From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”
[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.” As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.
In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]
There are many, many verses in the Bible that talk about money. There are no Scriptures that denounce having wealth. There are, in fact, many wonderful believers in the Bible who were wealthy.
Those who honestly study the Bible know that it is the love of money that is the root of all evil. Money itself is not evil. However, obtaining riches the wrong way is addressed in the Bible.
There is a verse in the book of Jeremiah that uses a partridge to address obtaining riches the wrong way. The verse talks about a partridge sitting on her eggs, but then not hatching them. Understanding why the partridge would not hatch the eggs gives great insight about seeking riches the wrong way.
Partridges are birds in the pheasant family. They are a non-migratory Old World group. They are medium-sized birds, intermediate between the larger pheasants and the smaller quails. Partridges are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Partridges are ground-nesting seed-eaters.
Why Would They Not Hatch Their Eggs?
In the lands of the Bible, the partridge would lay its eggs in a small hole in the sand, and then sit on them. However, they are very skittish, fearful birds. If they are startled, they will flee and abandon their eggs.
Those who seek to obtain riches the wrong way, by unethical means, such as using others, will lose those riches. Just as a partridge will leave her eggs and not return, so shall it be for those who get riches unethically.
Rich People
The Bible says that those who will be rich will fall into many temptations. There will be things that tempt them that those who do not have riches will not be tempted with. While that is a great caution, it is certainly not an admonition to not be wealthy.
The Bible also talks about instructing those who are rich not to be egotistical and not to trust in riches because those riches are always uncertain. Instead, like everyone else, they should trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Those believers who are rich should do good, be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to share.
There are those who believe that money is evil and people who have wealth and prosperity need to give it all to those less fortunate. The Bible teaches that giving of one’s abundance is a choice each one of us makes, and it is not to be compulsory.
I realize there are a number of different positions on the topic of wealth. The point of this article is not to debate those, but rather to show from the Scriptures that obtaining riches the wrong way will have consequences. Perhaps we can all agree, and we really should, that God is the Giver and the Supplier.
Jeremiah 17:11
As the partridge sits on eggs, and hatches them not; so he that gets riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.I Timothy 6:9 and 10
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
I Timothy 6:17 and 18
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
II Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
Deuteronomy 8:18
But you shall remember the LORD your God: for it is He that gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish his covenant which he swore unto your fathers, as it is this day.
Mike Verdicchio
2011
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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written. The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai. I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.
He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window
Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)
Let.african.dictators.take.note.abt.d.patridge. dictators. Who.wallo.in.ill.gotten.wealth.whilst.dd.people.pick.their.daily.bread.from.garbage.dumps!!!
Jamilla,
Thanks for commenting – prayers for you and your family,
Mike
Very insightful. We must think right. From the patridge parable I gain this understanding…that while one has labored, and birthed painfully a future plan that is obviously significant, if he or she is unable to holdfast to the full development of their hope, and is easily disuaded, altogether one should weight the cost before venturing into an uncertain future that they are not equipped to handle. The partridge is easily displaced by fear which is always surplanted by ‘strong winds’. Too easily carried away…the plan will be defeated and if it is a plan to obtain riches, fear of how to handle them would cause the beholder to lose .
C.W.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
The Word of God is rich!
God bless you,
Mike
It tells in Jeremiah that the patridge hatches the eggs which it did not lay. We are to be mindful not to sit on what we did not earn or have the right to. The patridge bird is an example the holyspirit of God reveals to the prophet about not sitting on someone else’s property or right.We can sit on Gods grace which is given to us even though we have no eligibility or right. The hope of Israel. God wants us to think about the patridge bird, not to sit not on places which is not meant for us but only for the living God. To run away from places which is not according to Gods purpose and plans.
Shaji,
Thanks for you comment.
Not only can you apply the lesson of the patridge to finances, but seeking to obtain anything the wrong way, by unethical means, such as using others, will eventually end in loss. Just as a partridge will leave her eggs and not return, so shall it be for those who live unethically.
God bless you,
Thank God for using you to save lives. May God reward you, please pray for God to enlarge my coast and grant me long life.
Donald, I will pray that God blesses you exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think!!
Thanks for that revelation I just have a question what can one do if he’s a victim .You have been blessed by God you have houses car’s and your partner spouse claims that it’s her effort alone or business has made Al this add we were working in the same company that bought all these things as a man and your wife behaves this way what can you do please help am born again so your comets be biblically based.Denis m. reply to
Denis,
I will send you an email to the email address you put on this comment.
For your privacy, I have deleted the email address you put on this comment.
God bless you,
Kindly see the king James version of Jeremiah 17:11 and the version of New living translation. They are two different things, this is one of the reason I love the king James version a lot but at times , one needs other translation to simplify and interpret the King James version if it seems ambiguous.
King James version talks about a patridge that Brooks and does not hatch while New living translation talks about a patridge that hatches eggs it has not laid… These are two different things, please kindly clarify.
None the less both teaches the moral behind getting riches the right way. But the two translations aren’t the same.
Thanks.
Good insight about Christian and riches. God always meets our needs but regarding wealth, there are both blessings and pitfalls. We should heed the scriptures above common sense or even pragmatic thinking. Thank you my brother.’
Daniel, thanks for leaving a comment. God bless you and supply all you need.
My Bible NASB version says:
“As a patridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, so is he who makes a fortune, but unjustly;….”
