Jeremiah 9:8 - A Lament over Zion
Their tongues are deadly arrows;
This phrase highlights the destructive power of words, comparing them to arrows that can wound and kill. In the ancient Near Eastern context, arrows were a common weapon of war, symbolizing precision and lethality. The metaphor suggests that the people’s speech is not only harmful but intentionally so, aimed to cause damage. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages that emphasize the power of the tongue, such as Proverbs 12:18, which contrasts reckless words with those that bring healing. The use of "deadly arrows" underscores the severity of the deceit and betrayal among the people, reflecting a society where trust has been eroded.
they speak deception.
Deception here refers to the falsehoods and lies that permeate the community. In the historical context of Jeremiah, the people of Judah were often accused of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God, which included deceitful practices. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of truth versus falsehood, as seen in passages like Psalm 5:9, which describes the wicked as having no truth in their mouths. The emphasis on deception also points to a spiritual condition where the people have turned away from God’s truth, leading to moral and social decay.
With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor,
This phrase illustrates the duplicity of the people, who outwardly express peace and goodwill while harboring malicious intent. In the cultural context, greeting a neighbor with peace was a common social practice, reflecting a desire for harmony and mutual respect. However, the insincerity of these greetings is highlighted, revealing a deeper issue of hypocrisy. This behavior is reminiscent of the Pharisees in the New Testament, whom Jesus criticized for their outward displays of righteousness while being inwardly corrupt (Matthew 23:27-28).
but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's thoughts, intentions, and emotions. Setting a trap indicates premeditated harm, suggesting that the deceit is not accidental but deliberate. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the heart's condition, as seen in Jeremiah 17:9, which describes the heart as deceitful above all things. The imagery of setting a trap also connects to the concept of sin as a snare, a recurring motif in scripture that warns of the dangers of hidden sins and the importance of integrity. This duplicity is a stark contrast to the character of Jesus Christ, who embodies truth and sincerity, offering a model of genuine love and honesty.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
The prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Judah, warning them of their sinful ways and the impending judgment.
2. People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's prophecy, known for their deceitful and hypocritical behavior during this period.
3. God
The ultimate speaker through Jeremiah, expressing His displeasure with the people's deceit and hypocrisy.
4. Neighbors
Represents the individuals within the community who are victims of deceit and false peace.
5. Jerusalem
The central place where these events and prophecies are directed, as the heart of Judah's spiritual and social life.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Words can be as destructive as weapons. We must be mindful of how we use our tongues, ensuring our speech aligns with our faith.
Hypocrisy in Relationships
Speaking peace while harboring ill intentions is a form of hypocrisy that God detests. True Christian living requires integrity in both words and actions.
Heart and Mouth Alignment
Our external expressions should reflect our internal convictions. As believers, we are called to be genuine in our interactions with others.
God's Displeasure with Deceit
God sees beyond our words to the intentions of our hearts. We must strive for honesty and transparency in our dealings with others.
Repentance and Transformation
Recognizing deceit in our lives should lead us to repentance and a transformation of heart, seeking God's help to align our speech with His truth.
(8) An arrow shot out.--Better, an arrow that pierceth, or slayeth.
In heart.--More literally, inwardly.
Verse 8. - (Comp. Psalm 55:21.) As an arrow shot out; rather, as a sharpened arrow; but this is based on the marginal reading, and is itself a slightly forced rendering. The Hebrew text (i.e. the consonants), and also the Septuagint and Vulgate, have "as a murderous arrow." Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Their tongues
לְשׁוֹנָ֖ם (lə·šō·w·nām)
Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3956: The tongue
are deadly
שָׁח֛וּט (šā·ḥūṭ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7819: To slaughter, beat
arrows;
חֵ֥ץ (ḥêṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2671: A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear
they speak
דִבֵּ֑ר (ḏib·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue
deception.
מִרְמָ֣ה (mir·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4820: Deceit, treachery
With his mouth
בְּפִ֗יו (bə·p̄îw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to
a man speaks
יְדַבֵּ֔ר (yə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue
peace
שָׁל֤וֹם (šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace
to
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among
his neighbor,
רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow
but in his heart
וּבְקִרְבּ֖וֹ (ū·ḇə·qir·bōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7130: The nearest part, the center
he sets
יָשִׂ֥ים (yā·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set
a trap for him.
אָרְבּֽוֹ׃ (’ā·rə·bōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 696: An ambuscade
Links
Jeremiah 9:8 NIV
Jeremiah 9:8 NLT
Jeremiah 9:8 ESV
Jeremiah 9:8 NASB
Jeremiah 9:8 KJVJeremiah 9:8 BibleApps.com
Jeremiah 9:8 Biblia Paralela
Jeremiah 9:8 Chinese Bible
Jeremiah 9:8 French Bible
Jeremiah 9:8 Catholic BibleOT Prophets: Jeremiah 9:8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow (Jer.)