King James Version
What Does Jeremiah 9:3 Mean?
“And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.”
Context
1
Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! Oh: Heb. Who will give my head, etc
2
Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.
3
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
4
Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. neighbour: or, friend
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. deceive: or, mock
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **Like their bow for lies.**—The inserted words turn the boldness of the metaphor into a comparatively tame simile. *They bend their tongue to be their bow of lies. *The same figure meets us in Psalm 57:4; Psalm 58:7; Psalm 64:3.
**They are not valiant for the truth upon the earth.**—Better, *they are not mighty for truth, *i.e., *faithfulness, in the land*—*i.e., *they do not rule faithfully. It is not without some regret that we part with a phrase which has gained something of a proverbial character as applied to the champions of speculative truth or abstract right, but the above gives the true meaning of the Hebrew.
**They know not me.**—“Know” in the sense of acknowledging and obeying (1Samuel 2:12; Job 18:21). This was the root evil from which all other evils issued.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Jeremiah 9:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Jeremiah 9:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge