Jeremiah 8:8
How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.
Original Language Analysis
וְתוֹרַ֥ת
and the law
H8451
וְתוֹרַ֥ת
and the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
5 of 14
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִתָּ֑נוּ
H854
אִתָּ֑נוּ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אָכֵן֙
is with us Lo certainly
H403
אָכֵן֙
is with us Lo certainly
Strong's:
H403
Word #:
8 of 14
firmly; figuratively, surely; also (adversative) but
שֶׁ֥קֶר
in vain
H8267
שֶׁ֥קֶר
in vain
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
10 of 14
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
עָשָׂ֔ה
made
H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
John 9:41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.Psalms 147:19He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.Job 12:20He removeth away the speech of the trusty, and taketh away the understanding of the aged.Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,Matthew 15:6And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Historical Context
By Jeremiah's time, a professional scribal class had developed, responsible for copying, preserving, and teaching Scripture. These sophrim (scribes) would later become the rabbinical authorities. Yet Jeremiah accuses them of misusing their position—their 'lying pen' (NASB) produced interpretations justifying the very sins the Torah condemned. This anticipates Jesus' confrontation with scribes and Pharisees who invalidated God's word through their traditions (Matthew 15:1-9).
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious professionals twist Scripture to support what it actually condemns?
- What dangers exist in claiming biblical wisdom while failing to practice biblical obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse challenges false claims to wisdom: 'How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us?' The Hebrew chakamim (חֲכָמִים, wise ones) and torath YHWH (תּוֹרַת יְהוָה, law/instruction of the LORD) were claimed by scribes and religious leaders. Yet God exposes their self-deception: 'Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.' The 'pen of the scribes' (et sopherim, עֵט סֹפְרִים) refers to those who copied, preserved, and interpreted Torah. 'In vain' (lashseqer, לַשָּׁקֶר) means for falsehood, deceptively—their scribal work produced false interpretations that contradicted God's actual revelation. Possessing Scripture without obeying it, knowing law without practicing it, produces not wisdom but sophisticated rebellion.