Jeremiah 9:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 9:5
5 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.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 9 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, truth. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 9:5
5 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.
Analysis
This verse continues describing deceit: 'And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth.' The Hebrew hathal (הָתַל, mock, deceive) and emeth lo yedabberu (אֱמֶת לֹא יְדַבֵּרוּ, truth they will not speak) emphasize comprehensive dishonesty. 'They have taught their tongue to speak lies' uses the Hebrew limmedu (לִמְּדוּ, trained, disciplined)—lying requires practice until it becomes habitual, second nature. 'And weary themselves to commit iniquity' employs la'u (לָאוּ, to be weary, exhausted). They expend energy on evil that should fuel righteousness, wearing themselves out in pursuit of wickedness. Sin is presented as hard work, yet they persist.
Historical Context
The concept of 'trained' tongues suggests systematic corruption, not occasional lapses. Children learn to lie from adults who model deception. By Jeremiah's time, multiple generations had normalized dishonesty. The exhausting nature of maintaining lies and pursuing iniquity contrasts with the 'rest' God offers those who return to Him (Jeremiah 6:16). Weary sinners nevertheless refused the yoke of obedience.
Reflection
- How does viewing lying as a learned, practiced skill challenge assumptions about 'little white lies'?
- What does the picture of wearying oneself in sin reveal about the irrationality and cost of persistent rebellion?
Word Studies
- Truth: אֱמֶת (Emet) H571 - Truth, faithfulness
Cross-References
- Sin: Job 15:5
- Parallel theme: Micah 6:12