Jeremiah 5:26

For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

For among my people {H5971} are found {H4672} wicked {H7563} men: they lay wait {H7789}, as he that setteth {H7918} snares {H3353}; they set {H5324} a trap {H4889}, they catch {H3920} men {H582}.

"For among my people there are wicked men, who, like fowlers, lie in wait and set traps to catch their fellow human beings.

For among My people are wicked men; they watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap to catch men.

For among my people are found wicked men: they watch, as fowlers lie in wait; they set a trap, they catch men.

Jeremiah 5:26 provides a stark indictment of the moral decay prevalent within ancient Judah, God's chosen people, during the prophet Jeremiah's ministry. It reveals the depth of their spiritual and social corruption, painting a picture of predatory behavior among those who should have upheld righteousness.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic message in the Book of Jeremiah, where God, through His prophet, meticulously details the sins of Judah and Jerusalem that necessitate divine judgment. Chapters 4 and 5 describe the widespread apostasy, idolatry, and social injustice that permeated society, from the highest levels to the common people. God's patience was wearing thin, and the nation was hurtling towards the Babylonian exile. Jeremiah 5 specifically outlines various transgressions, emphasizing a lack of truth, justice, and knowledge of the Lord among the populace. The imagery of setting traps speaks to the insidious nature of their wickedness, not just open rebellion, but cunning exploitation of the vulnerable.

Key Themes

  • Internal Corruption: The phrase "among my people" is critical, highlighting that the wickedness was not just from external enemies but from within the very community called by God's name. This speaks to a profound spiritual compromise and a betrayal of the covenant relationship.
  • Deception and Exploitation: The vivid imagery of "setting snares" and "traps" likens the wicked to hunters or fowlers. This implies premeditated malice, cunning, and a deliberate intent to ensnare and exploit others, often the poor or defenseless. It's a powerful metaphor for those who prey on the unsuspecting.
  • Social Injustice: The "catching of men" implies various forms of exploitation, such as defrauding, oppressing the weak, or manipulating legal systems for personal gain. This theme resonates with other prophetic books that condemn such social evils, as seen in Amos 2:6 or Isaiah 1:23.
  • Divine Observation: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire context of Jeremiah's prophecy is that God sees and knows the hidden wickedness of His people. Their cunning schemes are not hidden from Him.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "lay wait, as he that setteth snares" and "they set a trap." The Hebrew words for "snares" (צָפַן, tsaphan - to hide, lurk) and "trap" (מַכְמֹרֶת, machmōreth - a net, snare) convey a sense of hidden danger and deliberate entrapment. The imagery is that of a hunter patiently waiting and skillfully deploying a device to capture unsuspecting prey. This emphasizes the calculated and insidious nature of the wickedness described.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 5:26 serves as a timeless warning for any community, including the church, about the dangers of internal corruption and the subtle ways sin can manifest. It calls believers to:

  • Discernment: Be aware that wickedness can exist even among those who claim to be God's people. Not all who appear righteous are so in their hearts or actions.
  • Justice and Protection: Recognize and actively work against systems or individuals who exploit the vulnerable. A true reflection of God's character involves defending the oppressed, as highlighted in Micah 6:8.
  • Self-Examination: Reflect on one's own heart and actions to ensure that one is not inadvertently contributing to or participating in any form of exploitation or deceit. The call to examine ourselves remains relevant.
This verse reminds us that true faith is demonstrated not only in outward worship but in righteous living and just treatment of others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 1:11

    If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

  • Ezekiel 22:2

    Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt shew her all her abominations.

  • Ezekiel 22:12

    In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 18:22

    Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

  • Psalms 64:5

    They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

  • 1 Samuel 19:10

    And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.

  • 1 Samuel 19:11

    ¶ Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.

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