King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 17:3 Mean?

Jeremiah 17:3 in the King James Version says “O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, t...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.”

Jeremiah 17:3 · KJV

Context

1

The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars; point: Heb. nail

2

Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.

3

O my mountain in the field, I will give thy substance and all thy treasures to the spoil, and thy high places for sin, throughout all thy borders.

4

And thou, even thyself, shalt discontinue from thine heritage that I gave thee; and I will cause thee to serve thine enemies in the land which thou knowest not: for ye have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever. thyself: Heb. in thyself

5

Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's judgment is comprehensive and inescapable. The phrase "my mountain in the field" likely refers to the temple mount or Mount Zion, which God claims as His own despite Judah's defiling it with high places. The threatened loss of "substance and all thy treasures" encompasses both material wealth and spiritual inheritance—everything Judah possessed as covenant privileges.

The phrase "for sin, throughout all thy borders" emphasizes that judgment extends to every corner of the nation. The Hebrew chatta'ah (חַטָּאת, "sin") appears as both cause and consequence—their sin brings about their ruin. This demonstrates the Reformed doctrine that sin carries inherent judgment; God's wrath is not arbitrary but the necessary response to covenant violation.

The spoliation described here anticipates the Babylonian conquest (586 BC) when Jerusalem's treasures were plundered and the people exiled. Yet this historical judgment also serves as a type of final judgment, when all who trust in earthly treasures rather than God will lose everything. Christ's warning about laying up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21) echoes this prophetic principle.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah prophesied during the final decades of the southern kingdom (c. 627-586 BC), when Judah repeatedly broke covenant with God through idolatry and injustice. The reference to "high places" reflects the persistent Canaanite worship that Judah adopted despite repeated prophetic warnings. The threatened loss of national treasures was fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar systematically plundered the temple and palace during the Babylonian sieges of 597 and 586 BC.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'treasures' in your life might be subject to God's judgment if they've become idols replacing trust in Him?
  2. How does understanding that sin inherently leads to loss change our motivation for obedience?
  3. In what ways does this comprehensive judgment point forward to the final day when all will give account before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
הֲרָרִי֙1 of 11

“O my mountain”

H2042

a mountain

בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה2 of 11

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

חֵילְךָ֥3 of 11

“thy substance”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

כָל4 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אוֹצְרוֹתֶ֖יךָ5 of 11

“and all thy treasures”

H214

a depository

לָבַ֣ז6 of 11

“to the spoil”

H957

plunder

אֶתֵּ֑ן7 of 11

“I will give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בָּמֹתֶ֕יךָ8 of 11

“and thy high places”

H1116

an elevation

בְּחַטָּ֖את9 of 11

“for sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

בְּכָל10 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גְּבוּלֶֽיךָ׃11 of 11

“throughout all thy borders”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

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 17:3 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 17:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 15:13Jeremiah 26:182 Kings 24:13Isaiah 39:4-6Micah 3:12-4:2Isaiah 2:2-3

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