violence. This verse encapsulates the spiritual and ethical decay that pervaded the Judean monarchy in the twilight years before the Babylonian exile, highlighting the devastating consequences when a nation's leadership abandons divine justice for personal gain and tyranny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 22:17 is embedded within a series of prophetic oracles (Jeremiah 21-23) primarily addressed to the kings of Judah and the royal house, warning them of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. Specifically, this verse forms part of a direct confrontation with King Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:13-19). It immediately follows a poignant comparison between Jehoiakim's oppressive rule and the just and righteous reign of his father, King Josiah (Jeremiah 22:15-16). Josiah is lauded for "doing justice and righteousness" and "judging the cause of the poor and needy," implying that Jehoiakim's failure to do so is a deliberate and egregious deviation from the covenantal standard for Israelite kings. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 22:18-19) pronounce a grim prophecy concerning Jehoiakim's ignominious death and burial, a stark contrast to the honorable burial of a righteous king, further emphasizing the depth of his condemnation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jehoiakim reigned over Judah from 609 to 598 BC, a tumultuous period marked by the decline of Assyrian power and the rise of Babylon. He was placed on the throne by Pharaoh Neco II of Egypt after the death of his father Josiah at Megiddo. Jehoiakim was known for his pro-Egyptian policies and his oppressive domestic agenda. To fund his lavish lifestyle and palace construction, he imposed heavy taxes and resorted to forced labor, often withholding wages from his workers, a direct violation of Mosaic Law (cf. [Deuteronomy 24:14-15](/deuteronomy/24-14 "Deuteronomy 24:14-15 - Wages for Laborers")). His reign was characterized by political instability, moral decay, and a blatant disregard for justice, leading to widespread social injustice and violence against his own people. The cultural expectation for a king in Israel was to be a shepherd of his people, upholding justice and righteousness, particularly for the vulnerable, as outlined in passages like [Psalm 72](/psalm/72 "Psalm 72 - A Prayer for the King"). Jehoiakim's actions directly contradicted this divine mandate, making him a paradigm of wicked leadership.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **Corruption of Leadership**, where the king, divinely appointed to embody justice, instead becomes an agent of oppression and self-interest. This highlights God's unwavering demand for righteous governance. Secondly, **Covetousness as a Root Sin** is central; Jehoiakim's insatiable greed for wealth and power is presented as the driving force behind his atrocities, illustrating how unchecked desire can lead to systemic injustice and violence. This resonates with biblical warnings against the dangers of materialism and the love of money (cf. [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). Thirdly, the theme of **Systemic Injustice and Violence** underscores the societal breakdown under Jehoiakim's rule, where the shedding of innocent blood and the oppression of the vulnerable became commonplace, demonstrating a profound departure from the covenantal ideals of a just society. Finally, the passage implicitly emphasizes the **Contrast Between Righteous and Wicked Rule**, using Josiah as a foil to highlight Jehoiakim's abject failure, thereby teaching that true leadership is marked by integrity, compassion for the poor, and unwavering commitment to God's standards of justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covetousness (Hebrew, _betsaʻ'_):** From H1215, this term refers to plunder, gain (usually unjust), lucre, or profit. In Jehoiakim's context, it signifies not merely a desire for wealth, but an insatiable greed that drives him to acquire riches through illicit, exploitative, and oppressive means. It's a dishonest gain, highlighting the moral bankruptcy of his motivations.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, "heart" is used figuratively and widely in Hebrew thought to represent the inner being—the seat of feelings, will, intellect, and moral character. When the text states Jehoiakim's heart is "not but for thy covetousness," it means his entire inner disposition, his deepest desires, intentions, and moral compass, are completely dominated and corrupted by greed and evil, leaving no room for righteousness or concern for others.
* **Innocent Blood (Hebrew, _nâqîy dâm'_):** H5355 (_nâqîy_) means innocent, blameless, or guiltless, while H1818 (_dâm_) refers to blood, especially as that which when shed causes death. The phrase "shed innocent blood" is a grave accusation, denoting the murder of those who are blameless, often through judicial corruption, arbitrary executions, or violence against the vulnerable. It signifies the ultimate perversion of justice and a heinous sin in ancient Israel, directly violating God's command against murder and His concern for the sanctity of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thine eyes and thine heart [are] not but for thy covetousness":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core problem: Jehoiakim's entire being—his perception (eyes) and his inner desires and will (heart)—is singularly, exclusively, and utterly consumed by greed. The double negative "not but for" acts as an emphatic affirmation, stressing that his focus is *only* on his own dishonest gain. This reveals a leader whose internal moral compass is completely broken, oriented solely towards self-enrichment rather than the welfare of his people or the will of God.
* **"and for to shed innocent blood":** This phrase moves from the internal motivation to its horrific external manifestation. Jehoiakim's covetousness directly leads him to commit or sanction murder against those who are guiltless. This could refer to political executions, the killing of those who opposed his oppressive policies, or the unjust taking of lives to seize property or silence dissent. It underscores the tyrannical nature of his rule and his utter disregard for human life and divine justice.
* **"and for oppression":** Following the shedding of innocent blood, "oppression" points to the systematic exploitation and abuse of power against the vulnerable. This includes defrauding the poor, extorting wealth from his subjects, and denying them their rights. It reflects a regime built on injustice, where the strong prey on the weak, and the king, rather than protecting his people, becomes their chief oppressor.
* **"and for violence, to do [it].":** This final phrase broadens the scope to encompass a general atmosphere of lawless force and brutality. "Violence" (Hebrew, _mᵉrutsâh_) here suggests a crushing, brutal, and destructive exercise of power. The concluding "to do [it]" emphasizes that these are not mere tendencies but active, intentional practices of Jehoiakim's reign. He is not merely prone to these evils; he actively *does* them, making them the defining characteristics of his kingship.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 22:17 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its scathing condemnation of Jehoiakim. The phrase "thine eyes and thine heart" utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent the whole, indicating that Jehoiakim's entire being—his perception, intellect, emotions, and will—is utterly given over to evil. The construction "not but for" functions as a strong **Emphatic Negation**, akin to **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and singular focus of his depravity; there is no redeeming quality or alternative motivation present. The repetition of "and for" creates an **Anaphora** (or a similar form of parallelism), building a cumulative effect that lists Jehoiakim's escalating transgressions: covetousness, shedding innocent blood, oppression, and violence. This rhythmic enumeration emphasizes the pervasive and multifaceted nature of his wickedness. The verse also employs **Contrast**, implicitly with the preceding description of Josiah's righteous rule, highlighting Jehoiakim's profound moral failure. The vivid imagery of "shed innocent blood" is a powerful **Figurative Language** that evokes the horror and injustice of his actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 22:17 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of righteous leadership and the devastating consequences of sin, particularly covetousness and injustice, when manifested in positions of power. It underscores God's unwavering character as a God of justice who abhors oppression and the shedding of innocent blood. The prophet's indictment reveals that true worship and covenant faithfulness are not merely ritualistic but are intrinsically linked to ethical conduct, social justice, and care for the vulnerable. Jehoiakim's reign exemplifies the tragic outcome when a leader's heart is consumed by self-interest, leading to societal decay and divine judgment. This passage reminds us that God holds leaders accountable for their stewardship, and their actions have profound spiritual and societal ramifications.

