Jeremiah 37:9
Thus saith the LORD; Deceive not yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us: for they shall not depart.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֣ה׀
H3541
כֹּ֣ה׀
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 14
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּשִּׁ֤אוּ
Deceive
H5377
תַּשִּׁ֤אוּ
Deceive
Strong's:
H5377
Word #:
5 of 14
to lead astray, i.e., (mentally) to delude, or (morally) to seduce
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶם֙
not yourselves
H5315
נַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶם֙
not yourselves
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
יֵלֵֽכוּ׃
shall surely
H1980
יֵלֵֽכוּ׃
shall surely
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
יֵלֵֽכוּ׃
shall surely
H1980
יֵלֵֽכוּ׃
shall surely
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
9 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מֵעָלֵ֖ינוּ
H5921
מֵעָלֵ֖ינוּ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
The Chaldeans
H3778
הַכַּשְׂדִּ֑ים
The Chaldeans
Strong's:
H3778
Word #:
11 of 14
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Obadiah 1:3The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?Jeremiah 29:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.James 1:22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.2 Thessalonians 2:3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Historical Context
The Egyptian army's approach had caused Babylon to lift the siege temporarily (37:5). People thought they were delivered, but God's purpose remained unchanged.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against self-deception about spiritual realities?
- What does this teach about the certainty of God's declared purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God warns against self-deception: 'Deceive not yourselves.' When Babylon temporarily withdrew, people thought judgment was averted. But God says even if they defeated all Babylon's army, leaving only wounded men, those wounded would rise and burn the city. This hyperbole emphasizes the certainty of God's decreed judgment. No human power can prevent what God has determined.