Jeremiah 11:9

KJV

And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, A conspiracy {H7195} is found {H4672} among the men {H376} of Judah {H3063}, and among the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI said to me, "The men of Y'hudah and the people living in Yerushalayim have formed a conspiracy.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD told me, “There is a conspiracy among the men of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 11:9 delivers a profound divine indictment against the Southern Kingdom of Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, exposing a deep-seated spiritual rebellion and pervasive unfaithfulness. The LORD, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, unmasks a "conspiracy" among the people—not merely a political plot, but a collective and deliberate turning away from their covenant obligations and a widespread embrace of idolatry, thereby setting the stage for impending divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecy, specifically [Jeremiah 11:1-17](/jeremiah/11-1-17 "Jeremiah 11:1-17 - The Broken Covenant"), where the prophet reiterates the terms of the Mosaic Covenant. The LORD, through Jeremiah, reminds Judah of the covenant established at Mount Sinai, which promised abundant blessings for obedience and severe curses for disobedience. This declaration of a "conspiracy" immediately follows God's command to Jeremiah to proclaim the covenant words throughout Judah and Jerusalem (as detailed in [Jeremiah 11:6](/jeremiah/11-6 "Jeremiah 11:6 - Proclamation of the Covenant")). The people's response, as evidenced by their actions, was one of persistent disobedience and a refusal to listen (recounted in [Jeremiah 11:7-8](/jeremiah/11-7-8 "Jeremiah 11:7-8 - Judah's Disobedience")). Consequently, verse 9 serves as the divine pronouncement of the discovery of their collective spiritual treachery, directly linking their current state of rebellion to the historical pattern of their ancestors' disobedience. It foreshadows the severe consequences detailed in the subsequent verses, including the breaking of the covenant and the bringing of disaster upon them.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry spanned the tumultuous reigns of several kings of Judah, most notably Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah, leading directly up to the Babylonian exile. King Josiah had initiated significant religious reforms (as meticulously detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22-23 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms and the Discovery of the Law")), including the purging of idolatry and the re-establishment of covenant worship following the discovery of the Book of the Law. However, these reforms, while extensive in outward practice, often failed to penetrate the hearts of the people, who largely engaged in outward conformity without genuine repentance. The "men of Judah" and "inhabitants of Jerusalem" represent the entire Southern Kingdom, encompassing its religious and political leadership, all of whom were implicated in this spiritual conspiracy. Culturally, the period was marked by pervasive syncretism, where the worship of Yahweh was illicitly mixed with the veneration of Baal, Asherah, and other foreign deities, often involving abhorrent practices like child sacrifice, despite the clear prohibitions of the Mosaic Law. Jerusalem, as the religious and political center, was expected to be a beacon of faithfulness, but instead, it had become a hotbed of spiritual corruption.

* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Betrayal**, emphasizing Judah's profound violation of their sacred agreement with the LORD, echoing the warnings found throughout [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant"). This betrayal manifested primarily as **Pervasive Idolatry**, where the people, despite their privileged status as God's chosen nation, persistently turned to other gods, effectively committing spiritual adultery against the LORD. Jeremiah frequently condemns this spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Jeremiah 2:13 - Judah's Two Evils")). The phrase "is found" highlights **Divine Omniscience**, underscoring that God sees and knows the hidden intentions and collective rebellion of His people, even when it is not outwardly obvious or acknowledged by them. This divine revelation of their deep-seated sin sets the stage for the **Impending Judgment** that God would soon bring upon Judah, culminating in the Babylonian exile, a central and unavoidable theme throughout Jeremiah's prophetic ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **conspiracy (Hebrew, _qesher'_):** This word (H7195) signifies an unlawful alliance, confederacy, or treason. While it can refer to political intrigue (as seen in [2 Kings 15:30](/2_kings/15-30 "2 Kings 15:30 - Pekah's Conspiracy")), in [Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah"), it extends beyond mere political plotting to describe a profound spiritual rebellion. It denotes a deliberate, unified turning away from God's covenant and an embrace of false worship, suggesting a collective, concerted effort by the people to abandon the LORD and His righteous ways.

* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H4672) properly means "to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire." In this context, it emphasizes that the conspiracy is not merely suspected but has been definitively discovered and revealed by God. It implies God's active investigation and perfect knowledge, bringing to light the hidden treachery that was already present and deeply embedded among the people. The passive voice ("is found") highlights the divine agent of discovery.

* **inhabitants (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This root (H3427) means "to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain." Referring to the "inhabitants of Jerusalem," it signifies those who permanently reside in the city. The inclusion of "inhabitants" alongside "men of Judah" underscores the pervasive nature of the conspiracy, indicating that the rebellion was not confined to a few individuals or specific groups but was deeply ingrained within the very fabric of society, from the broader kingdom to its sacred capital city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto me":** This introductory phrase establishes the divine origin of the message, confirming that Jeremiah is speaking under direct, unquestionable divine inspiration. It emphasizes the absolute authority and truthfulness of the pronouncement that follows, underscoring that this is God's own assessment of the dire spiritual situation.

* **"A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah":** This declaration signifies the definitive discovery of a collective, deliberate act of rebellion among the people of the Southern Kingdom. The word "conspiracy" highlights the intentional, unified nature of their unfaithfulness, suggesting a concerted turning away from God's covenant and His holy laws. The passive voice "is found" powerfully implies God's omniscient perception of their hidden spiritual state, revealing what was perhaps concealed from human eyes.

