Jeremiah 9:4
Jeremiah 9:4 in Multiple Translations
“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
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.
Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go about with slanders.
Let everyone keep watch on his neighbour, and put no faith in any brother: for every brother will certainly be tricking his brother, and every neighbour will go about saying evil.
Everyone, watch out for your friends! Don't even trust your brother! Every brother is deceitful, and every friend slanders other people.
Let euery one take heede of his neighbour, and trust you not in any brother: for euery brother will vse deceite, and euery friend will deale deceitfully,
Each of his friend — beware ye, And on any brother, do not trust, For every brother doth utterly supplant, For every friend slanderously doth walk,
“Everyone beware of his neighbor, and don’t trust in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go around like a slanderer.
Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders.
Let every man take heed of his neighbor, and let his not trust in any brother of his: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every friend will walk deceitfully.
Do not trust your neighbors and even your brothers! They all are as deceitful as Jacob was. They slander each other and tell lies about each other.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:4
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 9:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֤ישׁ
בְּ/רֵעֵ֨/הוּ֙
יְהָתֵ֔לּוּ
וֶ/אֱמֶ֖ת
לֹ֣א
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
לִמְּד֧וּ
לְשׁוֹנָ֛/ם
דַּבֶּר
שֶׁ֖קֶר
הַעֲוֵ֥ה
נִלְאֽוּ
וְ/אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
בְּ/רֵעֵ֨/הוּ֙
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יְהָתֵ֔לּוּ
hâthal
H2048
to mock
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
וֶ/אֱמֶ֖ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
Conj | N-fs
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לִמְּד֧וּ
lâmad
H3925
to learn
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
לְשׁוֹנָ֛/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
דַּבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Inf-a
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
הַעֲוֵ֥ה
ʻâvâh
H5753
to twist
V-Hiphil-Ptc
נִלְאֽוּ
lâʼâh
H3811
be weary
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
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 9:4
וְ/אִ֤ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/רֵעֵ֨/הוּ֙
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
יְהָתֵ֔לּוּ
hâthal
H2048
"to mock"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
Hathal means to deceive or cheat someone, often by mocking or ridiculing them. This word is used to describe dishonest or deceitful behavior in the Bible.
Definition: (Piel) to mock
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully, deceive, mock. See also: Genesis 31:7; Judges 16:15; Isaiah 44:20.
וֶ/אֱמֶ֖ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לִמְּד֧וּ
lâmad
H3925
"to learn"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp
To learn or teach in the Bible means to guide someone, like using a rod to direct an animal. It is about instructing or training someone, as seen in Proverbs and Psalms. Teaching is an important theme in the Bible.
Definition: : teach 1) to learn. teach, exercise in 1a) (Qal) to learn 1b) (Piel) to teach 1c) (Pual) to be taught, be trained Also means: la.mad (לָמַד ": learn" H3925H)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: (un-) accustomed, [idiom] diligently, expert, instruct, learn, skilful, teach(-er, -ing). See also: Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalms 119:66; Psalms 18:35.
לְשׁוֹנָ֛/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
דַּבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
הַעֲוֵ֥ה
ʻâvâh
H5753
"to twist"
V-Hiphil-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to do wrong or commit iniquity, like when people turn away from God's laws. It appears in various forms, such as doing wickedly or perverting what is right. In the Bible, it is often used to describe those who stray from God's path.
Definition: 1) to bend, twist, distort 1a) (Niphal) to be bent, be bowed down, be twisted, be perverted 1b) (Piel) to twist, distort 1c) (Hiphil) to do perversely
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: do amiss, bow down, make crooked, commit iniquity, pervert, (do) perverse(-ly), trouble, [idiom] turn, do wickedly, do wrong. See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 38:7; Psalms 106:6.
נִלְאֽוּ
lâʼâh
H3811
"be weary"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Means to be or make weary, disgusted, or tired, like in Psalm 6:8 where David is weary of crying. It can also mean to be impatient or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be weary, be impatient, be grieved, be offended 1a) (Qal) to be weary, be impatient 1b) (Niphal) to be tired of something, weary oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to weary, make weary, exhaust
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: faint, grieve, lothe, (be, make) weary (selves). See also: Genesis 19:11; Isaiah 16:12; Psalms 68:10.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 9:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
- Sermons on Jeremiah 9:4
Context — A Lament over Zion
2If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people.
3“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.
4“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.
5Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. 6You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 7:5–6 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:24–25 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. |
| 3 | Psalms 12:2–3 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 6:28 | All are hardened rebels, walking around as slanderers. They are bronze and iron; all of them are corrupt. |
| 5 | Leviticus 19:16 | You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:18 | The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. |
| 7 | Proverbs 25:18 | Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor. |
| 8 | Proverbs 6:16 | There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: |
| 9 | Matthew 10:21 | Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. |
| 10 | Psalms 15:3 | who has no slander on his tongue, who does no harm to his neighbor, who casts no scorn on his friend, |
Jeremiah 9:4 Summary
[This verse is warning us that when people are not following God, they can become very deceitful and hurtful, even to their own friends and family, as we see in Jeremiah 9:2-3 and Jeremiah 9:5-6. We need to be careful and wise in our relationships, as Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 27:6 encourage us to be. But even in a world filled with untrustworthiness, we can always trust in God, as Psalm 37:3-4 and Psalm 118:8 remind us. By putting our trust in Him, we can find peace and safety, even in difficult circumstances, as Jeremiah 17:7-8 promises.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'guard against' our neighbors?
