Definition: Therefore will I give their wives unto others, [and] their fields to them that shall inherit [them]: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 8:10. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about greed and dishonesty. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jeremiah is saying that people are becoming so focused on wanting more – more money, more power, more possessions – that they’re starting to covet and cheat others. It’s a warning about a shift in human nature. Let’s break it down word by word: “Therefore will I give their wives unto others, [and] their fields to them that shall inherit [them]:” This is the core of the message. Jeremiah is saying he intends to transfer or give away the roles and responsibilities of women and land to those who are now wealthy. He’s essentially saying that people will be allowed to take over these positions. “for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness…” This is a crucial part. “Covetousness” means a strong desire for what you don't have . Jeremiah isn’t saying this is always happening – it’s a warning that this tendency will become more prevalent. He’s highlighting how people are becoming obsessed with wanting more, regardless of the cost. “from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.” This adds another layer: People are starting to lie and cheat each other out of their possessions. “Dealeth falsely” means they're lying and misrepresenting things to get an unfair advantage. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is a message about a growing problem – a loss of integrity and honesty. Jeremiah is warning that as people become more focused on wealth and power, they’ll begin to exploit others and lie. It speaks to the dangers of greed and the importance of trustworthiness. Why is this important? It warns against materialism: Jeremiah was a prophet who warned about the potential for humans to become obsessed with material possessions. It highlights the need for ethical behavior: The verse urges people to be honest and fair in their dealings with others – it’s about building trust instead of constantly seeking more. In short, Jeremiah is saying that when we let our desire for things overshadow our integrity and fairness, it can lead to a very difficult and harmful situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you an example of how this could manifest in the Bible? Explore another part of Jeremiah’s message?