* **"and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem":** This concluding clause specifically extends the indictment to the capital city, Jerusalem, which was the religious and political heart of Judah. It underscores the pervasive nature of the rebellion, indicating that the spiritual corruption had infiltrated all levels of society, from the broader kingdom to its very core. The explicit inclusion of Jerusalem emphasizes its particular responsibility as the center of worship and governance, and the profound depth of its spiritual depravity.

#### Literary Devices
[Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with striking impact. The most prominent is **Personification**, where the collective sin of Judah and Jerusalem is described as a "conspiracy," a term typically associated with human political plotting or illicit alliances. By applying it to their spiritual state, the text imbues their unfaithfulness with intentionality, organization, and a profound sense of deliberate treachery against God. This elevates their disobedience beyond mere individual transgressions to a concerted, collective act of rebellion. The phrase "is found" functions as a form of **Divine Revelation**, highlighting God's omniscience and His ability to uncover hidden truths. It suggests that while the conspiracy might have been covert to human eyes, it was fully known and exposed by the LORD. Furthermore, the parallel structure of "among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem" serves as a **Merism**, encompassing the entire population of the Southern Kingdom, from the general populace to the residents of the sacred capital, thereby emphasizing the widespread and pervasive nature of their apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah") reveals a profound theological truth: God's intimate knowledge of the human heart and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. The "conspiracy" is not just a political plot but a spiritual rebellion, a collective turning away from the LORD, demonstrating that outward religious observance without inward fidelity is an abomination to God. This verse underscores the theme of covenant faithfulness, showing that Judah's failure to uphold their end of the covenant relationship would inevitably lead to divine judgment. It highlights the principle that God sees beyond superficial actions into the true state of the heart, where the deepest forms of rebellion often reside.

* [Psalm 139:2](/psalms/139-2 "Psalm 139:2 - God Knows Our Thoughts") - "You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar off."
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.") - "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21 "Romans 1:21-23 - Suppressing the Truth of God") - "For although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah") serves as a sobering mirror for believers today, reminding us that God's gaze penetrates beyond outward appearances, religious rituals, and public declarations into the very core of our hearts. The "conspiracy" in Judah was a collective turning away from God's covenant, a subtle yet pervasive spiritual rebellion that often masquerades as conformity. This calls us to a deep self-examination: are we truly living in faithful obedience to God's Word, or is there a "conspiracy" of compromise, idolatry, or lukewarmness brewing in our own hearts or within our communities? God's omniscience means there are no hidden sins or secret intentions from Him. This truth should not evoke fear in the repentant but rather inspire genuine integrity, transparency, and a renewed commitment to wholehearted devotion. It compels us to seek not just outward conformity but an inward transformation that aligns our desires and actions with God's will, ensuring our faith is authentic and our worship sincere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might a "conspiracy" of unfaithfulness or compromise subtly manifest in my own heart or within my Christian community today?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's omniscience—that He "finds" even hidden rebellion—impact my desire for genuine holiness and integrity in all areas of my life?**
* **What idols, whether subtle or overt, might I be allowing to compete with my exclusive devotion to the LORD, similar to Judah's spiritual adultery?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a heart of true covenant faithfulness, moving beyond mere outward religious observance to a deep, transformative relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "conspiracy" is being described in Jeremiah 11:9?**

Answer: The "conspiracy" in [Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah") is primarily a spiritual and theological one, rather than a purely political plot. While the Hebrew word `qesher` (H7195) can refer to political intrigue, in this context, it signifies a collective and deliberate turning away from God's covenant and a widespread embrace of idolatry and disobedience. It implies a unified, defiant rejection of the LORD's laws and a commitment to false worship, demonstrating a profound spiritual treason against their covenant-keeping God. This spiritual conspiracy was deeply ingrained among both the "men of Judah" and the "inhabitants of Jerusalem," indicating its pervasive nature throughout the kingdom.

**Why is it significant that the conspiracy "is found" by the LORD?**

Answer: The phrase "is found" (from the Hebrew `mâtsâʼ`, H4672) emphasizes God's perfect omniscience and active revelation. It signifies that this spiritual rebellion was not hidden from God; rather, He actively discovered and exposed it. This highlights that while the people might have engaged in their unfaithfulness covertly or rationalized their actions, their true spiritual state was fully known and laid bare before the LORD. It underscores that God sees beyond outward appearances and religious rituals into the true intentions and condition of the heart, making their accountability undeniable. This divine discovery also sets the stage for the just judgment that would follow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah"), with its stark revelation of Judah's deep-seated conspiracy of unfaithfulness against God's covenant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant, repeatedly broken by Israel's rebellion and idolatry (as seen in Judah's "conspiracy"), proved insufficient to bring about true righteousness and lasting communion with God. This verse highlights humanity's inherent inability to keep God's law perfectly and our propensity to turn away from Him. However, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the covenant requirements that Israel failed to uphold. He lived a life of complete obedience, without any "conspiracy" or deviation from God's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ established a New Covenant, not based on human effort or outward observance, but on God's grace and an inward transformation of the heart ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, the "conspiracy" of sin and rebellion is overcome, and believers are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit to empower genuine faithfulness ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, while [Jeremiah 11:9](/jeremiah/11-9 "Jeremiah 11:9 - The Conspiracy of Judah") exposes the depth of human sin, it implicitly points to the necessity of a divine solution found only in the perfect obedience and redemptive work of the Messiah, who alone can reconcile humanity to God and establish a covenant that cannot be broken by human unfaithfulness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 6:9

And as troops of robbers wait for a man, [so] the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness.

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Ezekiel 22:25

[There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 22:31

Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 8:10

Therefore will I give their wives unto others, [and] their fields to them that shall inherit [them]: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Zephaniah 3:1

¶ Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

Zephaniah 3:4

Her prophets [are] light [and] treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.