Jeremiah 17:11 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →One who gains wealth through injustice will lose it prematurely and die in shame, like a partridge whose eggs fail to hatch.
The Context of Jeremiah 17:11
Ill-gotten wealth is temporary and shameful, a wasted investment in something that cannot endure.
What Does Jeremiah 17:11 Mean?
The partridge image describes futility: sitting on eggs that do not hatch is wasted labor producing nothing of value. So too, the person who gathers riches 'not by right'—through injustice, exploitation, or fraud—invests energy in something that cannot last. What was obtained by unright means cannot endure because it lacks the foundation of integrity.
The loss comes 'in the midst of his days'—not even in old age but while strength remains. The person enjoys neither the security that righteous wealth might provide nor the blessing that comes from covenant faithfulness. Dying a fool, they leave behind what they labored for, having gained nothing of true value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 17:11
What does Jeremiah 17:11 mean?
One who gains wealth through injustice will lose it prematurely and die in shame, like a partridge whose eggs fail to hatch.
What is the context of Jeremiah 17:11?
Ill-gotten wealth is temporary and shameful, a wasted investment in something that cannot endure.