Jeremiah 9:8
Jeremiah 9:8 in Multiple Translations
Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
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.
Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart he layeth wait for him.
His tongue is an arrow causing death; the words of his mouth are deceit: he says words of peace to his neighbour, but in his heart he is waiting secretly for him.
Their words are arrows that kill; they always tell lies. They're nice to their friends on the outside while plotting against them inside.
Their tongue is as an arow shot out, and speaketh deceite: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in his heart hee layeth waite for him.
A slaughtering arrow [is] their tongue, Deceit it hath spoken in its mouth, Peace with its neighbour it speaketh, And in its heart it layeth its ambush,
Their tongue is a deadly arrow. It speaks deceit. One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart, he waits to ambush him.
Their tongue is as an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.
Their tongue is a piercing arrow, it hath spoken deceit: with his mouth one speaketh peace with his friend, and secretly he lieth in wait for him.
What they say [MTY] injures people like [MET] poisoned arrows do. They say to their neighbors, ‘I hope things will go well for you,’ while they are planning to kill them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 9:8
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Jeremiah 9:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 9:8
Study Notes — Jeremiah 9:8
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 9:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
- Sermons on Jeremiah 9:8
Context — A Lament over Zion
8Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
9Should I not punish them for these things? declares the LORD. Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?” 10I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains, a dirge over the wilderness pasture, for they have been scorched so no one passes through, and the lowing of cattle is not heard. Both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled; they have gone away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 28:3 | Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:24–26 | 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. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 9:3 | “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 | Psalms 120:3 | What will He do to you, and what will be added to you, O deceitful tongue? |
| 5 | Psalms 57:4 | My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. |
| 6 | Psalms 12:2 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. |
| 7 | Psalms 64:3–4 | who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 3:27 | When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. |
| 9 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 20:9–10 | “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him. Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. |
Jeremiah 9:8 Summary
This verse, Jeremiah 9:8, warns us that the words we speak can be very hurtful and damaging to others, just like arrows can cause physical harm. When we say one thing but mean another, we are being deceitful and can cause harm to those around us, which is why the Bible teaches us to be truthful and honest in all our words (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 3:9-10). We should strive to speak words that are pleasing to God and helpful to others, and ask Him to help us do so (Psalms 19:14, Psalms 141:3). By being mindful of the power of our words, we can avoid causing harm and instead bring love, kindness, and truth to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that their tongues are deadly arrows?
This means that the words people speak can be very hurtful and damaging, just like an arrow can cause physical harm, as seen in Jeremiah 9:8, and also warned against in Ephesians 4:29 and James 3:9-10.
Why do people speak peace with their mouths but set traps in their hearts?
According to Jeremiah 9:8, people may speak kindly to deceive or manipulate others, which is a form of hypocrisy, similar to what Jesus condemned in Matthew 23:27 and what the Psalmist wrote about in Psalms 55:21.
How can we recognize when someone is speaking deception?
We can recognize deception by looking at the consistency between a person's words and actions, as the Bible teaches in Matthew 7:20 and 1 John 3:18, and also by being aware of our own hearts and motivations, as in Jeremiah 17:9 and Proverbs 4:23.
What can we do to avoid speaking deception ourselves?
To avoid speaking deception, we should strive to be truthful and honest in all our words, as commanded in Colossians 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:25, and ask God to help us speak words that are pleasing to Him, as in Psalms 19:14 and Psalms 141:3.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can my own words be 'deadly arrows' to those around me, and how can I change this?
- How can I balance being honest with being kind when speaking to others, especially in difficult conversations?
- What are some common 'traps' that people set for others with their words, and how can I avoid setting these traps myself?
- How can I cultivate a heart of truth and kindness, so that my words are a reflection of God's love and character?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 9:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 9:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 9:8
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 9:8
Sermons on Jeremiah 9:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Passion Prayer by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a family vacation where they faced a perilous situation with their van breaking down. The speaker emphasizes the importance o |
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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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Mr. Valiant-for-Truth by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and embracing the doctrines of grace. He addresses young preachers and attendees of a conference who may encou |
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Knowing and Doing Good by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of knowing and doing good, emphasizing that sinning knowingly and presumptuously is a heinous offense before God. He explains that to si |
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Epistle 400 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in God's love, patience, and truth, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's Word and the need to abide in it. He encourages liv |
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Epistle 227 by George Fox | George Fox encourages believers to rejoice and sing, emphasizing that despite the darkness surrounding them, the Lord is actively working and truth is flourishing. He reminds them |
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Epistle 386 by George Fox | George Fox addresses the Monthly Meeting of Charleston, encouraging them to stand faithful in truth and righteousness, bearing fruits of holiness that lead to everlasting life. He |




