King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:5 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:5 in the King James Version says “And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 9:5 · KJV

Truth

Context

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

6

Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.

7

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?

Read Jeremiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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 Questions

  1. How does viewing lying as a learned, practiced skill challenge assumptions about 'little white lies'?
  2. What does the picture of wearying oneself in sin reveal about the irrationality and cost of persistent rebellion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאִ֤ישׁ1 of 12

“every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּרֵעֵ֙הוּ֙2 of 12

“his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

יְהָתֵ֔לּוּ3 of 12

“And they will deceive”

H2048

to deride; by implication, to cheat

וֶאֱמֶ֖ת4 of 12

“the truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

לֹ֣א5 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

דַּבֶּר6 of 12

“and will not speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לִמְּד֧וּ7 of 12

“they have taught”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

לְשׁוֹנָ֛ם8 of 12

“their tongue”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

דַּבֶּר9 of 12

“and will not speak”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

שֶׁ֖קֶר10 of 12

“lies”

H8267

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

הַעֲוֵ֥ה11 of 12

“themselves to commit iniquity”

H5753

to crook, literally or figuratively

נִלְאֽוּ׃12 of 12

“and weary”

H3811

to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted

Study Guide

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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:13Isaiah 57:10Isaiah 59:13-15Micah 6:12Job 15:5Jeremiah 9:3

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