Jeremiah 9 8

Jeremiah 9:8 kjv

Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Jeremiah 9:8 nkjv

Their tongue is an arrow shot out; It speaks deceit; One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, But in his heart he lies in wait.

Jeremiah 9:8 niv

Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With their mouths they all speak cordially to their neighbors, but in their hearts they set traps for them.

Jeremiah 9:8 esv

Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him.

Jeremiah 9:8 nlt

For their tongues shoot lies like poisoned arrows.
They speak friendly words to their neighbors
while scheming in their heart to kill them.

Jeremiah 9 verses

Jeremiah 9 8 Meaning

The people of Judah have been utterly deceptive and untrustworthy, acting like false prophets and adulterous warriors, thereby provoking God's wrath. They have exchanged their faithfulness to God for deceit and violence.

Jeremiah 9 8 Context

Jeremiah 9:8 follows a prophecy of judgment against Judah due to their pervasive sinfulness. Earlier in chapter 9, Jeremiah laments the sin and scattering of his people (Jer 9:1-7), particularly their deceitful tongues and betrayal of their covenant. Verse 7 speaks of God refining them to reveal their wicked character. This verse (9:8) continues this theme by detailing the specific ways in which Judah has become untrustworthy, leading to divine judgment. The prophet's pronouncements are set against a backdrop of impending Babylonian invasion, which served as God's judgment for their rebellion.

Jeremiah 9 8 Word analysis

• Surely (H: 'ak): Indeed; truly. Emphasizes the certainty of the statement that follows.

• now (H: eth): Now; at this time. Points to the present reality of their transgression.

• I will bring (H: 'athas'eth 'aphele): I will bring upon. Refers to impending judgment.

• upon it (H: 'alehu): Upon it; upon Jerusalem or upon the nation of Judah. The target of God's judgment.

• even (H: gam): Also; even. Connects to previous accusations.

• Jerusalem (H: Yrušalayim): City of Jerusalem. The symbolic and actual center of God's people, now fallen.

• from (H: mi): From. Indicates the origin of the action or consequence.

• My (H: 'aniy): My. Possessive pronoun, showing God's ownership and the personal impact of their sin.

• word (H: dabar): Word; speech; promise; deed. Can refer to God's spoken judgment or His overall covenant actions.

• that (H: 'asher): That; which. Connective particle.

• I will punish (H: paqad): To visit; to muster; to punish; to take notice of. A term often used for God's judgment or His attentive dealing with His people.

• the city (H: 'ir): City. Referring back to Jerusalem.

• for (H: 'al): Because of; for. Indicates the reason for the punishment.

• all (H: kol): All; every. Denotes completeness of their iniquity.

• their (H: hem): Their. Referring to the people of Judah.

• wickedness (H: ra'ah): Evil; wickedness; mischief; distress. Encompasses their moral depravity and hurtful actions.

• in (H: ba): In; by; with. Preposition indicating the sphere or means.

• that (H: 'asher): That; which. Connective particle.

• they (H: hem): They. Referring to the people of Judah.

• have (H: hayah): To be; to become. Indicates existence or state.

• done (H: 'asah): To do; to make; to act. Refers to their deliberate sinful acts.

• utter deception (H: neshama): Breathing, Spirit, utterance; hence the breath of the mouth, spoken words. When coupled with 'lie' or used for the nostrils, it can denote a deceptive "puff" of air. It's contrasted with the Spirit of truth. The phrase "deceitful breathing" or "false utterance" conveys utter lack of sincerity and reliance on falsehood.

• adulterous warriors (H: mnalayim): Perhaps playing on words. mena'ef (adulterer) and hayil (strength, warrior). They are " warriors" but also spiritually "adulterous" to God. Their strength is misapplied in sin.

• My word… My punishment (dabar… paqadti): God’s Word of judgment and His act of punishing are intimately linked. God’s word of judgment is active and carries out His intent to punish.

• all their wickedness (kol ra'atam): This signifies a total, comprehensive corruption and rebellion against God’s law.

Jeremiah 9 8 Bonus section

This verse reflects a recurring theme in the Old Testament: God's faithfulness to His covenant, which includes His judgment against unfaithfulness. The concept of God "visiting" (paqad) can have both positive (e.g., visiting to bless) and negative (e.g., visiting to punish) connotations depending on the context. Here, it is clearly punitive. The description of Judah as "adulterous warriors" is potent imagery, combining spiritual infidelity with their practical actions, highlighting how sin infects every aspect of life. Their strength, instead of being used for God's kingdom, is employed in rebellion. This verse underscores that outward profession of faith is insufficient if it is not matched by inward truth and obedience, a message reiterated in the New Testament's emphasis on living faith.

Jeremiah 9 8 Commentary

Jeremiah 9:8 unequivocally states God's intention to judge Jerusalem. This judgment is a direct consequence of Judah's comprehensive unfaithfulness. They have turned away from genuine reliance on God and embraced deceit, much like prophets who spoke falsehoods. Their character has become so corrupt that their actions are described as spiritually adulterous and their strength as that of deceitful warriors. God's "visitation" (paqad) signifies not a benevolent oversight, but a reckoning, bringing the consequences of their deep-seated wickedness. The ultimate purpose of this punishment, as seen throughout Jeremiah, is both to execute justice and to bring about repentance and purification, though in this instance, it leads to devastation. The phrase "from My word" implies that God's pronouncements of judgment are sure and will be enacted.