* [Proverbs 28:15-16](/proverbs/28-15 "Proverbs 28:15-16 - Wicked Rulers")
* [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 22:17 stands as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of unchecked greed and its capacity to corrupt individuals and systems. For us today, it prompts deep self-reflection: What truly occupies the "eyes and heart" of our own lives? Are we driven by a pursuit of personal gain, status, or comfort, or by a desire for righteousness, justice, and the well-being of others? This verse challenges us to examine our motivations, recognizing that covetousness is not merely a private vice but a root sin that can manifest in actions that harm others, whether through exploitation, neglect, or active injustice. Furthermore, it calls us to accountability, particularly those in positions of leadership, reminding us that authority is a sacred trust to be wielded for the common good, not for personal enrichment or oppression. As believers, we are called to be agents of God's justice in a broken world, actively opposing oppression, speaking truth to power, and advocating for the vulnerable, ensuring that our "eyes and heart" are aligned with God's heart for justice and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "covetousness" subtly influence my own decisions and priorities, even if not as overtly as Jehoiakim's?**
* **How can I, in my sphere of influence, actively work against injustice and oppression, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the true nature of leadership, whether in my family, community, or workplace?**
* **How does the contrast between Josiah and Jehoiakim challenge me to cultivate a "heart" that seeks God's righteousness above all else?**

### FAQ
**What was King Jehoiakim's primary sin, according to this verse?**

Answer: According to Jeremiah 22:17, King Jehoiakim's primary sin was that his "eyes and heart" were entirely consumed by "covetousness" (H1215, _betsaʻ_), which led directly to the shedding of innocent blood, oppression, and violence. This indicates that his greed and self-interest were the root cause of his tyrannical and unjust reign, a stark contrast to the righteous rule expected of a king in Israel.

**How does Jehoiakim's reign compare to his father Josiah's, and why is this comparison important?**

Answer: Jehoiakim's reign stands in stark contrast to that of his father, King Josiah, as highlighted in the preceding verses (Jeremiah 22:15-16). Josiah is praised for "doing judgment and justice" and for "judging the cause of the poor and needy," which demonstrated his knowledge of the Lord. This comparison is crucial because it underscores Jehoiakim's deliberate deviation from the righteous standards set by his father and by God's covenant. It emphasizes that Jehoiakim's wickedness was a conscious choice, not merely an inherited fate, and it serves as a prophetic indictment against a leader who failed to uphold divine justice and compassion for his people (cf. [Deuteronomy 17:18-20](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-20 - Duties of the King")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 22:17, with its scathing indictment of King Jehoiakim's covetousness, oppression, and shedding of innocent blood, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jehoiakim represents the quintessential failed human king, whose "eyes and heart" were consumed by self-interest, leading to injustice and death. In stark contrast, Jesus is the perfect and righteous King, whose "eyes and heart" were always fixed on His Father's will and the well-being of His people. While Jehoiakim shed innocent blood for his own gain, Jesus, the truly [innocent Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly shed His own blood, not for personal profit, but as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation (cf. [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood")). Where Jehoiakim brought oppression and violence, Jesus came to bring liberation to the captives and good news to the poor, embodying true justice and compassion (cf. [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). His kingdom is not built on earthly covetousness or exploitation, but on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (cf. [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). Ultimately, Jehoiakim's judgment foreshadows the final judgment of all unrighteousness, while Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection establish Him as the just and merciful King who will one day return to fully establish His righteous reign, where all oppression will cease and true justice will prevail (cf. [Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 22:3

Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Ezekiel 19:6

And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, [and] devoured men.

2 Kings 24:4

And also for the innocent blood that he shed: for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon.

Psalms 10:3

For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth.

Ezekiel 33:31

And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee [as] my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, [but] their heart goeth after their covetousness.

Job 31:7

If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands;