For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
From the smallest person to the most important person, everyone is greedy for more. And from the prophets to the priests, everyone acts dishonestly.
God is pointing out that corruption has spread through every level of society - both ordinary people and religious leaders have become greedy and dishonest.
📚 Historical Context
Jeremiah spoke these words during the final decades before Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC, when Judah was experiencing moral and spiritual decline. The kingdom was politically unstable, and both religious and civic leaders had abandoned their responsibilities to God and the people. This corruption at every level of society was one of the reasons God warned of coming judgment through Babylonian invasion.
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