Jeremiah 6:13
For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִקְּטַנָּם֙
For from the least
H6996
מִקְּטַנָּם֙
For from the least
Strong's:
H6996
Word #:
2 of 13
abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
גְּדוֹלָ֔ם
of them even unto the greatest
H1419
גְּדוֹלָ֔ם
of them even unto the greatest
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
4 of 13
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
כֻּלּ֖וֹ
H3605
כֻּלּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
of them every one is given
H1214
בּוֹצֵ֣עַ
of them every one is given
Strong's:
H1214
Word #:
6 of 13
to break off, i.e., (usually) plunder; figuratively, to finish, or (intransitively) stop
בָּ֑צַע
to covetousness
H1215
בָּ֑צַע
to covetousness
Strong's:
H1215
Word #:
7 of 13
plunder; by extension, gain (usually unjust)
וּמִנָּבִיא֙
and from the prophet
H5030
וּמִנָּבִיא֙
and from the prophet
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
8 of 13
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
9 of 13
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
כֹּהֵ֔ן
even unto the priest
H3548
כֹּהֵ֔ן
even unto the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
10 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
כֻּלּ֖וֹ
H3605
כֻּלּ֖וֹ
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:11For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 8:10Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall inherit them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.Micah 3:11The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.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.Isaiah 57:17For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.Jeremiah 14:18If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.Jeremiah 5:31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?Micah 3:5Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
Historical Context
Pre-exilic prophets consistently condemned religious leaders who prophesied for money (Micah 3:11). Jeremiah faced opposition from false prophets who contradicted his message because it threatened their income and status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the connection between covetousness and falsehood help explain many forms of false teaching today?
- What safeguards should churches implement to protect spiritual leaders from the corrupting influence of materialism?
- How can believers discern when religious leaders are motivated by gain rather than genuine service?
Analysis & Commentary
God indicts both religious and civil leaders: 'from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness.' The phrase connects prophets and priests with 'falsehood' (Hebrew 'sheqer'—deception, lie). This demonstrates how corruption infiltrates religious leadership when materialism takes root. The pairing of 'covetousness' with 'falsehood' shows how greed inevitably leads to dishonesty. Reformed theology emphasizes that false teaching often has roots in financial motivation (1 Timothy 6:5, 10). When spiritual leaders prioritize gain over truth, they forfeit their calling and mislead God's people.