Jeremiah 22:14 Meaning and Explanation
“That saith, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cutteth him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king boasts of building an elaborate palace with luxury finishes and vast rooms.
The Context of Jeremiah 22:14
The king's palace represents ostentatious display built on stolen labor.
What Does Jeremiah 22:14 Mean?
This verse details the architectural grandeur that the oppressive king pursues. 'Wide house,' 'large chambers,' windows, cedar ceiling, and vermilion paint all indicate immense expense and craftsmanship. The king's declaration—'I will build me'—shows his focus on personal aggrandizement and the assertion of his will and power.
The accumulation of luxury details emphasizes the contrast between the king's concern for his own comfort and his indifference to the laborers whose unpaid work built these palaces. Every architectural flourish is purchased with injustice.
Jeremiah 22:14 in the Original Language
shaqaf (שָׁקַף), 'cutteth him out windows'—to cut or hew out windows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 22:14
What does Jeremiah 22:14 mean?
The king boasts of building an elaborate palace with luxury finishes and vast rooms.
What is the context of Jeremiah 22:14?
The king's palace represents ostentatious display built on stolen labor.