For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.
For they have healed {H7495} the hurt {H7667} of the daughter {H1323} of my people {H5971} slightly {H7043}, saying {H559}, Peace {H7965}, peace {H7965}; when there is no peace {H7965}.
they dress the wound of the daughter of my people, but only superficially, saying, "There is perfect shalom," when there is no shalom.
They dress the wound of the daughter of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.
And they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
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Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace. -
Ezekiel 13:10
¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [morter]: -
Ezekiel 13:16
[To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD. -
Lamentations 2:14
Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment. -
Ezekiel 13:22
Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: -
1 Kings 22:6
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver [it] into the hand of the king. -
Jeremiah 28:3
Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD'S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:
Jeremiah 8:11 delivers a powerful indictment against the false prophets and priests of ancient Judah who offered superficial comfort and false assurances of peace to a people facing imminent divine judgment. The prophet Jeremiah, often called the "weeping prophet," consistently warned the nation of their rebellion and the impending Babylonian invasion, a message starkly contrasted by those who sought to soothe the people with lies.
Context
This verse is situated within a section of Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah chapters 6-9) where he laments the deep moral corruption and spiritual decay of Judah. Despite repeated warnings and calls to repentance, the people, including their leaders, priests, and prophets, persisted in their idolatry and injustice. The phrase "daughter of my people" is a tender yet sorrowful reference to the nation of Judah, highlighting God's deep concern for His chosen people. The false prophets, however, prioritized popularity and personal gain over truth, proclaiming "peace" (Jeremiah 6:14) even as God's judgment was at the door due to their unrepentant sin and broken covenant.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "healed the hurt... slightly" captures the Hebrew word קַלּוֹת (qallot), meaning "lightly," "superficially," or "without depth." It implies a casual, inadequate, or even negligent approach to a serious spiritual condition. The repetition "Peace, peace" (שָׁלוֹם שָׁלוֹם / shalom shalom) emphasizes the emphatic yet utterly false nature of the pronouncement. Shalom in Hebrew is a rich term, meaning not just the absence of conflict, but wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and completeness. The false prophets were offering a counterfeit shalom that did not align with God's true will or the nation's spiritual reality.
Practical Application
Jeremiah 8:11 remains highly relevant today, serving as a warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of embracing comforting lies over hard truths.