Jeremiah 17:11

Jeremiah 17:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

As the partridge that sitteth on eggs which she hath not laid, so is he that getteth riches, and not by right; in the midst of his days they shall leave him, and at his end he shall be a fool.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Like the partridge, getting eggs together but not producing young, is a man who gets wealth but not by right; before half his days are ended, it will go from him, and at his end he will be foolish.

Free Bible Version FBV

Like a partridge hatching eggs it didn't lay is someone who makes a fortune by cheating others. Their riches will fly away at midday, and in the end they'll look like a fool.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

As the partryche gathereth the yong, which she hath not brought forth: so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leaue them in the middes of his dayes, and at his ende shall bee a foole.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

A partridge hatching, and not bringing forth, [Is] one making wealth, and not by right, In the midst of his days he doth forsake it, And in his latter end — he is a fool.

World English Bible WEB

As the partridge that sits on eggs which she has not laid, so is he who gets riches, and not by right. In the middle of his days, they will leave him. At his end, he will be a fool.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

As the partridge hath hatched eggs which she did not lay: so is he that hath gathered riches, and not by right: in the midst of his days he shall leave them, and in his latter end he shall be a fool.

Translation for Translators T4T

I, Jeremiah, agree, because I know that people who become rich by doing things that are unjust are like birds that hatch eggs that they ◄did not lay/stole from another nest►. So, when those people have lived only half of the years that they expect to live, their wealth will disappear. Then other people will realize that those rich people have been foolish.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 17:11

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 17:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB קֹרֵ֤א דָגַר֙ וְ/לֹ֣א יָלָ֔ד עֹ֥שֶׂה עֹ֖שֶׁר וְ/לֹ֣א בְ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט בַּ/חֲצִ֤י ימ/ו יָמָי/ו֙ יַעַזְבֶ֔/נּוּ וּ/בְ/אַחֲרִית֖/וֹ יִהְיֶ֥ה נָבָֽל

קֹרֵ֤א qôrêʼ H7124 partridge N-ms

דָגַר֙ dâgar H1716 to gather V-Qal-Perf-3ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

יָלָ֔ד yâlad H3205 to beget V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עֹ֥שֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal

עֹ֖שֶׁר ʻôsher H6239 riches N-ms

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

בְ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט mishpâṭ H4941 justice Prep | N-ms

בַּ/חֲצִ֤י chêtsîy H2677 half Prep | N-ms

ימ/ו yôwm H3117 day N-mp | Suff

יָמָי/ו֙ yôwm H3117 day N-mp | Suff

יַעַזְבֶ֔/נּוּ ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

וּ/בְ/אַחֲרִית֖/וֹ ʼachărîyth H319 end Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

נָבָֽל nâbâl H5036 foolish Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 17:11

קֹרֵ֤א qôrêʼ H7124 "partridge" N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to a partridge, a type of bird known for its distinctive call. The partridge is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah as a symbol of God's care for his people.

Definition: partridge

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: partridge. See also H6981 (קוֹרֵא). See also: 1 Samuel 26:20; Jeremiah 17:11.

דָגַר֙ dâgar H1716 "to gather" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To gather or sit on eggs like a mother bird, showing care and protection. This word appears in the Bible to describe God's gentle care for his people. It's about being gathered together in a safe place.

Definition: (Qal) to gather together as a brood

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: gather, sit. See also: Isaiah 34:15; Jeremiah 17:11.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

יָלָ֔ד yâlad H3205 "to beget" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.

Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.

עֹ֥שֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

עֹ֖שֶׁר ʻôsher H6239 "riches" N-ms

This Hebrew word means wealth or riches, like the treasures King Solomon had in 1 Kings 10:23. It refers to an abundance of valuable things. The KJV Bible uses it to describe riches and wealth.

Definition: wealth, riches

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] far (richer), riches. See also: Genesis 31:16; Proverbs 3:16; Psalms 49:7.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

בְ/מִשְׁפָּ֑ט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Prep | N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

בַּ/חֲצִ֤י chêtsîy H2677 "half" Prep | N-ms

This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.

Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.

ימ/ו yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יָמָי/ו֙ yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp | Suff

יַעַזְבֶ֔/נּוּ ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff

Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.

Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.

וּ/בְ/אַחֲרִית֖/וֹ ʼachărîyth H319 "end" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.

Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

נָבָֽל nâbâl H5036 "foolish" Adj

A foolish person is someone who acts stupidly or wickedly, often in a way that is impious or against God. This word is used to describe someone who lacks sense or wisdom.

Definition: foolish, senseless, fool

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fool(-ish, -ish man, -ish woman), vile person. See also: Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalms 74:18; Psalms 14:1.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 17:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:11 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:11
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:11
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:11
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11
Sermons on Jeremiah 17:11

Context — The Sin and Punishment of Judah

9The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.

11Like a partridge hatching eggs it did not lay is the man who makes a fortune unjustly. In the middle of his days his riches will desert him, and in the end he will be the fool.”

