Jeremiah 9:6
Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁבְתְּךָ֖
Thine habitation
H3427
שִׁבְתְּךָ֖
Thine habitation
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
בְּת֣וֹךְ
is in the midst
H8432
בְּת֣וֹךְ
is in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
2 of 9
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
דַֽעַת
to know
H3045
דַֽעַת
to know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
6 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Jeremiah 13:10This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.Proverbs 1:24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;Proverbs 1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:Jeremiah 8:5Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.Jeremiah 5:27As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.Jeremiah 11:19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.Jeremiah 20:10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.Romans 1:28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;Hosea 4:6My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.Jeremiah 18:18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
Historical Context
This verse marks a turning point in the oracle, moving from describing horizontal deceit (between people) to its vertical consequence (broken relationship with God). Jeremiah addresses either the people collectively or perhaps God Himself lamenting His dwelling among a deceitful nation. The theological connection—that dishonesty in human relationships prevents knowing God—anticipates John's teaching that loving God and loving neighbor are inseparable (1 John 4:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does living in an environment saturated with deceit affect our ability to know and relate to God?
- What is the connection between honesty in human relationships and authentic relationship with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse describes dwelling amid deceit: 'Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit.' The Hebrew shivtekha betokh mirmah (שִׁבְתְּךָ בְּתוֹךְ מִרְמָה) indicates living surrounded by treachery—deceit is the environment, the atmosphere. 'Through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.' The connection between deceit and refusing to know God is profound: dishonesty prevents genuine relationship with the God of truth. mirmah (מִרְמָה, deceit, guile) functions as a barrier to knowing YHWH. Those who practice deception cannot maintain covenant relationship with One who is Truth itself (John 14:6). False dealing with neighbors inevitably produces false dealing with God.