In Jeremiah 9:4, to 'guard against' our neighbors means to be cautious and protective of ourselves, as if our neighbors might harm us, which is a result of the pervasive sin and untrustworthiness described in Jeremiah 9:2-3 and Jeremiah 9:5-6.
Is it ever right to not trust someone, even a brother or friend?
According to Jeremiah 9:4, in a situation where deceit and slander are widespread, it may be necessary to be cautious and discerning, as the Bible also warns in Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 27:6, but we must balance this with the command to love and trust in God, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4 and Psalm 118:8.
How does this verse relate to our modern concept of friendship?
Jeremiah 9:4 highlights the dangers of false friendships and the importance of surrounding ourselves with trustworthy, godly people, as encouraged in Psalm 1:1-3 and Proverbs 12:26, and warns against the kind of friendships that can lead to sin and harm, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:33.
What is the ultimate solution to the problem of untrustworthiness described in this verse?
The ultimate solution is to put our trust in God, as seen in Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 37:3-4, and to seek relationships with others who share our commitment to following Him, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and Hebrews 10:24-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'guard against' the negative influences of those around me, while still loving and serving them?
- How can I discern whether someone is trustworthy, and what are some warning signs of deceit or slander?
- What are some practical ways I can cultivate trustworthy relationships, and how can I be a trustworthy friend to others?
- In what ways can I put my trust in God, even when those around me are untrustworthy, and how can I find comfort in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:4
Take ye heed everyone of his neighbour,.... Take care of being imposed upon by them, since they are so given to lying and deceit; be not too credulous, or too easily believe what is said; or keep
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:4
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
Take ye heed every one of his neighbour; better rendered friend, or companion, as , and in the next verse; showing the general corruption will be so malignant, that one friend will betray another; no faith in friends. Will utterly supplant; wholly given to it; Heb. supplanting will supplant; or, treading down treadeth down; trampling them under their feet, noting their oppression, which they exercise all manner of ways, as in the next verse, both by fraud and force. Like the interpretation that Esau puts upon Jacob, ; not only such as are near in habitation, pretending neighbourhood and friendship; but near in relation, even a brother will circumvent; no respect to blood, arguing them to be monstrous in nature, putting off humanity. The word is here in allusion to Jacob, who had his name from supplanting; a metaphor taken from the sole of the foot, . Walk with slanders; carrying tales and reports up and down, whether true or false, to the disturbance of the peace of neighbourhood, , and against the law of God, .
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
Jeremiah 9:4 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.Ver. 4. Take ye heed every one of his neighbour.] Since there is scarce any to be trusted. The poets tell us, that when Pallas had taught people to build a house, Momus found this fault with it, that it was fixed to a place and not set upon wheels; to the end that if men liked not their neighbourhood, they might remove at pleasure. A good neighbour is a rare bird. And trust ye not in any brother.] See Micah 7:5-6, with the notes. For every brother will utterly supplant.] Singula verba hic habent pondus et pathos ingens. Here each word hath its weight, each syllable its substance. Non hospes ab hospite tutus. No guest is entertained by a host. - Ovid. Fratrum quoque gratia rata est. - Ovid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
(4) Take ye heed . . .—The extreme bitterness of the prophet’s words is explained in part by what we read afterwards of his personal history (Jeremiah 12:6; Jeremiah 18:18). Then, as at other times, a man’s foes were those of his own household (Matthew 10:36). Every brother will utterly supplant.—The word is that which gave the patriarch his significant name of Jacob, the supplanter (Genesis 25:26; Genesis 27:36). Jeremiah seems to say that the people have forfeited their claims to the name of the true Israel. Every brother Israelite is found to be a thorough-paced Jacob. The adverb “utterly” expresses the force of the Hebrew reduplication of the verb. Will walk with slanders.—Better, walketh a slanderer.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:4
4. Cp. Micah 7:5 f. “The mutual distrust, which had already in the time of Hezekiah broken up families and divided the nearest friends, and made a man’s worst enemies those of his own household, had now reached the highest degree of intensity” (Stanley, J. Ch. II. 437). will utterly supplant] The Hebrew verb emphasizes the allusion to Genesis 27:36. We might render, “Every brother is a thorough Jacob.”
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:4
4-6. Every brother will utterly supplant, etc. — A terrible indictment! Just in the ratio in which truth is put down must the bonds of mutual confidence be relaxed.
Sermons on Jeremiah 9:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When a Man's Enemies Are the Members of His Own Household by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel delivers a powerful sermon on the painful reality of facing opposition from one's own family when choosing to follow Christ. He emphasizes that true discipleship may l |
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Examples of Circumspect Behaviour by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships wit |
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Luke 14 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 14, illustrating God's distributive justice and the importance of humility and grace. He emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, a |
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The Jesus Family in Communist China - Part 6 by Dr. D. Vaughan Rees | Dr. D. Vaughan Rees shares harrowing experiences with Communists, highlighting the cruelty and brutality faced by many, including being subjected to horrific methods of execution. |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
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The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
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Weighed and Found Wanting by John Hames | John Hames preaches about the downfall of King Belshazzar in Babylon, emphasizing the divine judgment that came upon him for his arrogance and desecration of sacred vessels. The se |