12A glorious throne, exalted from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary. 13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame. All who turn away will be written in the dust, for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 28:20	A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
2	Proverbs 21:6	Making a fortune by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist, a deadly pursuit.
3	Jeremiah 22:17	“But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.”
4	Jeremiah 22:13	“Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages,
5	Proverbs 28:8	He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
6	Proverbs 15:27	He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.
7	Psalms 55:23	But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.
8	Proverbs 13:11	Dishonest wealth will dwindle, but what is earned through hard work will be multiplied.
9	Proverbs 28:22	A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty awaits him.
10	Habakkuk 2:6–12	Will not all of these take up a taunt against him, speaking with mockery and derision: ‘Woe to him who amasses what is not his and makes himself rich with many loans! How long will this go on?’ Will not your creditors suddenly arise and those who disturb you awaken? Then you will become their prey. Because you have plundered many nations, the remnant of the people will plunder you— because of your bloodshed against man and your violence against the land, the city, and all their dwellers. Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! You have plotted shame for your house by cutting off many peoples and forfeiting your life. For the stones will cry out from the wall, and the rafters will echo it from the woodwork. Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity!

Jeremiah 17:11 Summary

[This verse is warning us that getting rich by being dishonest or unfair will not bring us happiness or security in the end. As it says in 1 Timothy 6:10, the love of money can lead to all kinds of evil, and ultimately, it is God who gives us true wealth and satisfaction. We should seek to build our lives on the foundation of God's wisdom and justice, rather than on fleeting wealth or worldly success, and trust in His provision and care for us, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to make a fortune unjustly?

Making a fortune unjustly refers to gaining wealth through dishonest or exploitative means, as warned against in Proverbs 28:20 and Amos 8:4-6. This can include cheating, stealing, or taking advantage of others for personal gain.

Why will the man's riches desert him in the middle of his days?

The man's riches will desert him because God is a just God who rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked, as seen in Jeremiah 17:10 and Psalm 37:37. His wealth, gained through unjust means, will ultimately prove to be fleeting and unsatisfying.

What does it mean to be a fool in the context of this verse?

To be a fool, in this context, means to be someone who has rejected God's wisdom and values, as described in Psalm 14:1 and Proverbs 1:7. This person will ultimately be left with nothing of lasting value, despite their temporary wealth and success.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

We can apply this verse by examining our own hearts and motivations, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 11:28 and 2 Corinthians 13:5, and seeking to build our lives on the foundation of God's wisdom and justice, rather than on fleeting wealth or worldly success.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be seeking to build my life on unjust or unrighteous foundations, and how can I repent and turn to God?
How can I cultivate a heart of contentment and trust in God's provision, rather than seeking to gain wealth and success through my own efforts?
What are some areas in which I may be prioritizing worldly wealth and success over my relationship with God, and how can I reorient my priorities to align with His values?
How can I use my resources and wealth to serve and bless others, rather than simply accumulating more for myself?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 17:11

As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not,.... Here seems to be another sin pointed at, as the cause of the ruin of the Jews; as idolatry and trust in the creature before mentioned; so

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 17:11

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. Partridge - (1 Samuel 26:20).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11

As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not: it is no wonder if we cannot be certain as to the sense of these words so far as they concern natural history, when we are not certain what bird it is to which they relate; we translate the word partridge; others will have it the cuckow; but certain it is that it is the same word which we translate partridge, , and cuckows use not to be much hunted after. How the partridge is said to sit on eggs, and hatch them not, is yet a greater question. It may be occasioned so many ways, viz. either sitting upon windeggs, or being killed before the eggs are hatched, or having its eggs destroyed by the male partridge, or by some dog or other vermin, or its nest being found having her eggs taken from her, that it is hard to determine which the prophet means. Of all other I least approve of that which Jerome makes the sense, though the thing be true, (if we may believe Cassiodorus, and several natural historians, Aldrovandus, &c.,) that partridges have such a love and desire to hatch young ones, that having lost their own eggs, they will steal the eggs of other partridges and hatch them, which birds being hatched, the young ones, knowing the cry of their proper dams, hearing them call, leave the partridge that hatched them (which is one thing quoted by Aldrovandus to show the sagacity of that bird): but if this were the sense, the words would be, As the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them, but enjoyeth them not, whereas they are hatcheth them not; that is, having lost them, either by some man that hath taken them from her, or by some vermin or wild beast. 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; so he that getteth an estate by oppression, or any cozenage, or unrighteous actions, shall lose it again before he cometh to die; and when he comes to die, shall understand what a fool he was to take so much pains to no more purpose.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11

