Jeremiah 9:5
Jeremiah 9:5 in Multiple Translations
Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.
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.
And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity.
Everyone will make sport of his neighbour with deceit, not saying what is true: their tongues have been trained to say false words; they are twisted, hating to come back.
Everyone betrays their friends; no one tells the truth. They've made themselves into expert liars; they tire themselves out doing wrong.
And euery one wil deceiue his friende, and wil not speake the trueth: for they haue taught their tongues to speake lies, and take great paynes to do wickedly.
And each at his friend they mock, And truth they do not speak, They taught their tongue to speak falsehood, To commit iniquity they have laboured.
Friends deceive each other, and will not speak the truth. They have taught their tongue to speak lies. They weary themselves committing iniquity.
And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.
And a man shall mock his brother, and they will not speak the truth: for they have taught their tongue to speak lies: they have laboured to commit iniquity.
They deceive their friends and never tell the truth. They lie continually and, because of that, they have become skilled liars; they do one oppressive thing after another, and are unable to stop doing it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:5
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 9:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֖
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
מִרְמָ֑ה
בְּ/מִרְמָ֛ה
מֵאֲנ֥וּ
דַֽעַת
אוֹתִ֖/י
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֖
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
מִרְמָ֑ה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fs
בְּ/מִרְמָ֛ה
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
Prep | N-fs
מֵאֲנ֥וּ
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
דַֽעַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Inf-a
אוֹתִ֖/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 9:5
שִׁבְתְּ/ךָ֖
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
מִרְמָ֑ה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
בְּ/מִרְמָ֛ה
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
מֵאֲנ֥וּ
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
דַֽעַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אוֹתִ֖/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 9:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
- Sermons on Jeremiah 9:5
Context — A Lament over Zion
3“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.
4“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
5Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.
6You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. 7Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do because of the daughter of My people?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 6:12 | For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. |
| 2 | Habakkuk 2:13 | Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain? |
| 3 | Job 15:5 | For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty. |
| 4 | Isaiah 59:13–15 | rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart. So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice. |
| 5 | Isaiah 57:10 | You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak. |
| 6 | Isaiah 41:6–7 | Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 24:12 | It has frustrated every effort; its thick rust has not been removed, even by the fire. |
| 8 | Micah 6:3 | ‘My people, what have I done to you? Testify against Me how I have wearied you! |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 4:2 | influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. |
| 10 | Psalms 140:3 | They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah |
Jeremiah 9:5 Summary
[Jeremiah 9:5 is a sad verse that shows how far the people had turned away from God. They had become so used to lying and cheating that it was just a normal part of their lives, like the prophet Hosea says in Hosea 12:1, 'Ephraim feeds on the wind'. This verse is saying that even friends couldn't be trusted, and that everyone was looking out for themselves. It's a reminder that when we turn away from God, our relationships and our words can become corrupted and hurtful, but as seen in Psalm 119:160, 'the sum of Your word is truth'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'wear themselves out committing iniquity' in Jeremiah 9:5?
This phrase suggests that the people have become exhausted from continually sinning and doing evil, much like the prophet Isaiah describes those who 'weary themselves to commit iniquity' in Isaiah 57:10. It highlights the futility and emptiness of a life devoted to sin.
Is Jeremiah 9:5 saying that no one is truthful or honest?
According to Jeremiah 9:5, 'no one tells the truth', which emphasizes the widespread nature of deception and dishonesty among the people, similar to what the apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:4, where 'none are righteous, no, not one'
How does this verse relate to the concept of friendship and trust?
Jeremiah 9:5 indicates that even friendships have become tainted by betrayal and dishonesty, which is a tragic consequence of a society that has turned away from God, as also seen in the book of Micah 7:5-6, where 'a man’s enemies are the men of his own house'
What is the significance of the phrase 'they have taught their tongues to lie'?
This phrase in Jeremiah 9:5 suggests a deliberate and intentional effort to deceive and mislead others through dishonest speech, which is condemned by God as seen in Proverbs 12:22, where 'lying lips are an abomination to the Lord'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be more truthful and honest in my own relationships, and how can I cultivate trust with others?
- How do I recognize when I am being dishonest or deceptive, even in small ways, and what steps can I take to change this pattern?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'wearing myself out' in sin or futile pursuits, and how can I turn to God for help and redemption?
- In what ways can I be a source of truth and encouragement to those around me, and how can I point others to the hope and love of God?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:5
And they will deceive everyone his neighbour,.... In conversation, with lying words; and in trade and commerce, by art and tricking: and will not speak the truth; with respect to facts they report,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:5
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
They will deceive, Heb. mock, or deride; they are scoffers. They have taught their tongue to speak lies; they have so framed their tongues to it by custom and constant use, that lying is become so familiar to them that they cannot leave it. The same word is applied to the wild ass, used or taught to the wilderness, 13:23. Weary themselves to commit iniquity; they use a great deal of industry, diligence, and contrivance in it, . They spare for no labour and feel no weariness in it, whereby they are become expert.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
Jeremiah 9:5 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.Ver. 5. They have taught their tongues to speak lies.] They are artists at it, and can tack one lie to another very handsomely.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
(5) Deceive.—The word is commonly translated, as in the margin, mock. (So in 1 Kings 18:27; Judges 16:10; Judges 16:13; Judges 16:15.) The context here shows, however, that the kind of mockery is that which at once deludes and derides; and as the former meaning is predominant, the text of the English version had better stand as it is. To commit iniquity.—Literally, to go crookedly, or, in the strict sense of the word, to do wrong.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
Verse 5. And weary themselves to commit iniquity.] O, what a drudgery is sin! and how much labour must a man take in order to get to hell! The tenth part of it, in working together with God, would bring him to the gate of glory.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:5
5, 6. The MT. has apparently suffered some corruption. The LXX yield a fairly good sense. Dividing the four consonants of the Hebrew word rendered “thine habitation,” so as to end Jeremiah 9:5 with the first two, which thus yield the meaning of turn, and then taking the second pair, which will thus mean oppression (as in Psalms 10:7; Psalms 55:11), they render the whole “they committed iniquity and Ceased not to turn aside. (Jeremiah 9:6) Oppression on oppression and deceit on deceit, etc.,” the latter pair of identical words suggesting the parallel preceding. As Gi. points out, this does not obviate the objection that the verb rendered “weary themselves” always elsewhere (e.g. Isaiah 16:12; Isaiah 47:13) means to do so to no purpose, which is unsuitable here. Hence, and for other reasons, he rejects Jeremiah 9:4-5.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:5
4-6. Every brother will utterly supplant, etc. — A terrible indictment! Just in the ratio in which truth is put down must the bonds of mutual confidence be relaxed.
Sermons on Jeremiah 9:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When the Enemy Comes in Like a Flood by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by quoting Isaiah 59:14, where Isaiah laments the state of society, with judgment turned away and truth fallen in the street. The preacher then |
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Driving Out the Money Changers by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ and being transformed to think like Him. It highlights the need for zeal for God's house, purity in the church, a |
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What Does God Require of You by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding what the Lord requires of believers. He challenges the idea that extravagant offerings or sacrifices can ple |
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Jehovah's Appeal to Sinners and Backsliders by Charles Finney | Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon addressing the backslidden and unrepentant, urging them to reflect on their relationship with God. He emphasizes God's appeal for honesty, |
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God's Hatchet by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of idolatry and the deception that has taken hold of the church. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God and warns against the |
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America: Reprobate Nation? by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the excessive use of cell phones and the internet in today's society, suggesting that it has led to a disconnection from God's creation. The |
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America Needs a Slap in the Face by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman passionately addresses the urgent need for America and the church to awaken from their slumber of unrepentant sin and moral decay. He emphasizes that many justify the |