Jeremiah 8:11

KJV

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

they dress the wound of the daughter of my people, but only superficially, saying, "There is perfect shalom," when there is no shalom.

Berean Standard Bible

They dress the wound of the daughter of My people with very little care, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace at all.

American Standard Version

And they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:11 delivers a searing indictment against the spiritual leaders of Judah who offered a deceptive and superficial healing to a nation suffering from profound spiritual brokenness. Despite the deep wounds of sin and impending divine judgment, these false prophets and priests proclaimed a hollow "peace," thereby preventing genuine repentance and leaving the people dangerously unprepared for the catastrophic consequences of their persistent rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 8:11 is deeply embedded within a section of Jeremiah's prophecy (chapters 6-9) that meticulously details Judah's moral decay, spiritual apostasy, and the prophet's lament over their stubborn refusal to return to God. This verse directly echoes and amplifies the condemnation first voiced in [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace and Superficial Healing"), where the same charge of "healing the hurt of my people slightly" is made. The verses immediately preceding chapter 8 describe the people's unwavering commitment to idolatry, their rejection of God's law, and the inevitable judgment symbolized by the passing of the harvest season without salvation. The false prophets' pervasive message of "peace" stands in stark and tragic opposition to Jeremiah's consistent and unpopular pronouncements of impending doom, highlighting the profound spiritual blindness that afflicted the nation's leadership and populace alike.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval culminating in the Babylonian exile. Judah, a small kingdom, found itself precariously positioned between the declining Assyrian empire and the ascendant power of Babylon. Despite God's repeated warnings through His true prophets, the people, including their religious and political elite, clung to a misguided sense of security. They erroneously believed that their covenant relationship with God and the physical presence of the Temple in Jerusalem would somehow guarantee their immunity from calamity, as expressed in their hollow chant, "[The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, are these!](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - The Temple Sermon")" Culturally, there was a strong societal preference for messages of comfort and prosperity, a demand that false prophets readily exploited. By promising safety and well-being regardless of the nation's spiritual state, these leaders fostered a dangerous complacency, suppressing the truth and leaving the people vulnerable to the divine judgment that was rapidly approaching.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse encapsulates several critical themes prevalent throughout Jeremiah and the broader prophetic corpus. Foremost is the profound peril of **false security and deception**, where comforting lies are embraced over uncomfortable truths, leading to spiritual blindness and eventual destruction. The "healing" offered was not genuine restoration but a superficial covering of deep spiritual wounds, akin to the false prophets in [Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - False Prophets and a Flimsy Wall") who "whitewashed" a flimsy wall. Secondly, it underscores the futility of **superficial solutions**; the "hurt" of the people was their profound sin and rebellion against God, a condition that could only be remedied through authentic repentance and radical obedience, not through empty declarations of "peace." Thirdly, the verse implicitly highlights the inevitability of **divine judgment** when genuine repentance is rejected; the false peace offered by the prophets rendered the people utterly unprepared for the coming destruction and exile. Finally, it sharply contrasts the **nature of true prophecy**, exemplified by Jeremiah's challenging and unpopular message, with **false prophecy**, which seeks popular favor by speaking pleasantries, even at the cost of misleading the people and jeopardizing their eternal well-being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Healed (Hebrew, _râphâʼ'_):** From H7495, meaning "to mend (by stitching), i.e. (figuratively) to cure." In this context, it refers to the attempt by the false prophets to "cure" or "mend" the nation's profound spiritual affliction. The choice of this word implies a professional, medical-like intervention, yet the subsequent modifier "slightly" immediately exposes its inadequacy. It suggests a superficial patching up of a deep wound rather than a deep, transformative restoration of health and wholeness.
