Jeremiah 22:17 - But your eyes and your heart are only for your covetousness, for shedding innocent blood, for oppression, and for doing violence.”

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 22:17

What does "Jeremiah 22:17" mean?


Jeremiah 22:17 is a scathing indictment of King Jehoiakim of Judah. To understand it fully, let's break it down:

"But your eyes and your heart are only for your covetousness..." This highlights the king's greed. He is obsessed with acquiring wealth and possessions, indicating a selfish and materialistic nature. He is focused on personal gain, not the well-being of his people.

"...for shedding innocent blood..." This is a grave accusation of murder and injustice. It suggests that the king is willing to kill innocent people, likely to eliminate rivals, seize property, or silence opposition. It speaks to his ruthlessness and disregard for human life.

"...for oppression..." This condemns his tyrannical rule. He is using his power to exploit and mistreat his subjects, burdening them unfairly and denying them their rights. This paints a picture of a king who rules through force and intimidation, rather than justice and compassion.

"...and for doing violence." This summarizes the king's overall character as one who resorts to violence to achieve his goals. It emphasizes that he is not a just and peaceful leader, but rather someone who embraces violence as a tool of power.

In essence, Jeremiah is accusing Jehoiakim of being a corrupt and wicked king who is driven by greed, ruthlessness, and a thirst for power. He neglects his responsibilities to protect his people, instead using his position to enrich himself, shed innocent blood, and oppress the vulnerable. This verse is a powerful condemnation of his unjust rule and a warning of the consequences that will follow.