Jeremiah 8:11
For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְרַפּ֞וּ
For they have healed
H7495
וַיְרַפּ֞וּ
For they have healed
Strong's:
H7495
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, to mend (by stitching), i.e., (figuratively) to cure
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֶׁ֤בֶר
the hurt
H7667
שֶׁ֤בֶר
the hurt
Strong's:
H7667
Word #:
3 of 12
a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream)
בַּת
of the daughter
H1323
בַּת
of the daughter
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
4 of 12
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
עַמִּי֙
of my people
H5971
עַמִּי֙
of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 12
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נְקַלָּ֔ה
slightly
H7043
נְקַלָּ֔ה
slightly
Strong's:
H7043
Word #:
7 of 12
to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
9 of 12
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
H7965
שָׁלֽוֹם׃
Peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
10 of 12
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
וְאֵ֖ין
H369
Cross References
Jeremiah 6:14They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.Lamentations 2:14Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.
Historical Context
This verse repeats Jeremiah 6:14, emphasizing the persistent problem of false prophecy throughout his ministry. Prophets like Hananiah (Jeremiah 28) explicitly contradicted Jeremiah, promising quick return from exile. The 'shalom' message appealed to national pride and religious presumption—surely God wouldn't allow Jerusalem and the temple to fall. Yet 586 BC's destruction vindicated Jeremiah's diagnosis over the false prophets' prognosis.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious leaders today offer 'peace' messages that ignore sin's seriousness and judgment's reality?
- What distinguishes genuine spiritual comfort from false assurance that enables continued sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse contains Jeremiah's most famous indictment of false religious leaders: 'For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.' The verb 'healed' (rapha, רָפָא) is used sarcastically—they applied superficial bandages to mortal wounds. 'Slightly' (al-neqallah, עַל־נְקַלָּה) means superficially, trivially, treating serious illness as minor inconvenience. The repeated 'Peace, peace' (shalom, shalom) represents the false prophets' message: all is well, God is pleased, judgment won't come. But 'there is no peace' (ein shalom, אֵין שָׁלוֹם) exposes the lie. True prophets diagnosed the cancer of sin requiring radical surgery; false prophets prescribed painkillers while the patient died.