Jeremiah 18:18

KJV

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} they, Come {H3212}, and let us devise {H2803} devices {H4284} against Jeremiah {H3414}; for the law {H8451} shall not perish {H6} from the priest {H3548}, nor counsel {H6098} from the wise {H2450}, nor the word {H1697} from the prophet {H5030}. Come {H3212}, and let us smite {H5221} him with the tongue {H3956}, and let us not give heed {H7181} to any of his words {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they said, "Let's develop a plan for dealing with Yirmeyahu. Torah won't be lost from the cohanim, or counsel from the wise, or words from the prophets. So come, let's destroy him with slander; and meanwhile, we won't pay attention to anything he says."

Berean Standard Bible

Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”

American Standard Version

Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 18:18 captures a pivotal moment of intense opposition against the prophet Jeremiah, revealing the hardened hearts of Judah's religious and civic leaders. Rather than heeding God's urgent call to repentance, they conspire to silence Jeremiah, presumptuously asserting that divine guidance will always flow through their established institutions of priest, wise, and prophet, regardless of their own spiritual state. This verse vividly portrays their calculated plot to discredit Jeremiah through verbal assault and slander, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and a rejection of God's authentic message delivered through His chosen messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 18:18 immediately follows the profound "potter's house" analogy, which spans from [Jeremiah 18:1](/jeremiah/18-1 "Jeremiah 18:1 - The Potter and the Clay") to [Jeremiah 18:12](/jeremiah/18-12 "Jeremiah 18:12 - Refusal to Listen"). In this analogy, God illustrates His sovereign right to shape nations as a potter shapes clay, promising mercy upon repentance and judgment upon continued wickedness. Jeremiah applies this principle directly to Judah, warning of impending disaster if they do not turn from their idolatry and disobedience. The people's defiant response in [Jeremiah 18:12](/jeremiah/18-12 "Jeremiah 18:12 - We will follow our own plans!")—"We will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart"—sets the stage for the specific plot against Jeremiah detailed in verse 18. This verse, therefore, is a direct consequence and manifestation of their stubborn refusal to repent, highlighting the personal cost Jeremiah paid for delivering God's unpopular truth and demonstrating the deep-seated rebellion of the nation's leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile. This era was marked by political instability, pervasive spiritual apostasy, and a deep sense of false security among the people, who believed Jerusalem and the Temple were inviolable due to God's covenant with David. The "priest," "wise," and "prophet" mentioned in the verse represent the established religious and intellectual authorities of the day. Priests were responsible for the Law (Torah) and temple rituals, the wise (sages) for counsel and practical wisdom, and prophets for divine revelation. The plotters' assertion that these institutions would not "perish" reflects a deep-seated cultural reliance on traditional channels of authority, even when those channels had become corrupt or were being bypassed by God's direct word through Jeremiah. Their opposition was rooted in a desire to maintain their status, power, and the comfortable religious status quo, which Jeremiah's message directly threatened by exposing their sin and predicting national catastrophe.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **rejection of God's true prophets** by His own people, a recurring motif throughout Israel's history, as seen in the lament of [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem") over Jerusalem's consistent pattern of killing the prophets. Secondly, it highlights the dangerous **false security and presumption** of those who trust in religious institutions or human wisdom rather than in genuine obedience to God's word. The plotters' belief that "the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet" reveals a misplaced confidence in the *channels* of revelation over the *content* of revelation, particularly when that content challenged their comfortable sin. This institutional idolatry is a recurring warning in Jeremiah, as exemplified in [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in False Words"). Thirdly, the verse vividly portrays the **persecution of the prophet** through verbal assault, emphasizing the destructive power of the tongue when wielded with malice. This foreshadows the physical suffering Jeremiah would endure, as recounted in passages like [Jeremiah 20:2](/jeremiah/20-2 "Jeremiah 20:2 - Pashhur Strikes Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** (H1697) This multifaceted Hebrew term, often translated "word," encompasses not just spoken utterances but also "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "purpose," and "report." In this context, the plotters claim "the word from the prophet" will not perish, yet they simultaneously refuse to "give heed to any of his words." This highlights the profound irony and hypocrisy of their position: they acknowledge the *concept* of a prophetic word but reject the *actual* word spoken by God's chosen messenger, Jeremiah. Their dismissal of Jeremiah's specific "words" (dâbâr) demonstrates their spiritual deafness and their preference for their own "devices" (machăshâbâh) over divine truth.
