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As the partridge that sits on [eggs] which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches, and not by right; in the midst of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Parable of Futile Gain

Commentators explain the verse uses a proverb about a partridge that gathers or sits on eggs it cannot successfully hatch. This illustrates the futility of gaining wealth dishonestly. Just as the bird's efforts lead to an empty nest, the riches acquired 'not by right' will inevitably disappear, providing no lasting security or benefit to their owner.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

Jeremiah

Author

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Commentaries

5

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Jeremiah 17:5–18

18th Century

Theologian

In the rest of the prophecy, Jeremiah dwells upon the moral faults which had led to Judah’s ruin.

Jeremiah 17:6: Like the…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Jeremiah 17:11

19th Century

Bishop

As the partridge sits on eggs... — Better, following the Septuagint and Vulgate, and the marginal reading of the Authoris…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On Jeremiah 17:11

16th Century

Theologian

The Prophet no doubt intended only to show that those who enriched themselves by unlawful means, or heaped together great wealth, would still be su…

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John Gill

John Gill

On Jeremiah 17:11

17th Century

Pastor

As the partridge sits on eggs, and hatches them not
Here seems to be another sin pointed at, as the cause of the rui…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Jeremiah 17:5–11

17th Century

Minister

He who puts confidence in man will be like the heath in a desert, a naked tree, a pitiful shrub, the product of barren ground, useless and worthles…