Jeremiah 5:2
Jeremiah 5:2 in Multiple Translations
Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.”
And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.
And though they say, As Jehovah liveth; surely they swear falsely.
And though they say, By the living Lord; truly their oaths are false.
They may make promises in my name, but they're not sincere.
For though they say, The Lord liueth, yet doe they sweare falsely.
And if they say, 'Jehovah liveth,' Surely to a falsehood they swear.
Though they say, ‘As the LORD lives,’ surely they swear falsely.”
And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.
And though they say: The Lord liveth; this also they will swear falsely.
But when people there say, ‘I solemnly declare that as surely as Yahweh lives, I will do what he says,’ they are lying.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Jeremiah 5:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֥ם
חַי
יְהֹוָ֖ה
יֹאמֵ֑רוּ
לָ/כֵ֥ן
לַ/שֶּׁ֖קֶר
יִשָּׁבֵֽעוּ
וְ/אִ֥ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
חַי
chay
H2416
alive
Adj
יְהֹוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
יֹאמֵ֑רוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לָ/כֵ֥ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
לַ/שֶּׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
Prep | N-ms
יִשָּׁבֵֽעוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 5:2
וְ/אִ֥ם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
חַי
chay
H2416
"alive"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יְהֹוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
יֹאמֵ֑רוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ/כֵ֥ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
לַ/שֶּׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
יִשָּׁבֵֽעוּ
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 5:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:2
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 5:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
- Sermons on Jeremiah 5:2
Context — No One Is Just
1“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city.
2Although they say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ they are swearing falsely.”
3O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain. You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They have made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent. 4Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Titus 1:16 | They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 4:2 | and if you can swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then the nations will be blessed by Him, and in Him they will glory.” |
| 3 | Hosea 4:1–2 | Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the people of the land: “There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land! Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. |
| 4 | Leviticus 19:12 | You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 7:9 | Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, |
| 6 | Isaiah 48:1 | “Listen to this, O house of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel, who have descended from the line of Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD, who invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness— |
| 7 | Hosea 10:4 | They speak mere words; with false oaths they make covenants. So judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of a field. |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 3:5 | having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these! |
| 9 | Zechariah 5:3–4 | Then he told me, “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed. I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.” |
| 10 | 1 Timothy 1:10 | for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching |
Jeremiah 5:2 Summary
[This verse is saying that even though people claim to love and follow God, their actions show that they are not being truthful. They are saying one thing but doing another, which is a form of lying. As it says in Exodus 20:7, we should not use God's name in a false way. We should strive to be honest and truthful in all we say and do, just like it says in Colossians 3:9-10, to put off the old self and put on the new self, made in the image of God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to swear falsely in God's name?
Swearing falsely in God's name means to invoke the Lord's name in a lie or an empty promise, which is a serious offense against God, as seen in Leviticus 19:12 and Exodus 20:7.
How can people claim to follow God while living dishonestly?
This verse highlights the contradiction between people's words and actions, where they claim to follow God but live dishonestly, similar to what Jesus condemned in Matthew 15:8, where people honor God with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.
What is the significance of saying 'As surely as the LORD lives'?
Saying 'As surely as the LORD lives' is a way of invoking God's name as a witness to the truth of what is being said, but in this context, it is being used falsely, which undermines the trustworthiness of God's name, as warned against in Jeremiah 12:16.
How does this relate to our own lives as believers?
This verse serves as a reminder to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that our words and deeds align with our profession of faith, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5 and James 1:26-27.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be swearing falsely in my own life, and how can I align my words and actions with God's truth?
- How can I ensure that my profession of faith is genuine and not just empty words, as warned against in this verse?
- In what ways can I honor God with both my lips and my heart, as encouraged in Matthew 15:8 and Jeremiah 5:2?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek truth and live justly, as called to in Jeremiah 5:1 and Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:2
And though they say, the Lord liveth,.... It might be said, that there were multitudes that made mention of the name of the Lord, that professed it, and swore by it; which sometimes is put for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:2
And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely. Though they say, The Lord liveth - (Titus 1:16, "They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him").
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
Though they say, The Lord liveth; though when they swear, they use the form of an oath, and say, The Lord liveth, , or, By the living God. By swearing here we may understand all their service of God, by a synecdoche, swearing being a part of God’ s worship. Surely they swear falsely; yet, or therefore, they swear falsely; either they swear to that which is false; or if to that which is true, they are so perfidious to me, that they do it deceitfully, not in sincerity, and in reverence to that holy name by which they swear: possibly they may often speak of God, and not swear by false gods, , but it is all but hypocrisy and deceit, 42:5,20 . It is neither in truth nor righteousness, two of the principal qualifications of a lawful oath. Thus they prostitute the name of God, making themselves guilty, not of hypocrisy only, but sacrilege.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
Jeremiah 5:2 And though they say, The LORD liveth; surely they swear falsely.Ver. 2. And though they say, The Lord liveth,] i.e., Albeit they talk religiously, as those pretenders also did, and make a great flaunt, as if some great matter, with Simon Magus, yet they are arrant hypocrites, and therefore odious to me who desire "truth in the inward parts." These neither "say the truth," nor "do" it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
(2) The Lord liveth.—The words imply that a distinction between the binding powers of different formulæ of adjuration, like that of the later scribes (Matthew 23:16), was already in some degree prevalent. The guilt of the men of Jerusalem was that they took the most solemn formula of all, “Jehovah liveth,” and yet were guilty of perjury. In Jeremiah 5:7 we find traces of the practice of swearing by other gods, with which this “oath of Jehovah” is apparently contrasted. Falsely.—Literally, upon falsehood.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
Verse 2. The Lord liveth] Though they profess to bind themselves by Jehovah, as if they acknowledged him their God and only Lord, yet they swore falsely; for not believing in him, they took a false oath; one by which they did not believe themselves bound, not acknowledging him as their Lord. See on Jeremiah 4:2.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:2
2. Though, as professed servants of Jehovah, they take the most solemn form of oath, yet they use it to give weight to a lie. Cp. Isaiah 48:1. surely] This rendering is obtained by the change of one letter in MT., which has “therefore” in defiance of the sense.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 5:2
Though they take the most binding form of oath, they do so only as a means of deceiving others.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:2
2. Falsely — Implying an outward confession of Jehovah, but combining with it spiritual hypocrisy, falling in perfectly with the intimations which came in other ways, that these were times of outward rather than inward religion.
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Titus - Part 12): Sound Doctrine in Life by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sound teaching, which consists of both a foundation and a superstructure. He compares this concept to a tree with its roots |
|
|
(Titus - Part 2): An Introduction to Titus by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker announces the start of a new series on the careful study of the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages everyone to attend the first sermon and emphasizes th |
|
Nothing but Leaves by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of practicing what we believe rather than just giving lip service. He criticizes the current state of the church, stating tha |
|
Part 4, Thur (Toronto Spiritual Life Convention 1993) by Eric J. Alexander | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of living a godly life and setting a good example for others. He emphasizes the need for integrity, seriousness, and soundness |
|
Birthmarks of the Family of God by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower and the different types of ground that receive the word of God. He emphasizes that only the good ground, which repre |
|
The Cock Crew by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern over the decline of morality in society and the loss of the moral voice. He shares a personal story of a surgeon who went back to the |
|
The Moral Decline of Society by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |