Jeremiah 5:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

They have belied {H3584} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, It is not he; neither shall evil {H7451} come {H935} upon us; neither shall we see {H7200} sword {H2719} nor famine {H7458}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They have denied ADONAI, they have said, "He won't do anything, calamity will not strike us, we will see neither sword nor famine.

Berean Standard Bible

They have lied about the LORD and said: “He will not do anything; harm will not come to us; we will not see sword or famine.

American Standard Version

They have denied Jehovah, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:12 powerfully encapsulates the defiant spiritual state of the people of Judah, particularly in Jerusalem, during Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. It reveals their audacious denial of God's sovereign involvement in their affairs, their dismissive attitude towards divine warnings, and their dangerous presumption that the impending calamities of "sword" and "famine" would never befall them, despite their pervasive sin and rebellion against the Lord. This verse serves as a stark illustration of profound unbelief and false security in the face of certain judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:12 is situated within the early chapters of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 1-6), which predominantly focus on the widespread sin, corruption, and idolatry prevalent in Judah and Jerusalem, and God's impending judgment through an unnamed northern foe (Babylon). Chapter 5 specifically details the pervasive moral decay, highlighting the people's deceit, injustice, and spiritual adultery (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:1-9](/jeremiah/5-1 "Jeremiah 5:1-9 - The Search for Righteousness")). The prophet searches for righteousness but finds none, from the lowest to the highest echelons of society. Verse 12 directly quotes or summarizes the people's arrogant response to God's warnings, demonstrating their hardened hearts and refusal to repent, setting the stage for the detailed pronouncements of judgment that follow in the subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the reigns of Judah's last kings, from Josiah to Zedekiah, a turbulent period leading up to the Babylonian exile (c. 627-586 BCE). The people of Judah, though God's covenant people, had consistently broken their covenant obligations, engaging in idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. They often held a false sense of security, believing that God would never allow Jerusalem or the Temple to be destroyed because of His presence among them (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - The Temple Sermon")). This verse reflects a prevalent cultural mindset that dismissed prophetic warnings as mere human opinion, clinging to a deluded optimism despite the clear signs of national decline and the rising threat of the Babylonian empire, which God was raising up as His instrument of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the **denial of God's sovereignty and truth**, as the people "belied the LORD," essentially calling Him a liar or denying His active involvement in their destiny. Secondly, it highlights the dangerous theme of **false security and presumption**, where the people, despite their egregious sin, confidently assert that "evil shall not come upon us," ignoring the consequences of their covenant breaking. This presumption is a recurring motif, contrasted with Jeremiah's persistent warnings of judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")). Lastly, it exemplifies the **rejection of prophetic warning**, demonstrating the people's stubborn refusal to heed Jeremiah's divinely inspired messages, thereby sealing their own fate and illustrating the certainty of divine justice for unrepentant sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Belied (Hebrew, _kâchash'_):** From H3584, this word means "to be untrue, in word (to lie, feign, disown) or deed (to disappoint, fail, cringe)." When directed at the LORD, it signifies a deliberate and audacious act of denying God's truth, misrepresenting His character, or outright calling Him a liar. It's not merely a passive disbelief but an active contradiction of what God has declared.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the sacred covenant name of God, Jehovah or Yahweh, signifying "the self-Existent or Eternal." The use of this specific name emphasizes that the people's denial is not merely against a generic deity, but against the very God who entered into covenant with Israel, revealed Himself, and consistently acted in their history. To "bely the LORD" is to deny the faithfulness and power of the covenant-keeping God.
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word refers to "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral); adversity, affliction, calamity, distress, grief, harm, mischief, misery, sorrow, trouble." In this context, it specifically denotes the calamities and judgments that God had warned would come upon them as consequences of their sin, such as invasion, destruction, and exile. Their denial is a rejection of the divinely ordained consequences of their actions.
* **Sword (Hebrew, _chereb'_):** From H2719, this refers to "a cutting instrument... as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement." It is a common biblical metaphor for war, military invasion, and violent death. The people's assertion that they "shall not see sword" is a direct dismissal of the threat of military conquest, specifically by Babylon, which Jeremiah had repeatedly prophesied.
* **Famine (Hebrew, _râʻâb'_):** From H7458, this word means "hunger (more or less extensive); dearth, famine." Famine was a common consequence of siege warfare and divine judgment in the ancient world, often accompanying or following military conflict. Their denial of "famine" indicates their refusal to believe in the full scope of the devastating judgment God promised.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have belied the LORD":** This clause highlights the core offense of Judah. It's not just passive disobedience, but an active, verbal contradiction of God's character and His revealed word. They accused God of being untruthful or incapable of fulfilling His warnings. This is an act of profound spiritual rebellion and a direct assault on divine veracity.
* **"and said, [It is] not he;":** This phrase further clarifies the nature of their denial. It signifies their refusal to acknowledge God as the active agent behind the prophetic warnings or as the sovereign power who would bring about the promised judgments. They believed that the impending troubles were either not real, or if they were, they were not from God. This reflects a deep-seated spiritual blindness and an attempt to remove God from His rightful place of authority over history.
* **"neither shall evil come upon us;":** This declaration reveals their dangerous sense of false security and presumption. Despite their pervasive sin and the clear prophetic warnings, they confidently asserted that no calamity or adversity would befall them. This demonstrates a profound disconnect from reality and a refusal to accept the consequences of their actions, believing themselves immune to divine judgment.
* **"neither shall we see sword nor famine:":** This final clause specifies the particular forms of judgment they scoffed at. "Sword" represents war, invasion, and violent death, while "famine" represents the widespread hunger and deprivation that typically accompanied sieges and national collapse. Their dismissal of these specific threats underscores their utter contempt for God's warnings and their deluded belief that their status as God's chosen people would somehow exempt them from the natural and divine consequences of their rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very "sword" and "famine" that the people confidently deny will come upon them are precisely the judgments God will bring, as later chapters of Jeremiah vividly detail. This creates a tragic sense of dramatic irony for the reader who knows the historical outcome. The people's statement is also an example of **Denial**, a psychological defense mechanism, here elevated to a national theological stance, where they refuse to acknowledge an unpleasant truth (impending judgment) despite overwhelming evidence. Furthermore, the phrase "It is not he" can be seen as a form of **Anthropomorphism in reverse**, where humans attribute their own disbelief and limitations onto God, effectively denying His omnipotence and faithfulness by projecting their own untruthfulness onto Him. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Antithesis** to Jeremiah's prophetic message, contrasting the people's arrogant presumption with God's certain and righteous judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:12 stands as a profound theological statement on human rebellion and divine justice. It highlights humanity's persistent tendency to deny God's truth, question His sovereignty, and presume upon His mercy, even in the face of clear warnings. The people's audacious "belieing" of the LORD reveals a heart that has not only rejected God's commands but has also actively sought to redefine His character and dismiss His active involvement in human affairs. This denial of accountability and the embrace of false security ultimately lead to inevitable judgment, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His word, whether it be a promise or a warning. The verse underscores that God is not mocked, and His justice, though patient, is certain.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is not a man, that he should lie")
* [Proverbs 1:31-32](/proverbs/1-31 "Proverbs 1:31-32 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")
* [Jeremiah 14:12](/jeremiah/14-12 "Jeremiah 14:12 - God's Judgment by Sword, Famine, and Pestilence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:12 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the human propensity to deny inconvenient truths and to live in a state of false security. In our own lives, we are often tempted to dismiss God's warnings about sin, its consequences, or the need for repentance, believing that "evil shall not come upon us." This verse challenges us to confront our own potential for spiritual blindness and self-deception. True security is not found in ignoring reality or divine revelation, but in humbly acknowledging God's sovereignty, trusting His word, and aligning our lives with His righteous standards. It calls us to a posture of active listening and obedience, recognizing that God's warnings are not threats but expressions of His loving desire for our good and His unwavering commitment to justice. To "bely the LORD" is to question the very foundation of truth and grace, leading inevitably to self-inflicted harm.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "belying the LORD" by dismissing His word or promises?**
* **What false securities do I cling to that might prevent me from acknowledging potential "evil" or consequences of my choices?**
* **How does my response to God's warnings, whether in Scripture or through circumstances, demonstrate my belief in His sovereignty?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more receptive to God's truth, even when it is challenging or uncomfortable?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who have belied the LORD in Jeremiah 5:12?**

Answer: "They" refers to the people of Judah, specifically the inhabitants of Jerusalem, during the time of Jeremiah's prophecy. This includes a broad spectrum of society, from the common people to the religious and political leaders, all of whom had collectively turned away from God and rejected His warnings through the prophet Jeremiah. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 5](/jeremiah/5 "Jeremiah 5 - The Corruption of Judah") describe their widespread dishonesty, injustice, and idolatry, indicating that this denial was a pervasive national characteristic.

**What does it mean to "bely the LORD"?**

Answer: To "bely the LORD" means to accuse Him falsely, to misrepresent Him, or to deny His truth and faithfulness. The Hebrew word `kâchash` (H3584) implies a deliberate act of lying or deceiving. In this context, the people were essentially calling God a liar by rejecting His prophetic warnings of impending judgment. They denied that God was the active agent behind the calamities that Jeremiah foretold, effectively saying, "It is not He" who will bring these things upon us. This was a profound act of spiritual rebellion, undermining God's character and His sovereign control over events.

**Why did the people of Judah deny that evil would come upon them?**

Answer: The people of Judah denied that evil would come upon them due to a combination of factors, including a false sense of security based on their status as God's chosen people and the presence of the Temple in Jerusalem (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - The Temple Sermon")). They also likely listened to false prophets who proclaimed "peace, peace" when there was no peace (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")). Their denial stemmed from a deep spiritual blindness, a hardened heart, and a refusal to acknowledge their pervasive sin and its inevitable consequences, preferring to believe a comforting lie over a difficult truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:12, with its stark depiction of human rebellion and denial of divine truth, finds its ultimate resolution and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The people of Judah "belied the LORD" by rejecting His prophetic word and denying His agency in judgment, a pattern of unbelief that culminated in the rejection of God's ultimate Word made flesh. Jesus, however, is the embodiment of God's truth and the faithful witness who never "belied" the Father. He perfectly revealed the Father's will and character, even when it meant speaking hard truths about sin and judgment ([John 3:18-19](/john/3-18 "John 3:18-19 - Judgment for Unbelief")). While the people of Judah scoffed at the "evil" of sword and famine, Jesus willingly bore the ultimate "evil" of sin's curse on the cross, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the true security against all evil, offering genuine peace not through denial, but through reconciliation with God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation through Christ")). In Christ, the certainty of God's word is affirmed—both His warnings against sin and His promises of salvation—for He is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Christ, the Amen")). Those who believe in Him will not see the ultimate "sword" of divine wrath, but rather eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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

2 Chronicles 36:16

But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till [there was] no remedy.

Deuteronomy 29:19

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

1 Samuel 6:9

And see, if it goeth up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, [then] he hath done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that [it is] not his hand [that] smote us: it [was] a chance [that] happened to us.

Isaiah 28:14

¶ Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which [is] in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 28:15

Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

1 John 5:10

¶ He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Jeremiah 4:10

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.