Jeremiah 8:5

KJV

Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why then is this people {H5971} of Jerusalem {H3389} slidden back {H7725} by a perpetual {H5329} backsliding {H4878}? they hold {H2388} fast deceit {H8649}, they refuse {H3985} to return {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why do these people keep backsliding? Why is their backsliding so persistent? They cling to deceit and refuse to return!

Berean Standard Bible

Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return.

American Standard Version

Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:5 captures the Lord's profound lament and rhetorical question concerning the persistent spiritual decline of the people of Jerusalem and Judah. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God expresses His dismay at their stubborn refusal to repent and their deep-seated commitment to falsehoods, despite continuous warnings and gracious calls to return to Him. The verse powerfully encapsulates the nation's chronic apostasy, their active embrace of deception, and their willful rejection of divine restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 8:5 is situated within a series of prophetic pronouncements (Jeremiah 7-10) where God, through Jeremiah, delivers a scathing indictment against Judah for its pervasive idolatry, moral corruption, and false security in the Temple. Chapter 8 specifically intensifies the theme of Judah's incorrigible rebellion, contrasting their stubbornness with the instinctive wisdom of migratory birds (Jeremiah 8:7). The preceding verses (Jeremiah 8:1-3) describe the gruesome desecration of graves as a consequence of their sin, while [Jeremiah 8:4](/jeremiah/8-4 "Jeremiah 8:4 - The Logic of Repentance") sets the stage for the rhetorical question of verse 5 by asking why, if people fall, they do not rise again, or if they turn away, they do not return. This verse, therefore, serves as a climactic expression of divine exasperation at their persistent, irrational refusal to repent in the face of impending judgment, highlighting the profound disconnect between their actions and any semblance of reason.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Jeremiah is set during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah, spanning the reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zedekiah (late 7th to early 6th centuries BC), leading up to the Babylonian exile. This period was marked by political instability, the rise of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and a severe spiritual decline within Judah. Despite Josiah's reforms, the people quickly reverted to idolatry and syncretistic practices after his death. Culturally, the people had adopted the worship of Baal and other foreign deities, engaged in child sacrifice ([Jeremiah 7:31](/jeremiah/7-31 "Jeremiah 7:31 - Topheth and Child Sacrifice")), and practiced social injustice, all while maintaining a superficial adherence to Temple rituals, believing it would protect them ([Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")). [Jeremiah 8:5](/jeremiah/8-5 "Jeremiah 8:5 - Judah's Persistent Backsliding") highlights the deep-seated spiritual sickness that permeated society, where covenant unfaithfulness was not merely a lapse but an ingrained way of life, demonstrating a profound disconnect from the covenant established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Mount Sinai").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 8:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. The primary theme is **Judah's Incorrigible Rebellion and Apostasy**, emphasizing a chronic and deep-seated turning away from God, not a momentary lapse. This is underscored by the phrase "perpetual backsliding," which signifies an ingrained pattern of disobedience, contrasting sharply with the natural order of repentance and return (as implied in [Jeremiah 8:4](/jeremiah/8-4 "Jeremiah 8:4 - The Logic of Repentance")). Another crucial theme is the **Deception and False Security** prevalent among the people, who "hold fast deceit." This refers to their reliance on false prophets who promised peace ([Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")) and their own self-deception regarding their spiritual condition, refusing to acknowledge the truth of God's impending judgment. Finally, the verse highlights God's **Lament and Persistent Call to Repentance**, even in the face of their stubbornness. Despite their refusal to "return," God consistently calls His people back to Himself, as seen throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Hosea 6:1](/hosea/6-1 "Hosea 6:1 - Come, Let Us Return to the Lord")). The rhetorical question expresses divine sorrow and exasperation over their irrational and self-destructive choices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Backsliding (Hebrew, _mᵉshûwbâh'_):** From H4878, derived from the root `shûwb` (H7725, to turn back), this noun specifically denotes "apostasy" or "turning away." In Jeremiah 8:5, when combined with "perpetual" (from H5329, `nâtsach`, meaning permanent or enduring), it emphasizes that Judah's departure from God was not an isolated incident or a temporary lapse but a chronic, deeply ingrained, and persistent state of spiritual rebellion. It signifies a deliberate and ongoing deviation from the covenant path, a fundamental turning away from the Lord.