Jeremiah 17:11 [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.Ver. 11. As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not.] Because either she is taken in an evil net, or the eggs are marred by the male, or otherwise, before they can be hatched. So he that getteth riches, and not by right.] That crieth “ Rem, rem, quocunque mode rem, Unde habeat nemo quaerit, sed oportet habere. ” Right or wrong, many are resolved to be rich, but are usually crossed or else cursed with a blessing for treasures of wickedness profit not, but righteousness delivereth from death. God sometimes giveth wealth to the wicked, as men put money into an earthen bottle, which, that they may get out again, they break the bottle in pieces. Shall leave them in the midst of his days.] Either they shall leave him, or he them, to his unmedicinable grief and heart break. A poor fool God will be sure to make of him. He that trusteth in his riches, as every mammonist doth, shall fall; for although he bless himself, as well underlaid - and what should all such a one saith the world - yet the Lord abhorreth him, so that he many times cometh in the midst of his days to an untimely end, as did Judas, Ahab, Achan, Balaam, Ananias and Sapphira, &c. And thus many a rich wretch spinneth a fair thread to strangle himself, both temporally and eternally; he by his covetousness not only killeth others, but himself too.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11

(11) As the partridge sitteth on eggs . . .—Better, following the LXX. and Vulg., and the marginal reading of the Authorised Version, heaps up eggs and hath not laid them. The words point to a popular belief among the Jews that the partridge steals the eggs of other birds and adds them to her own, with the result that when the eggs are hatched the broods desert her (see Bibl. Educ. iii. p. 73). It thus became a parable of the covetous man, whose avarice leads him to pile up riches which are not rightly his, and which after a while “make to themselves wings” and are seen no more. Modern naturalists have not observed this habit, but it is probable that the belief originated in the practice of the cuckoo laying its eggs in the nest of the partridge, as in that of other birds. The cuckoo (Leviticus 11:16; Deuteronomy 14:15) was and is a common bird in Palestine (Bibl. Educ. 2 p. 363). Shall leave them in the midst of his days.—If we retain the rendering of the Authorised Version the words may refer to the practice of hunting the partridge by driving it from its nest and then striking it with a club (see Bibl. Educ. iii. p. 73). Many commentators, however, adopt the rendering, they (the riches) shall leave him. As covetousness was the besetting sin of Jehoiakim (Jeremiah 22:17), the prediction may have pointed specially to him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11

Verse 11. As the partridge] קרא kore. It is very likely that this was a bird different from our partridge. The text Dr. Blayney translates thus: - (As) the kore that hatcheth what it doth not lay (So is) he who getteth riches, and not according to right. "The covetous man," says Dahler, "who heaps up riches by unjust ways, is compared to a bird which hatches the eggs of other fowls. And as the young, when hatched, and able at all to shift for themselves, abandon her who is not their mother, and leave her nothing to compensate her trouble, so the covetous man loses those unjustly-gotten treasures, and the fruit of his labour." And at his end shall be a fool.] Shall be reputed as such. He was a fool all the way through; he lost his soul to get wealth, and this wealth he never enjoyed. To him also are applicable those strong words of the poet: - "O cursed lust of gold! when for thy sake The wretch throws up his interest in both worlds. First starved in this, then damned in that to come." BLAIR.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 17:11

11. As the partridge, etc.] mg. sitteth on eggs which she hath not laid. We need not take the statement to indicate more than a popular belief of that day, of which the prophet availed himself by way of an illustration. (Woods, however [see Woods and Powell, The Hebrew Prophets, II. 104 f., quoted by Pe.], maintains that the partridge does act in accordance with both text and mg.) “The young birds soon forsake their false mother, and so does wealth its unjust possessor. Or perhaps the words should be rendered, that heapeth together (eggs), but doth not bring forth (young)—with allusion to the large number of eggs laid by the partridge, which are eagerly sought for by the Arabs as food, so that the bird often hatches no young.” Dr. who quotes Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, pp. 224 f. they shall leave him] mg. (and A.V.), better, he shall leave them. a fool] Heb. nâbhâl. “The fault of the nâbhâl was not weakness of reason, but moral and religious insensibility, an invincible lack of sense, or perception, for the claims of either God or man.” Dr. Parallel Psalter, p. 457. See Isaiah 32:5 f. and cp. for an example 1 Samuel 25:25.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 17:11

11. Partridge — Literally, the caller. It is uncertain what bird is meant, but the weight of testimony lies in favour of the common version. Sitteth, etc. — Rather, gathereth eggs she hath not brought forth.

Sermons on Jeremiah 17:11

	Sermon	Description
	Exposition on Psalm 55 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches about the division caused by those who separate themselves from unity, leading to spiritual deaths and deceitfulness. He emphasizes the importance of casting
	Many Aspire, Few Attain by Walter A. Henrichsen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and reviewing the truths of the Bible. He encourages the audience to hold tenaciously to these truths and make
	The Word of God by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with God. He references Moses spending 80 days and nights alone with God on Mount Sinai, highlighting
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 355 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of fathers in raising their children in a way that allows them to receive the blessings of God. He shares the story of Esau,
	The Christian in Complete Armour - Part 12 by William Gurnall	William Gurnall emphasizes the necessity of faith as a shield for Christians to quench the fiery darts of the wicked, which represent the temptations and attacks from the enemy. He
	Responsibility by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in stewardship, highlighting the need for individuals to be dependable, keep their promises, pay debts promptly, and
	2 Peter 2:14 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:14, emphasizing the dangers of lust and the corrupting influence of false teachers who entice unstable souls. He highlights that the eyes can lead t