* **Hurt (Hebrew, _sheber'_):** From H7667, meaning "a fracture, figuratively, ruin; specifically, a solution (of a dream); affliction, breach, breaking, broken... bruise, crashing, destruction, hurt, interpretation, vexation." This word powerfully describes the profound spiritual and moral brokenness of the "daughter of my people." It signifies a deep, systemic damage—a catastrophic fracture or ruin—that cannot be simply ignored or glossed over. The prophets were attempting to apply a mere bandage to a life-threatening internal injury, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding or willful disregard of the nation's true condition.
* **Slightly (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** From H7043, meaning "to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)." The KJV's "slightly" accurately conveys the essence of this word, indicating a treatment that is casual, inadequate, superficial, or without depth. It implies a negligent and dismissive approach to a grave spiritual condition, treating it as a trivial matter rather than a life-threatening illness that demanded radical intervention and genuine repentance.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." The emphatic repetition of "Peace, peace" (Hebrew: _shâlôwm, shâlôwm_) underscores the insistent yet utterly false nature of the pronouncement. _Shalom_ is a rich Hebrew term encompassing wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, completeness, and the absence of conflict. The false prophets were offering a counterfeit _shalom_ that did not align with God's true will or the nation's dire spiritual reality, promising a state of flourishing that was utterly unearned and unattainable given their profound rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly,"**: This clause identifies the agents ("they"—the false prophets and priests) and their deceptive action. They attempted to "heal" the deep "hurt" (spiritual brokenness, sin, and rebellion) of "the daughter of my people" (a tender, familial reference to Judah, evoking God's deep concern). The crucial adverb "slightly" reveals the superficiality and inadequacy of their intervention; they merely patched over the symptoms of the nation's spiritual illness without addressing its root cause, which was their persistent idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant.
* **"saying, Peace, peace;"**: This phrase highlights the specific content of the false prophets' deceptive message. They repeatedly and emphatically declared "Peace, peace," promising wholeness, security, and prosperity. The repetition underscores their insistence and the pervasive nature of this false assurance, designed to soothe anxieties and maintain popular appeal rather than to confront the harsh reality of God's impending judgment. This hollow declaration served to lull the people into a dangerous complacency, preventing them from seeking true reconciliation with God.
* **"when [there is] no peace."**: This concluding clause delivers the devastating truth that utterly negates the preceding pronouncements. Despite the confident declarations of the false prophets, there was, in fact, no true _shalom_—no wholeness, no security, no well-being—for Judah. This stark contrast exposes the profound lie at the heart of the false prophets' message, revealing that their words were empty, dangerous, and directly contrary to God's assessment of the nation's condition and His righteous judgment. It underscores the tragic reality that the people were being led astray to their own destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and sobering message. **Irony** is central to the verse, as those who claim to "heal" are, in fact, exacerbating the nation's spiritual wound by offering false comfort and preventing genuine repentance. They promise "peace" when the reality is one of utter chaos and impending destruction, creating a tragic disconnect between their words and God's truth. The potent **Repetition** of "Peace, peace" (Hebrew: _shalom, shalom_) serves to emphasize the insistent, yet ultimately hollow and deceptive, nature of the false prophets' pronouncements. This repetition highlights their pervasive influence and the seductive power of their lies. Furthermore, the phrase "the hurt of the daughter of my people" utilizes both **Personification** and **Metaphor**. "Daughter of my people" personifies Judah as a vulnerable female figure, evoking a sense of tenderness and deep concern from God, while "hurt" functions as a powerful metaphor for the nation's deep spiritual and moral brokenness, a profound wound that demands far more than a superficial remedy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of truth and deception, particularly within religious leadership. It underscores the divine imperative for spiritual leaders to speak God's unvarnished truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular, rather than offering soothing falsehoods that lull people into a dangerous complacency. The "healing" offered by the false prophets was not merely ineffective; it was actively harmful, preventing the people from acknowledging their sin and seeking genuine repentance. This superficial approach to deep spiritual maladies is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting God's demand for true repentance and a complete turning from sin, without which there can be no true peace or restoration. God's justice requires that sin be confronted, not merely covered over with empty words, for genuine peace can only be found in righteousness and reconciliation with Him.