* **Hold fast (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** From H2388, this primitive root means "to fasten upon," "to seize," or "to be strong." Here, it conveys an active, firm, and stubborn grip. The people are not passively misled; they actively "strengthen themselves in" or "cling obstinately to" deceit. This implies a willful embrace and retention of falsehoods, whether from false prophets or their own self-justifying narratives, rather than yielding to divine truth. It suggests a determined, almost defiant, commitment to their chosen path of error.
* **Refuse (Hebrew, _mâʼên'_):** From H3985, this primitive root means "to refuse" or "to utterly deny." Its use here underscores the deliberate and intentional nature of Judah's disobedience. It is not a matter of ignorance or inability, but a conscious, stubborn, and unyielding rejection of God's call to repentance and restoration. This refusal highlights their hardened hearts and their active resistance to divine grace, indicating a profound and willful opposition to God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why [then] is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?"**: This opening rhetorical question expresses God's profound lament, exasperation, and bewilderment. It is not a question seeking information but rather a rhetorical device to highlight the utter irrationality and self-destructive nature of Judah's behavior. The phrase "perpetual backsliding" (literally "backsliding of perpetuity" or "enduring backsliding") emphasizes the chronic, unwavering, and ingrained nature of their apostasy. It signifies a deep-seated spiritual condition, not a temporary deviation, where the people of Jerusalem have consistently turned away from God, defying all logical expectation of return.
* **"they hold fast deceit"**: This clause reveals the underlying cause and active choice behind their perpetual backsliding. The people are not merely misled; they actively and stubbornly "hold fast" or cling to "deceit." This "deceit" (Hebrew, `tormâh`, H8649) can refer to the false prophecies that promised peace and prosperity despite their sin, or more broadly, to their own self-deception and rationalizations that allowed them to persist in their wickedness without acknowledging their true spiritual state before God. It implies a willful embrace of lies over divine truth, a conscious preference for comforting falsehoods over uncomfortable realities.
* **"they refuse to return."**: This final clause underscores the deliberate and unyielding nature of their rebellion. Despite God's persistent calls for repentance and restoration, the people make a conscious and stubborn choice to "refuse to return" (Hebrew, `shûwb`, H7725). This refusal is not born of ignorance but of a hardened heart and a defiant will, rejecting the very path that would lead to life and covenant faithfulness. It is a powerful statement of their willful disobedience and their ultimate rejection of God's gracious invitation, sealing their fate.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine lament and human stubbornness. The verse begins with a **Rhetorical Question** ("Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding?"), which serves not to elicit an answer but to express God's profound sorrow, exasperation, and the sheer irrationality of Judah's persistent rebellion. This question highlights the illogical and self-destructive nature of their choices, implying that their actions defy reason and natural instinct. Furthermore, there is a striking use of **Wordplay** or **Repetition** with "slidden back" (a form of `shûwb`) and "backsliding" (`mᵉshûwbâh`), both derived from the same Hebrew root. This emphasizes the continuous, chronic, and ingrained nature of their apostasy, underscoring that their turning away was not an accident but a perpetual state, a deeply embedded pattern of behavior. The phrase "they hold fast deceit" uses **Personification** or **Metaphor**, treating "deceit" as a tangible object that can be clung to, illustrating the people's active and stubborn embrace of falsehoods. This vivid imagery portrays their deep commitment to lies over truth, suggesting a willful and tenacious grip on error.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 8:5 profoundly illustrates the tragic consequences of a hardened heart and the human capacity for persistent rebellion against divine truth. It speaks to the theological reality of humanity's fallen nature, which, left unchecked, gravitates towards self-deception and a refusal to acknowledge sin or God's call to repentance. The "perpetual backsliding" of Judah serves as a stark warning that spiritual decline can become an entrenched state, where the embrace of "deceit" leads to a willful "refusal to return" to the source of life and truth. This verse highlights God's justice in holding His people accountable for their deliberate choices, even as His lament reveals His enduring love and desire for their restoration. It underscores the critical importance of repentance as the pathway back to God, a path that Judah stubbornly rejected, demonstrating the profound tragedy of unyielding human will against divine grace.

