Jeremiah 22:13 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judgment falls on the ruler who builds luxury through injustice and oppression of workers.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:13
Luxury gained through wage theft and forced labor incurs divine judgment.
What Does Jeremiah 22:13 Mean?
The oracle shifts to a king (likely Jehoiakim) who accumulates wealth through exploitation. 'Buildeth his house by unrighteousness' means his fine structures are built on the foundation of injustice—likely through forced labor without payment. The specific charge of withholding wages violates both justice and the explicit law protecting laborers' rights.
The 'woe' marks the opening of a lament or curse, indicating that judgment is now pronounced. The vivid detail of unpaid labor shows that true oppression operates through economic exploitation, extracting value from those too weak to resist.
Jeremiah 22:13 in the Original Language
amal (עֲמַל), 'service'—labor; work done by others for gain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:13
What does Jeremiah 22:13 mean?
Judgment falls on the ruler who builds luxury through injustice and oppression of workers.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:13?
Luxury gained through wage theft and forced labor incurs divine judgment.