Jeremiah 22:13
Jeremiah 22:13 in Multiple Translations
“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages,
¶ Woe 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;
Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by injustice; that useth his neighbor’s service without wages, and giveth him not his hire;
A curse is on him who is building his house by wrongdoing, and his rooms by doing what is not right; who makes use of his neighbour without payment, and gives him nothing for his work;
Trouble is coming to Jehoiakim because he mistreats others in building his palace, by dealing unfairly with those constructing the upper floors. He makes his own people work for nothing—he doesn't pay them any wages.
Wo vnto him that buildeth his house by vnrighteousnesse, and his chambers without equitie: he vseth his neighbour without wages, and giueth him not for his worke.
Woe to him who is building his house by unrighteousness, And his upper chambers by injustice, On his neighbour he layeth service for nought, And his wage he doth not give to him.
“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his rooms by injustice; who uses his neighbor’s service without wages, and doesn’t give him his hire;
Woe to him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;
Woe to him that buildeth up his house by injustice, and his chambers not in judgement: that will oppress his friend without cause, and will not pay him his wages.
And Yahweh said to me, “Terrible things will happen to King Jehoahaz’s brother, King Jehoiakim. He unjustly forced men to build his palace. The rooms on the upper level were built by men who were forced unjustly to do that work; he forced his neighbors to work for nothing; he did not pay them anything.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 22:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 22:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֣וֹי
בֹּנֶ֤ה
בֵית/וֹ֙
בְּֽ/לֹא
צֶ֔דֶק
וַ/עֲלִיּוֹתָ֖י/ו
בְּ/לֹ֣א
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
בְּ/רֵעֵ֨/הוּ֙
יַעֲבֹ֣ד
חִנָּ֔ם
וּ/פֹעֲל֖/וֹ
לֹ֥א
יִתֶּן
לֽ/וֹ
ה֣וֹי
hôwy
H1945
woe!
Part
בֹּנֶ֤ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal
בֵית/וֹ֙
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
בְּֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
צֶ֔דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms
וַ/עֲלִיּוֹתָ֖י/ו
ʻălîyâh
H5944
upper room
Conj | N-fp | Suff
בְּ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
בְּ/רֵעֵ֨/הוּ֙
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יַעֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
חִנָּ֔ם
chinnâm
H2600
for nothing
Adv
וּ/פֹעֲל֖/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
work
Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֽ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 22:13
ה֣וֹי
hôwy
H1945
"woe!"
Part
Hoy is an expression of sadness or pain, like saying oh or woe. It's used to show strong emotions, and is often translated as alas or woe in the KJV Bible. This word conveys a sense of lament or regret.
Definition: ah!, alas!, ha!, ho!, O!, woe!
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: ah, alas, ho, O, woe. See also: 1 Kings 13:30; Jeremiah 22:18; Isaiah 1:4.
בֹּנֶ֤ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
בֵית/וֹ֙
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
בְּֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
צֶ֔דֶק
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
וַ/עֲלִיּוֹתָ֖י/ו
ʻălîyâh
H5944
"upper room"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to an upper room or a lofty place, like a stairway or a roof chamber. In 2 Kings 4:10, it describes a special room built for the prophet Elisha, showing hospitality to him. It can also symbolize a place of spiritual elevation.
Definition: roof-room, roof chamber
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: ascent, (upper) chamber, going up, loft, parlour. See also: Judges 3:20; 2 Kings 23:12; Psalms 104:3.
בְּ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מִשְׁפָּ֑ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
בְּ/רֵעֵ֨/הוּ֙
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
יַעֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
חִנָּ֔ם
chinnâm
H2600
"for nothing"
Adv
For nothing means something is done without a reason or cost. It can also mean something is done in vain or without purpose. This concept is seen in various Bible stories and teachings.
Definition: 1) freely, for nothing, without cause 1a) gratis, gratuitously, for nothing 1b) for no purpose, in vain 1c) gratuitously, without cause, undeservedly
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: without a cause (cost, wages), causeless, to cost nothing, free(-ly), innocent, for nothing (nought, in vain. See also: Genesis 29:15; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:7.
