Jeremiah 9:5

Authorized King James Version

And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאִ֤ישׁ
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#2
בְּרֵעֵ֙הוּ֙
his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#3
יְהָתֵ֔לּוּ
And they will deceive
to deride; by implication, to cheat
#4
וֶאֱמֶ֖ת
the truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#5
לֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
דַּבֶּר
and will not speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#7
לִמְּד֧וּ
they have taught
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
#8
לְשׁוֹנָ֛ם
their tongue
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#9
דַּבֶּר
and will not speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#10
שֶׁ֖קֶר
lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#11
הַעֲוֵ֥ה
themselves to commit iniquity
to crook, literally or figuratively
#12
נִלְאֽוּ׃
and weary
to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of truth reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Jeremiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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