* **Devise (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** (H2803) This verb means "to plait or interpenetrate," "to weave," "to fabricate," and figuratively, "to plot or contrive," often in a malicious sense. It implies careful, deliberate thought and planning. When paired with its cognate noun "devices" (machăshâbâh), as in "devise devices," it emphasizes the calculated and intentional nature of their conspiracy. This was not a spontaneous outburst but a concerted effort to undermine Jeremiah, to intellectually and strategically "weave" a plan to silence him and invalidate his message. Their "thoughts" (châshab) are not for repentance or seeking God's will, but for malicious schemes against His prophet.
* **Tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** (H3956) Literally referring to the physical organ, "tongue" is used here figuratively to represent speech, language, and the power of words. The phrase "smite him with the tongue" is a vivid metaphor for verbal assault, slander, false accusation, and character assassination. It implies an intention to inflict harm, not physically, but through the destructive power of malicious speech. This highlights the plotters' strategy: to destroy Jeremiah's credibility and influence by discrediting his message and character, effectively "striking" him down with their words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah;"**: This opening clause reveals the conspiratorial nature of the opposition. The plural "they" indicates a collective decision among a group, likely the religious and civic leaders who felt threatened by Jeremiah's prophecies. The phrase "devise devices" (a cognate accusative, see Literary Devices) emphasizes the deliberate, calculated, and malicious intent behind their plot. They are actively planning how to undermine and neutralize Jeremiah, not seeking to understand or obey his message but rather to eliminate the messenger and his inconvenient truth.
* **"for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet."**: This is the core of their false confidence and presumption. They assert that the traditional sources of divine guidance—the Law from the priests, wisdom/counsel from the sages, and prophetic revelation from the prophets—are immutable and will never cease. This reveals a dangerous trust in the *institution* rather than in God's faithfulness *through* the institution. They believe that as long as these channels exist, God's favor is assured, even as they reject the very "word" (dâbâr) God is speaking through Jeremiah, His true prophet. This statement serves as their justification for rejecting Jeremiah: they believe they already possess sufficient divine guidance through their preferred, established means, making Jeremiah's message redundant or even heretical.
* **"Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words."**: This final clause details their specific strategy. The repeated "Come" (from the first clause) emphasizes their eagerness and unified resolve to act. "Smite him with the tongue" is a powerful metaphor for verbal attack, slander, and false accusations aimed at destroying Jeremiah's reputation and credibility. Their ultimate goal is explicitly stated: "let us not give heed to any of his words." This is a deliberate, conscious decision to ignore, dismiss, and invalidate everything Jeremiah says, regardless of its divine origin. They are not merely disagreeing; they are actively closing their ears and hearts to God's message, demonstrating profound spiritual rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 18:18 is rich with literary devices that underscore the intensity and nature of the opposition. The phrase "devise devices" is an example of **Polyptoton** (the repetition of words derived from the same root but with different forms) or a **Cognate Accusative**, emphasizing the deliberate and calculated nature of their conspiracy. It highlights that their thoughts are entirely consumed with plotting against Jeremiah. The most striking device is the **Metaphor** in "smite him with the tongue," which vividly portrays words as weapons capable of inflicting severe harm, akin to physical blows. This metaphor underscores the destructive power of slander, false accusations, and verbal abuse, revealing the plotters' intent to destroy Jeremiah's influence and character. There is also profound **Irony** in their declaration that "the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet," while simultaneously rejecting the very word of God delivered by Jeremiah. They claim to uphold the channels of divine truth even as they actively suppress and refuse to "give heed" to the authentic divine message. This highlights their spiritual blindness, hypocrisy, and self-deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 18:18 serves as a stark reminder of humanity's propensity to reject divine truth when it challenges comfortable sin or established norms. The plotters' confidence in their religious institutions ("the law from the priest, counsel from the wise, word from the prophet") reveals a dangerous theological error: the presumption that God's favor and guidance are guaranteed by mere institutional presence, rather than by a faithful and obedient heart. This verse highlights the tension between institutional religion and authentic prophetic revelation, where the latter often disrupts the former. It also underscores the profound spiritual cost of rejecting God's word, as it leads not only to judgment but also to active hostility against the messenger. The "smiting with the tongue" reveals the insidious nature of verbal persecution, a weapon often employed to silence truth-tellers and maintain a false narrative. This passage thus speaks to the enduring conflict between God's challenging truth and humanity's stubborn resistance.