Jeremiah 17: 11
It is different from your Jeremiah 17: 11.
Would you tell me from which version you quoted the verse?
Keisang, that is from the KJV. Thanks for checking out this blog, God bless you!
Amen
Well said. Very fruitful, thanks. May God Bless you.
Thanks for the comment, Francis. This post along with over 40 more are in my new book, What Does It Mean? now available on Amazon.
Paperback
https://tinyurl.com/yca32hj2
Kindle
https://tinyurl.com/y8m2c2jx
I use KJV or NKJV, but sometimes look up other versions to simplify the meanings. But most of the times their meanings are very different, but I stick to the NKJV one. Thanks for elaborating the meaning of this one verse in short but detailed.
Thanks for the comment, Linda.
Meanings to many verses like this one are in my new book, What Does It Mean?
More info, how to order, and how to get a signed copy at this link:
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean
God bless you
The Holy Spirit has guided me differently and I would like to share the lesson I have picked from the script….I will forever see to the end projects I have started because I have FAITH that through His GRACE, My GOD promised a long time ago (in Psalsm 23) that … “even though I walk through the shall of death “(Psalms 23). I shall not weaver like the Partridge!
Peter, thanks for leaving a comment.
I understand what you are saying, but, Psalm 23 doesn’t mention the partridge.
We must always bear in mind the culture in which the Bible was written.
Be sure to check out my new book, “What Does It Mean,” as this subject is one of the chapters.
God bless you,
Quiet often I have seen in my few years of life that those who live to gain wealth in the wrong way, most often they do not get to enjoy their wealth to old age. It’s like the Patridge thatvdoes not hatch it’s
Eggs. And when they die, theirbinheritance does not last long.
Patricia,
Thanks for leaving a comment.
You might be interested in my new book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy.
God bless you
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
So amazing!!! I had never understood this scripture like I did today!!
Rachel,
Thanks for leaving a comment.
I’m glad the article helped your understanding.
Isn’t it great to get added insight to the Bible from some understanding of the culture the times it was was written?
You might be interested in my new book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Great piece, the fear that had already programmed in getting wealth without purpose, qualified or working for it is the evil power that kill the rich people in this case in the midst of their year.
Wealth that lasting long & transferrable must comes from gifts & endowments of God in man to bless the humanity.
Peace
Olusola, glad you enjoyed the article.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Hello sir,
I was reading Jer.17 today then I came to vs 11 that talks about the partridge and I decided to check it out on net, and then I stumbled over your article, after reading it, I found it very insightful, informative and educating. Thank you for allowing God to use you to be a blessing to us all, keep up the good work, God bless you.
Kuma Abigail, thanks for leaving a comment, and thanks for your kind words.
I’m really glad the article helped your understanding.
Isn’t it great to get added insight to the Bible from some understanding of the culture the times it was was written?
You might be interested in my new book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Thanks for adding understanding to this scripture. After reading your information I can clearly see why the Bible compares a rich man whose gotten riches wrongfully to a partridge. It was a mini mystery…. lol
Thanks again!
Mary, glad you enjoyed the rticle.
Olusola, glad you enjoyed the article.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Lovely and educative work,but i thought partridges also gather other eggs
Roland, thanks for leaving a comment. This was an example of these partridges God gave to make a point..
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Glory be to for these biblical informations on wealth. You may not understand how helpful it is to me as a young Pastor. I will like to have copies of your materials at your will.
Abraham, thank you for leaving a comment. Feel free to copy and use the material in the articles to help with your pastoring.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
Oh how helpful. I am reading through the OT and just now in Jeremiah… thank you so much
Hi Joy, God bless you.
Thanks for leaving a comment.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
God bless you
Thank you for this! I was reading Isaiah 17 this morning and verse 11 referring to the mama partridge sent me on a search where I found your article. Looking into the cultures where and when the original Bible was written has greatly enriched my understanding. They’re a testament to the underlying, eternal principles in His truth regardless of the cultures we live in. Bible Gateway has a ‘Cultural Background Study Bible’, which provides can be helpful. But it tends to go into detail about the idolatrous practices of the time, drawing parallels with the prescribed religious observances God gave to OT Israel. It fails to note that many of these practices were in fact counterfeits of God’s word and ways. I live in a Bible Belt region of the US and have been startled to find many professing Christians who believe King James himself actually wrote the Bible! Believing that it’s viewpoint is Eurocentric, they’d be shocked by your opening paragraph. I found it refreshing. I will look for your books on the cultural context of the Bible and expect my study to be enriched by them.
Thanks again.
Hi Clarice,
Thanks for leaving a comment; glad it was helpful. Understanding the culture in which it was written opens up many verses in the Bible.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
God bless you
Great insight. Thanks particularly for the explanation on the way the partridge flees from hatching the eggs. The same way those involved in creating unrighteousness mammon experience the vanishing of their loots
Dr Passy, thanks for leaving a comment.
Glad you enjoyed the article.
Understanding the culture in which it was written opens up many verses in the Bible.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/
I really am pleased with this article. The Lord God Almighty give you more wisdom to do more
Thanks for the comment, Edokpolor Solomon Ochuko. I’m glad it blessed you.
Knowing some of the eastern culture opens up a number of Scriptures.
You might be interested in my latest book which explains dozens of verses in light of Biblical culture.
Here’s a link for more information including getting a signed copy!
God bless you.
http://confidenceandjoy.com/what-does-it-mean/