King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 9:8 Mean?

Jeremiah 9:8 in the King James Version says “Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait. in heart: Heb. in the midst of him his wait: or, wait for him”

Jeremiah 9:8 · KJV

Context

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?

8

Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait. in heart: Heb. in the midst of him his wait: or, wait for him

9

Shall I not visit them for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

10

For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through them; neither can men hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone. habitations: or, pastures burned up: or, desolate both: Heb. from the fowl even to, etc

Read Jeremiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse describes the tongue as deadly weapon: 'Their tongue is as an arrow shot out.' The Hebrew chets shachut (חֵץ שָׁחוּט) literally means 'a slaughtering arrow' or 'a sharpened arrow'—designed for killing. 'It speaketh deceit' continues the theme of verbal treachery. 'One speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.' The contrast between mouth (peh, פֶּה) and heart (qereb, קֶרֶב, inner being) reveals hypocrisy—friendly words concealing murderous intent. 'Layeth his wait' (orbo, אָרְבּוֹ) pictures an ambush, lying in wait to destroy. Social interaction becomes warfare with words as weapons.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare relied heavily on archery; the arrow was the quintessential killing weapon. Jeremiah's audience understood arrows as deadly, precise instruments of death. The image of speaking peace while planning harm describes Judah's political culture—treaties made to be broken, alliances formed for exploitation, friendships feigned for advantage. This anticipates Psalm 55:21 about smooth words with war in the heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the arrow metaphor capture the calculated, intentional nature of verbal deception?
  2. What does the gap between peaceful words and hostile hearts reveal about human capacity for duplicity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
חֵ֥ץ1 of 13

“is as an arrow”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

שָׁו֛חּט2 of 13

“shot out”

H7819

to slaughter (in sacrifice or massacre)

לְשׁוֹנָ֖ם3 of 13

“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,

מִרְמָ֣ה4 of 13

“deceit”

H4820

fraud

יְדַבֵּ֔ר5 of 13

“it speaketh”

H1696

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

בְּפִ֗יו6 of 13

“with his mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

שָׁל֤וֹם7 of 13

“peaceably”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אֶת8 of 13
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙9 of 13

“to his neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

יְדַבֵּ֔ר10 of 13

“it speaketh”

H1696

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

וּבְקִרְבּ֖וֹ11 of 13

“but in heart”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

יָשִׂ֥ים12 of 13

“he layeth”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

אָרְבּֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“his wait”

H696

ambuscade

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 9:8 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 9:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 28:3Proverbs 26:24-26Psalms 120:3Jeremiah 9:3Psalms 64:3-4Psalms 57:4

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