וּ/פֹעֲל֖/וֹ
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִתֶּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לֽ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Jeremiah 22:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 22:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 22:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 22:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 22:13
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 22:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
- Sermons on Jeremiah 22:13
Context — A Warning about Jehoiakim
11For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: “He will never return,
12but he will die in the place to which he was exiled; he will never see this land again.”
13“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages,
14who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. 15Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 5:4 | Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. |
| 2 | Micah 3:10 | who build Zion with bloodshed and Jerusalem with iniquity. |
| 3 | Leviticus 19:13 | You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 24:14–15 | Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. |
| 5 | Malachi 3:5 | “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 2:9–11 | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 36:4 | Then Neco king of Egypt made Eliakim brother of Jehoahaz king over Judah and Jerusalem, and he changed Eliakim’s name to Jehoiakim. But Neco took Eliakim’s brother Jehoahaz and carried him off to Egypt. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 23:35–37 | So Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh Neco, but to meet Pharaoh’s demand he taxed the land and exacted the silver and the gold from the people, each according to his wealth. Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah. And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 22:18 | Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ |
| 10 | Job 24:10–11 | Without clothing, they wander about naked. They carry the sheaves, but still go hungry. They crush olives within their walls; they tread the winepresses, but go thirsty. |
Jeremiah 22:13 Summary
This verse is warning against using unfair or mean ways to get what we want, like taking advantage of others to build our own wealth and power. It's saying that God cares about how we treat others and wants us to be fair and just, as seen in Jeremiah 22:15. We can apply this to our own lives by making sure we're treating others with kindness and respect, and not taking advantage of them for our own gain, just like it says in Matthew 7:12. By doing so, we can live in a way that is pleasing to God and reflects His love and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to build a palace by unrighteousness?
According to Jeremiah 22:13, building a palace by unrighteousness refers to using unjust or exploitative means to gain wealth and power, similar to the warnings in Proverbs 21:6 and Micah 6:16.
Why does God care about how someone builds their house?
God cares about how we build our houses because it reflects our values and treatment of others, as seen in Jeremiah 22:13, where God condemns those who exploit their countrymen to build their own palaces, and as taught in James 5:4.
Is it wrong to have a big house or to be wealthy?
Having a big house or being wealthy is not inherently wrong, but it becomes an issue when it is gained through unrighteous or exploitative means, as warned in Jeremiah 22:13, and as taught in 1 Timothy 6:10.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
You can apply Jeremiah 22:13 to your life by examining your own motivations and actions, ensuring that you are treating others fairly and not exploiting them for personal gain, as taught in Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be exploiting or taking advantage of others in my own life, and how can I change my behavior to be more just and fair?
- How can I prioritize justice and righteousness in my own relationships and interactions with others, as modeled in Jeremiah 22:15?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be prioritizing my own interests and desires over the well-being of others, and how can I shift my focus to be more others-centered?
