King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:11 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:11 in the King James Version says “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them i...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. sitteth: or, gathereth young which she hath not brought forth”

Jeremiah 17:11 · KJV

Context

9

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

10

I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

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. sitteth: or, gathereth young which she hath not brought forth

12

A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary.

13

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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).

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Historical & Cultural 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).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what areas might you be tempted to pursue material gain through morally questionable means?
  2. How does this proverb challenge modern culture's celebration of wealth regardless of how it's acquired?
  3. What does it mean to be rich toward God rather than merely accumulating earthly riches?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
קֹרֵ֤א1 of 14

“As the partridge”

H7124

a caller, i.e., partridge (from its cry)

דָגַר֙2 of 14

“sitteth”

H1716

to brood over eggs or young

וְלֹ֣א3 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָלָ֔ד4 of 14

“on eggs and hatcheth”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

עֹ֥שֶׂה5 of 14

“them not so he that getteth”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עֹ֖שֶׁר6 of 14

“riches”

H6239

wealth

וְלֹ֣א7 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

בְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט8 of 14

“and not by right”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

בַּחֲצִ֤י9 of 14

“them in the midst”

H2677

the half or middle

יָמָו֙10 of 14

“of his days”

H3117

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

יַעַזְבֶ֔נּוּ11 of 14

“shall leave”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

וּבְאַחֲרִית֖וֹ12 of 14

“and at his end”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

יִהְיֶ֥ה13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נָבָֽל׃14 of 14

“shall be a fool”

H5036

stupid; wicked (especially impious)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 17:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 17:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 28:20Proverbs 21:6Jeremiah 22:17Jeremiah 22:13Proverbs 15:27Proverbs 28:8

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