Jeremiah 17:11
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָלָ֔ד
on eggs and hatcheth
H3205
יָלָ֔ד
on eggs and hatcheth
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
4 of 14
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
עֹ֥שֶׂה
them not so he that getteth
H6213
עֹ֥שֶׂה
them not so he that getteth
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט
and not by right
H4941
בְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט
and not by right
Strong's:
H4941
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
יָמָו֙
of his days
H3117
יָמָו֙
of his days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
10 of 14
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וּבְאַחֲרִית֖וֹ
and at his end
H319
וּבְאַחֲרִית֖וֹ
and at his end
Strong's:
H319
Word #:
12 of 14
the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity
Cross References
Proverbs 28:20A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.Proverbs 21:6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.Jeremiah 22:17But 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.Proverbs 15:27He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.Jeremiah 22:13Woe 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;Psalms 55:23But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.Proverbs 28:22He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.Proverbs 28:8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.Proverbs 13:11Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature frequently used animal behavior to teach moral lessons (Prov 6:6-8, 30:24-28). The partridge imagery would have been familiar to Jeremiah's agrarian audience. The prophetic critique of ill-gotten wealth addressed the social injustice rampant in Judah—exploitation of the poor, dishonest business practices, and oppression by the wealthy elite (Jer 5:26-28, 22:13-17, Amos 8:4-6).
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas might you be tempted to pursue material gain through morally questionable means?
- How does this proverb challenge modern culture's celebration of wealth regardless of how it's acquired?
- What does it mean to be rich toward God rather than merely accumulating earthly riches?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb about the partridge employs natural observation to teach a moral lesson. The Hebrew qore (קֹרֵא, partridge) was believed to gather eggs it didn't lay, attempting to hatch them as its own—but the chicks would eventually abandon the impostor. Similarly, wealth acquired unjustly ("not by right") cannot provide lasting security or satisfaction.
"Shall leave them in the midst of his days" indicates premature loss—the ill-gotten riches slip away before their owner can enjoy them fully. "At his end shall be a fool" (naval, נָבָל) describes not mere lack of wisdom but moral folly and disgrace. The one who seemed shrewd in acquiring wealth is ultimately exposed as foolish, having traded eternal values for temporal treasures that evaporate.
This verse illustrates the biblical principle that prosperity divorced from righteousness is vanity. The Reformed tradition emphasizes that true wealth is spiritual—knowing God and enjoying His covenant blessings. Christ's parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21) echoes this principle: those who lay up earthly treasure while remaining spiritually bankrupt are fools in God's eyes. Only treasures laid up in heaven endure (Matt 6:19-21).