- What does it mean to 'administer justice and righteousness' in my own life, as described in Jeremiah 22:15, and how can I start doing that in practical ways?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 22:13
Woe unto him that buildeth his house by righteousness, and his chambers by wrong,.... This respects Jehoiakim, the then reigning king; who, not content with the palace the kings of Judah before him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 22:13
Woe 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; Woe unto him that buildeth his
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
We have not here any certain guidance to let us know whether the prophet intended Jehoahaz or Jehoiakim; both of them did evil in the sight of the Lord, as we read in their story. The sin here reflected upon is manifestly injustice and oppression, but possibly, in the former part of the verse, all unjust and oppressive acts by which either of these princes endeavoured to promote their grandeur may be understood; for we need not take building his house in a strict, literal sense, but signifying the promotion of his family, or establishing his state and dignity. In the latter part, a special oppression, withholding workmen’ s wages, is the sin upon which the woe is denounced; a sin contrary to the law, ,15, and against which the judgment of God is also denounced under the New Testament, . An evident demonstration of God’ s love to mankind, securing by his law just dealings between man and man, and revenging acts of injustice, and particularly where men take advantage of their greatness above and superiority over others, to trample them under their feet, and to withhold their just rights from them: though such persons may be out of the reach of human justice, yet God hath denounced a woe against them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
Jeremiah 22:13 Woe 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;Ver. 13. Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness.] This was Jehoiakim, cuius iniusta et insana aedificia hic accusantur; who would needs be building, but whether by fight or by wrong dealing, regarded not. This was to incur that curse. Such injurious and therefore accursed builders were the pyramid makers in Egypt, Tarquinius Priscus, Caligula, Nero, Phocas, who is said to have heard this voice from heaven, Though thou shouldst erect thine edifice as high as heaven - “ Aedificans aure, sedesque in sidera mittens, ” yet sin, that lieth at the foundation, will soon overturn all. Bernard inveigheth against some in his time, who did, with great care and cost, erigere mutes, negligere mores, build high manors, but not amend their manners, which should have been their chief care. That useth his neighbour’ s service.] His "neighbour" he was, though his vassal and poor labourer. And giveth him not for his work.] This is a crying sin. Sueton.; Niceph.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
(13) Woe unto him that buildeth . . .—The prophet now turns to Jehoiakim, and apparently reproduces what he had before uttered in denouncing the selfish bearing of that king. The feelings of the people, already suffering from the miseries of foreign invasion, were outraged by the revival of the forced labour of the days of Solomon, pressing in this instance not on the “strangers” of alien blood (1 Kings 5:13-15; 2 Chronicles 2:17-18), but on the Israelites themselves. We are reminded of the general characteristics of Eastern, and perhaps of all other, despotism. Like the modern rulers of Constantinople, Jehoiakim went on building palaces when his kingdom was on the verge of ruin, and his subjects were groaning under their burdens. His chambers.—Strictly speaking, the upper storeys of the house. This is dwelt on as aggravating the severity of the work. Without wages.—The labourers were treated as slaves, and, like the Israelites in their Egyptian bondage (Exodus 16:3), received their food, but nothing more.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
Verse 13. Wo unto him that buildeth his house] These evils, charged against Jehoiakim, are nowhere else circumstantially related. We learn from 2Kg 23:35-37, that he taxed his subjects heavily, to give to Pharaoh-necho, king of Egypt: "He exacted the silver and gold of the people of the land, and did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord." The mode of taxation is here intimated; he took the wages of the hirelings, and caused the people to work without wages in his own buildings, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 22:13
13–19. See introd. summary to section. It probably belongs to the early years of Jehoiakim, but see on Jeremiah 22:18-19.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 22:13
Far worse is the second example. Shallum was no heartless tyrant like Jehoiakim, who lived in splendor amid the misery of the nation, and perished so little cared for that his body was cast aside without burial.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 22:13
13. Woe unto him, etc. — Namely, Jehoiakim. This woe is pronounced because of the ruinous taxation of the people.
Sermons on Jeremiah 22:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
|
Jeremiah 22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's complaints against the leaders and prophets in Jeremiah 22, emphasizing how the kings have exploited their positions for personal gain, leading to spiri |
|
A Continual Allowance by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the contrasting lives of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, illustrating the consequences of sin and the eventual restoration and redemption offered by God. Th |
|
Vii. the Commercial Sign by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer discusses the last Biblical sign of the times mentioned in James 5:1-8, focusing on the 'heaping up' of treasures in 'the last days,' which signifies an increas |
|
Ill-Gotten Gain - Part 2 by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of injustice and greed in society. He uses vivid imagery to describe the consequences of employers withholding wages from their wor |
|
On Eagles' Wings Pt 134 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God. He shares his personal experience of being in a season where all invitations and opportunities stopped, and |
|
God Changeth Not by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the need for a revival of faith and a return to God's unchanging truth. He emphasizes that while God and the gospel remain constant, it is o |