* [Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - False Prophets and Whitewash")
* [Lamentations 2:14](/lamentations/2-14 "Lamentations 2:14 - False Prophets and Deceptive Visions")
* [Isaiah 30:10](/isaiah/30-10 "Isaiah 30:10 - Do Not Prophesy Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:11 serves as a timeless and urgent warning against spiritual complacency and the seductive allure of comforting lies. In an age often characterized by a desire for quick fixes, easy answers, and a preference for messages that affirm rather than challenge, this verse compels us to critically evaluate the spiritual messages we receive, especially those promising peace, prosperity, or well-being without addressing the uncomfortable realities of sin, brokenness, and the profound need for genuine repentance. True spiritual health, whether for an individual or a community, invariably requires confronting difficult truths, acknowledging deep-seated issues, and undergoing a transformative process that can be painful but ultimately leads to lasting healing and authentic peace. We are called to cultivate a robust discernment, distinguishing between superficial reassurances and the profound, sometimes challenging, truth of God's Word, which alone offers authentic peace and enduring wholeness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or in my community might I be accepting "peace" where there is no true peace, avoiding uncomfortable truths for the sake of comfort or convenience?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater discernment to distinguish between genuine spiritual healing and superficial solutions offered by the world or even within religious contexts?**
* **What might it look like to courageously embrace God's full truth, even when it is challenging or demands significant change, for the sake of true spiritual well-being and genuine peace?**

### FAQ

**What is the "hurt of the daughter of my people" that is being healed "slightly"?**

Answer: The "hurt of the daughter of my people" refers to the profound spiritual and moral brokenness of the nation of Judah. It encompasses their pervasive idolatry, widespread social injustice, and persistent covenant disobedience against God. This "hurt" was not a minor ailment but a deep, systemic wound that threatened their very existence as God's chosen people and brought them under His righteous judgment. The healing described as "slightly" (or superficially) means that the false prophets and priests were offering only a shallow, inadequate remedy. Instead of calling the people to genuine repentance and a radical turning back to God, they offered empty assurances of well-being, effectively putting a small bandage on a mortal wound. This prevented true healing and reconciliation with God, leaving the nation unprepared for the divine judgment that was rapidly approaching, as seen in the impending Babylonian invasion and exile (cf. [Jeremiah 5:29-31](/jeremiah/5-29-31 "Jeremiah 5:29-31 - God's Judgment on Judah's Sin")).

**Who are "they" who are doing the healing and saying "Peace, peace"?**

Answer: "They" primarily refers to the false prophets, priests, and other religious leaders of Judah during Jeremiah's time. These individuals were nominally responsible for guiding the people spiritually and upholding God's covenant, but instead, they prioritized their own popularity, comfort, or personal gain over speaking God's truth. They delivered messages that the people wanted to hear—messages of peace, prosperity, and security—even though the nation's actions were actively provoking God's wrath. Jeremiah repeatedly condemns these false spiritual guides who misled the people, contrasting their deceptive messages with his own difficult but truthful prophecies of judgment and exile (cf. [Jeremiah 14:13-14](/jeremiah/14-13-14 "Jeremiah 14:13-14 - False Prophets and Lying Visions") and [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16-17 "Jeremiah 23:16-17 - False Prophets and Empty Promises")). Their actions contributed significantly to the nation's spiritual decline and ultimate downfall, demonstrating a profound failure of leadership.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:11, with its stark portrayal of false peace and superficial healing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "hurt of the daughter of my people" is the universal brokenness of humanity, fractured by sin and alienated from God. The false prophets offered a counterfeit _shalom_, a hollow promise of well-being that could not address the deep spiritual malady. In contrast, Jesus is the true Physician who does not heal "slightly" but offers radical, complete, and eternal healing. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), directly confronting and eradicating the root cause of humanity's hurt. While the false prophets cried "Peace, peace" when there was no peace, Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, actually *made* peace, reconciling humanity to God (cf. [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He does not offer a superficial covering for sin but a complete cleansing and the radical transformation of a new creation (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The peace that Christ gives is not the world's fleeting peace, but a profound, inner _shalom_ that transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Christ's Peace") and [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). He is the one who truly binds up the brokenhearted and proclaims liberty to the captives, offering genuine healing and wholeness where there was once only hurt and no peace (cf. [Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord") and [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")).

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

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: