Jeremiah 9:8

Authorized King James Version

Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
חֵ֥ץ
is as an arrow
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
#2
שָׁו֛חּט
shot out
to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)
#3
לְשׁוֹנָ֖ם
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,
#4
מִרְמָ֣ה
deceit
fraud
#5
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
it speaketh
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#6
בְּפִ֗יו
with his mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
שָׁל֤וֹם
peaceably
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
#8
אֶת
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#9
רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙
to his neighbour
an associate (more or less close)
#10
יְדַבֵּ֔ר
it speaketh
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#11
וּבְקִרְבּ֖וֹ
but in heart
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
#12
יָשִׂ֥ים
he layeth
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#13
אָרְבּֽוֹ׃
his wait
ambuscade

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of peace 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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