* [Isaiah 30:10](/isaiah/30-10 "Isaiah 30:10 - Do Not Prophesy Truth")
* [Luke 11:49-51](/luke/11-49-51 "Luke 11:49-51 - The Blood of the Prophets")
* [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3-4 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - Itching Ears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 18:18 offers profound and sobering lessons for believers today. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any tendency to prioritize comfortable traditions or human institutions over the clear, often challenging, voice of God's truth. Do we, like the plotters, seek to silence or discredit voices that expose our sin or call us to uncomfortable repentance? The verse also serves as a potent warning about the destructive power of the tongue. In an age of instant communication and social media, the ability to "smite with the tongue" through gossip, slander, and false accusations is amplified. We are called to use our words to build up, to speak truth in love, and to honor God, rather than to tear down or spread malice. Finally, it reminds us that faithfulness to God's word, especially when it is unpopular, often comes at a cost, and we must be prepared to stand for truth even in the face of opposition and verbal assault, trusting that God's word will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, like the people in Jeremiah's day, prioritize human institutions or traditions over the clear, challenging word of God?**
* **How do we respond when God's truth, delivered through unexpected or uncomfortable channels, confronts our complacency or sin?**
* **What does "smiting with the tongue" look like in our modern context, and how can we guard against using our words destructively?**
* **What is the cost of speaking truth faithfully, and how can we be prepared to bear that cost for Christ's sake?**

### FAQ

**What does "smite him with the tongue" mean in Jeremiah 18:18?**

Answer: "Smite him with the tongue" is a powerful metaphor for verbal assault, slander, and character assassination. It means to attack someone through malicious speech, false accusations, and efforts to discredit their reputation and message. The plotters against Jeremiah intended to destroy his credibility and influence through words, rather than through physical violence, though Jeremiah also faced physical persecution (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:2](/jeremiah/20-2 "Jeremiah 20:2 - Jeremiah in Stocks")). This phrase highlights the destructive power of words used with harmful intent, demonstrating how verbal attacks can be as damaging as physical blows.

**Why did the religious leaders reject Jeremiah's message, even claiming "the law shall not perish from the priest"?**

Answer: The religious leaders rejected Jeremiah's message primarily because it was a message of judgment and repentance, which threatened their comfortable status quo and exposed their sin. Their claim that "the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet" reveals a deep-seated presumption that God's favor and guidance were guaranteed through their established institutions, regardless of their spiritual condition. They believed they had a monopoly on divine truth and therefore dismissed Jeremiah's prophetic word as illegitimate or inconvenient. This highlights a spiritual blindness where they valued the *form* of religion over the *substance* of obedience and truth, as also seen in [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in False Words"), where the people trusted in the Temple rather than genuine repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 18:18 profoundly foreshadows the rejection and persecution of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet and the very Word of God incarnate. Just as Jeremiah was conspired against by the religious authorities of his day who claimed to uphold the Law and prophetic tradition, so too was Jesus rejected by the Pharisees and Sadducees who boasted of their adherence to the Law and their lineage from Abraham. They, like the plotters against Jeremiah, sought to "devise devices" against Him, fabricating false accusations and seeking to discredit His divine authority, as recounted in [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"). The desire to "smite him with the tongue" finds its ultimate fulfillment in the verbal abuse, mockery, and false testimony leveled against Jesus during His trials and crucifixion, as detailed in passages like [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mocking Jesus on the Cross"). Jesus Himself lamented Jerusalem's consistent rejection of the prophets, culminating in their rejection of Him, the Son, as prophesied in the parable of the tenants in [Matthew 21:33-46](/matthew/21-33-46 "Matthew 21:33-46 - Parable of the Tenants"). Ultimately, Jesus, the true "Word" who would never perish ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), endured the slanders and plots of humanity, not because His message was false, but because it exposed the sin and spiritual blindness of those who preferred their own "devices" over God's saving truth, thereby paving the way for our redemption through His suffering and resurrection.

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

Psalms 52:2

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Jeremiah 11:19

But I [was] like a lamb [or] an ox [that] is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, [saying], Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Psalms 21:11

For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].

Jeremiah 18:11

¶ Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.

Jeremiah 5:12

They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Jeremiah 5:13

And the prophets shall become wind, and the word [is] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.