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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 8  › Jeremiah 8:9

Jeremiah 8:9

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Jeremiah 8:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

King James Version KJV

The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?

American Standard Version ASV

The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of Jehovah; and what manner of wisdom is in them?

Bible in Basic English BBE

The wise men are shamed, they are overcome with fear and taken: see, they have given up the word of the Lord; and what use is their wisdom to them?

Free Bible Version FBV

The wise will be shown to be foolish; they will be shocked at being caught out. Can't you see that they've rejected what the Lord says—so do they have any wisdom at all?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

The wise men are ashamed: they are afraid and taken. loe, they haue reiected the word of the Lord, and what wisdome is in them?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Ashamed have been the wise, They have been affrighted, and are captured, Lo, against a word of Jehovah they kicked, And the wisdom of what — have they?

World English Bible WEB

The wise men are disappointed. They are dismayed and trapped. Behold, they have rejected the LORD’s word. What kind of wisdom is in them?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The wise men are confounded, they are dismayed, and taken: for they have cast away the word of the Lord, and there is no wisdom in them.

Translation for Translators T4T

Those teachers, who think that [IRO] they are wise, will be ashamed/disgraced and dismayed when they are taken to other countries by their enemies because they sinned by rejecting what I told them. Truly, they were not [RHQ] very wise to do that!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 8:9

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 8:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ חֲכָמִ֔ים חַ֖תּוּ וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֑דוּ הִנֵּ֤ה בִ/דְבַר יְהוָה֙ מָאָ֔סוּ וְ/חָכְמַֽת מֶ֖ה לָ/הֶֽם
הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ bûwsh H954 be ashamed V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
חֲכָמִ֔ים châkâm H2450 wise Adj
חַ֖תּוּ châthath H2865 to to be dismayed V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֑דוּ lâkad H3920 to capture Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part
בִ/דְבַר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מָאָ֔סוּ mâʼaç H3988 to reject V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/חָכְמַֽת chokmâh H2451 wisdom Conj | N-fs
מֶ֖ה mâh H4100 what? Part
לָ/הֶֽם Prep | Suff
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 8:9

הֹבִ֣ישׁוּ bûwsh H954 "be ashamed" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
חֲכָמִ֔ים châkâm H2450 "wise" Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
חַ֖תּוּ châthath H2865 "to to be dismayed" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be completely broken or shattered, either physically or emotionally, causing fear or dismay, as in Psalm 6:2.
Definition: 1) to be shattered, be dismayed, be broken, be abolished, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be shattered, be broken 1a2) to be dismayed 1b) (Niphal) to be broken, be dismayed 1c) (Piel) to be shattered, be dismayed, be scared 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to be dismayed 1d2) to dismay, terrify 1d3) to shatter
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abolish, affright, be (make) afraid, amaze, beat down, discourage, (cause to) dismay, go down, scare, terrify. See also: Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 37:27; Isaiah 8:9.
וַ/יִּלָּכֵ֑דוּ lâkad H3920 "to capture" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
הִנֵּ֤ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בִ/דְבַר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָה֙ 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.
מָאָ֔סוּ mâʼaç H3988 "to reject" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/חָכְמַֽת chokmâh H2451 "wisdom" Conj | N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
מֶ֖ה mâh H4100 "what?" Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לָ/הֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 8:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 6:15 Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse,” says the LORD.
2 Psalms 119:98–100 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.
3 Job 5:12 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success.
4 Isaiah 19:11 The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?
5 Jeremiah 6:19 Hear, O earth! I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their own schemes, because they have paid no attention to My word and have rejected My instruction.
6 1 Corinthians 1:18–29 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence.
7 Ezekiel 7:26 Disaster upon disaster will come, and rumor after rumor. Then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but instruction from the priests will perish, as will counsel from the elders.
8 Deuteronomy 4:6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”
9 Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
10 2 Timothy 3:15 From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Jeremiah 8:9 Summary

[This verse, Jeremiah 8:9, is saying that even if someone thinks they are wise, if they don't listen to God's word, they are actually foolish. It's like trying to navigate a journey without a map, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. True wisdom comes from following God's commands and teachings, and rejecting His word leads to shame and being trapped in our own ignorance. As stated in Psalm 111:10, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight.']

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to reject the word of the Lord?

To reject the word of the Lord means to deliberately disobey or disregard God's commands and teachings, as seen in Jeremiah 8:9, which can lead to a lack of true wisdom, as stated in Jeremiah 8:9 and also echoed in Proverbs 1:7.

How can someone be wise in their own eyes but not in God's eyes?

According to Jeremiah 8:8-9, someone can claim to be wise but still reject God's word, which is a form of deception, and as stated in Isaiah 5:21, 'Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.'

What is the consequence of rejecting God's word?

The consequence of rejecting God's word, as seen in Jeremiah 8:9, is that one will be put to shame, dismayed, and trapped, lacking true wisdom, and as warned in Psalm 119:155, 'Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes.'

Can someone still claim to be wise if they don't follow God's word?

According to Jeremiah 8:9, no, one cannot truly claim to be wise if they reject God's word, because true wisdom comes from fearing God, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways have I rejected God's word in my own life, and what are the consequences of such actions?
  2. How can I ensure that my wisdom is rooted in God's word and not just my own understanding?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's wisdom and guidance, as opposed to relying on my own wisdom?
  4. In what ways can I humble myself before God and acknowledge my need for His wisdom, as stated in James 1:5?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 8:9

The wise men are ashamed,.... Of the wisdom of which they boasted, when it would appear to be folly, and unprofitable to them: they are dismayed and taken; frightened at the calamities coming upon

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 8:9

The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them? The wise men are ... dismayed - confounded.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:9

The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken; they trusted to their refuge of lies, but when God shall bring the judgment threatened, the wisest among them will find that they shall be confounded among themselves, not knowing what to do for all their wisdom, but shall be taken with the rest, : by wise men he means the scribes in the former verse. The same said of Babylon, . What wisdom is in them? or, What is wisdom to them? How can they say they are wise, when they have no fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, ; when they have no respect at all to the word of God, as to any holy practice, which is the fountain of all wisdom? .

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:9

Jeremiah 8:9 The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?Ver. 9. The wise men are ashamed.] They have cause to be ashamed of their gross ignorance and folly, and greater cause than ever humble Augustine had to say, Scientia mea me damnat, My knowledge undoeth me. Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord.] As to any holy practice, their knowledge is only apprehensive and notional, not affective and practical. And what wisdom is in them?] q.d., None worth speaking of; they lose their civil praises, because not wise to salvation.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:9

(9) They have rejected the word of the Lord.—The “wise men” are apparently distinguished from the scribes, probably as students of the ethical or sapiential books of Israel, such as the Proverbs of Solomon, as distinct from the Law. The reign of Hezekiah, it will be remembered, had been memorable for such studies (Proverbs 25:1). They, too, kept within the range of traditional maxims and precepts, perhaps with stress on ceremonial rather than moral obligations; and when the word of Jehovah came to them straight from the lips of the prophets, they refused to listen to it, and with that refusal, what wisdom could they claim?

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 8:9

Chs. Jeremiah 8:4 to Jeremiah 9:1. Forecast of punishment as the result of sin The section may be thus summarized. (i) Jeremiah 8:4-9. Human fortunes and conduct are as a rule liable to change, but Israel pursues a steady course of disobedience. Migratory birds obeying unerringly their instincts compare favourably with the men who have intellect to understand Jehovah’s teaching, yet falsify or ignore it. (ii) Jeremiah 8:10-12. Even prophets and priests are covetous, insincere, foolishly optimistic, and unblushingly wicked. They must suffer the penalty. Their wives and lands shall be given to others. (iii) Jeremiah 8:13-17. They are as a tree without fruit or leaf. It remains only in despair to take refuge within walls. The northern foes’ approach can be already heard. They devastate city and country alike. No charm can avert this serpent-like attack. (iv) Jeremiah 8:18 to Jeremiah 9:1. There sounds from afar the cry of dismay from those who have moved Jehovah to anger. The time for deliverance has gone by. Is there indeed no remedy? No, none. Would that my tears were as limitless as the calamity which calls them forth.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 8:9

They have rejected the word of the Lord - It became in the hands of the Soferim or scribes a mere code of ceremonial observance. Compare Mark 7:13.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 8:9

9. Rejected the word of the Lord — “If the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Sermons on Jeremiah 8:9

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Fearfulness in the Presence of the Lord by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of faith and trust in God's plan. He uses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges to illustrate this point. Gideon was called
David Wilkerson We've Forgotten How to Blush by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of God's people in Israel during a time of rebellion and turning away from the truth. He references Jeremiah 5:1-3, where God chall
Chuck Smith The Good Way by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of returning to our first love for God. He encourages the congregation to turn off distractions like television and prioritize
Denny Kenaston The Generation Gap - Part 1 by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing on a godly vision to future generations. He laments the loss of vision in families, leading to divorce and remarria
Shane Idleman 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
Thomas Brooks Whores' Foreheads by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks addresses the alarming lack of shame among sinners, comparing them to those with 'whores' foreheads' who cannot blush for their sins. He emphasizes that many today no
Thomas Brooks A Whore's Forehead by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks delivers a poignant sermon titled 'A Whore's Forehead,' emphasizing the alarming lack of shame in society regarding sin, as illustrated by the scriptures from Jeremia
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