* [Proverbs 14:14](/proverbs/14-14 "Proverbs 14:14 - The Backslider in Heart")
* [Hebrews 3:12-13](/hebrews/3-12-13 "Hebrews 3:12-13 - Beware of an Unbelieving Heart")
* [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3-4 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People Will Turn from Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:5 offers a timeless mirror for self-examination, challenging us to honestly assess the state of our own hearts and our walk with God. The "perpetual backsliding" of Judah serves as a potent warning against spiritual apathy and the insidious nature of unaddressed sin. It prompts us to consider whether we, too, might be clinging to "deceit"—perhaps rationalizing our shortcomings, believing comforting lies about our spiritual health, or ignoring the clear truth of God's Word in favor of personal preferences or cultural norms. The "refusal to return" is a call to vigilance against stubbornness and pride, reminding us that God continually invites us to repentance and deeper communion. True spiritual health requires a humble and responsive heart, quick to confess sin, eager to embrace truth, and willing to turn back to the Lord when His Spirit convicts. This verse urges us to cultivate a posture of continuous repentance and a firm grip on the truth of Christ, rather than the deceptive allure of the world or our own fallen inclinations, ensuring our hearts remain pliable and receptive to divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "perpetual backsliding" from God's standards or desires, perhaps without fully realizing it?**
* **What "deceit" might I be holding fast to—perhaps a false belief about God, myself, or the world—that prevents me from fully embracing truth and growing in spiritual maturity?**
* **Am I actively "refusing to return" to God in any specific area where He is calling me to repentance or deeper obedience, allowing stubbornness to hinder my spiritual progress?**
* **How can I cultivate a more sensitive heart to the Holy Spirit's promptings, ensuring I do not become hardened like the people of Jerusalem, but remain responsive to God's transforming grace?**

### FAQ

**What does "perpetual backsliding" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Perpetual backsliding" refers to a continuous, chronic, and ingrained state of apostasy or turning away from God. It signifies that the people of Jerusalem were not experiencing a temporary lapse in faith or an occasional stumble, but rather a deep-seated and unwavering pattern of disobedience and rebellion against the covenant relationship they had with Yahweh. It highlights the persistent nature of their spiritual decline, indicating a hardened heart and a consistent rejection of divine instruction and grace, making their condition appear fixed and unyielding.

**What kind of "deceit" were the people holding fast to?**

Answer: The "deceit" (`tormâh`) the people held fast to could refer to several things. Primarily, it likely refers to the false prophecies being proclaimed by prophets who promised peace and prosperity even as Judah plunged deeper into sin and judgment loomed (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - False Peace")). These messages provided a comforting but ultimately destructive illusion of security. Additionally, it could encompass their own self-deception and rationalizations, where they convinced themselves that their idolatry and social injustice were acceptable, or that their superficial adherence to Temple rituals would protect them from God's judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - Trusting in the Temple")). This "deceit" represented a willful embrace of lies over divine truth, preventing them from acknowledging their true spiritual state and their urgent need for repentance.

**Why did God express His dismay as a rhetorical question?**

Answer: God's use of a rhetorical question ("Why then is this people...?") is a common prophetic device used to express profound lament, exasperation, and bewilderment, rather than seeking an actual answer. It highlights the utter irrationality and self-destructive nature of Judah's behavior. From a divine perspective, their continued rebellion in the face of clear warnings and impending judgment was illogical and indefensible. The question underscores God's sorrow over their choices and His desire for them to turn back, even as He acknowledges their stubborn refusal. It serves to emphasize the depth of their spiritual blindness and the tragedy of their chosen path, inviting the reader to likewise ponder the senselessness of rejecting divine grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:5, with its poignant description of a people in "perpetual backsliding" who "hold fast deceit" and "refuse to return," powerfully foreshadows humanity's universal spiritual condition apart from Christ. Just as Judah stubbornly clung to falsehoods and rejected God's call, so too does fallen humanity naturally gravitate away from God, embracing sin and self-deception. The "deceit" they held fast to is ultimately the lie that we can find life and fulfillment apart from our Creator, a lie that originated in the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:4-5](/genesis/3-4-5 "Genesis 3:4-5 - The Serpent's Deception")). However, the very "return" that Judah refused is gloriously fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "way back" to God ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the one who conquers the "deceit" of sin and death through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Victory in Christ")). Through His resurrection, Christ offers not merely a temporary respite from backsliding, but a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to turn from deceit and walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, what Judah tragically refused—a genuine return to God—is made possible and eternally secured for all who believe in 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")).

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 9:6

Thine habitation [is] in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

Hosea 11:7

And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt [him].

Jeremiah 5:27

As a cage is full of birds, so [are] their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:12

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.