Jeremiah 8:9

KJV

The wise [men] are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom [is] in them?

KJV (with Strong's)

The wise {H2450} men are ashamed {H3001}, they are dismayed {H2865} and taken {H3920}: lo, they have rejected {H3988} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}; and what wisdom {H2451} is in them?

Complete Jewish Bible

The wise are put to shame, alarmed, entrapped. They have rejected the word of ADONAI, so what wisdom do they have?

Berean Standard Bible

The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?

American Standard Version

The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of Jehovah; and what manner of wisdom is in them?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 8:9 delivers a scathing indictment against the supposed "wise men" of Judah, exposing the utter futility and shame of human wisdom when it stands in opposition to or in rejection of divine revelation. The verse portrays a people, led by those who should have known better, facing inevitable disgrace and capture because their counsel and understanding were not rooted in the authoritative word of the LORD, ultimately rendering their boasted wisdom hollow and non-existent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 8:9 is situated within a larger prophetic lament (Jeremiah 8:4-17) where the prophet mourns Judah's spiritual stubbornness and impending judgment. Preceding verses (Jeremiah 8:4-8) highlight the nation's persistent backsliding, their refusal to repent, and their deceptive claim to possess the law of the LORD while acting contrary to it. Jeremiah 8:8, in particular, directly sets up verse 9 by stating, "How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain." This accusation immediately precedes the condemnation of the wise in verse 9, linking their false wisdom directly to their mishandling and rejection of God's law. The verses that follow (Jeremiah 8:10-12) describe the consequences of this rejection: their houses and fields will be given to others, and all, from prophet to priest, are greedy and deceitful, leading to a false sense of peace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, a period of profound geopolitical instability and moral decline in Judah, prior to the Babylonian exile. The "wise men" (Hebrew: *chakhamim*) in this context would have included royal counselors, scribes, legal experts, and those who interpreted and applied the Mosaic Law. They were the intellectual and spiritual elite, expected to provide sound guidance based on tradition, experience, and divine instruction. However, during Jeremiah's time, many of these figures had become corrupted, offering counsel that prioritized political expediency or popular opinion over the clear commands of Yahweh. Their "wisdom" was worldly, relying on alliances with foreign powers or superficial religious rituals rather than genuine repentance and trust in God. This verse critiques a culture where intellectual pride and self-reliance had supplanted humble submission to God's revealed truth.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It underscores the **Futility of Human Wisdom Apart from God**, demonstrating that intellectual prowess or strategic planning, when divorced from divine revelation, leads to shame and disaster. It highlights the **Rejection of God's Word as the Root Cause of Apostasy**, emphasizing that Judah's downfall stems from their deliberate and contemptuous dismissal of the LORD's commands and warnings, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 6:10](/jeremiah/6-10 "Jeremiah 6:10 - The People Reject God's Word") and [Jeremiah 7:23-24](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23-24 - Disobedience to God's Voice"). Furthermore, it implicitly defines **True Wisdom as Obedience to God**, contrasting the false wisdom of the "wise men" with the genuine understanding that comes from fearing the LORD and adhering to His statutes, a theme echoed throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom Literature").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** From H2450, this term typically denotes intelligence, skill, or artfulness. In this context, it refers to those who were considered intellectually astute, counselors, or experts in the law. Jeremiah uses it ironically here, as their supposed wisdom proves to be utterly lacking and ultimately leads to their downfall.
* **Rejected (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From H3988, this strong verb signifies a deliberate and contemptuous spurning, despising, or casting away. It indicates an active choice to refuse or disown something. Here, it emphasizes the intentional and scornful dismissal of God's word by the "wise men" and, by extension, the nation.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this comprehensive term encompasses not only spoken words but also matters, things, affairs, decrees, and divine pronouncements. In this verse, "the word of the LORD" refers to God's revealed will, His commands, warnings, and covenant stipulations, which the wise men had deliberately ignored or misinterpreted.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His self-existence and eternal nature. The rejection of "the word of the LORD" is therefore not merely a rejection of abstract principles, but a personal affront to the sovereign God of Israel.
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this noun refers to wisdom in a good sense, implying skill or insightful understanding. Jeremiah's rhetorical question, "and what wisdom is in them?", challenges the very existence of genuine wisdom among those who reject its divine source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken:"** This clause describes the humiliating consequences awaiting those who rely on their own wisdom apart from God. "Ashamed" (H3001, *yâbêsh*) implies confusion and disappointment, a public disgrace. "Dismayed" (H2865, *châthath*) suggests being prostrated, broken down by confusion and fear, utterly terrified. "Taken" (H3920, *lâkad*) means to be caught, captured, or ensnared, likely referring to their impending capture by the Babylonians or the trapping of their own flawed schemes. Their human plans and insights prove worthless in the face of divine judgment.
* **"lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD;"** This is the pivotal accusation, revealing the root cause of their shame and dismay. The interjection "lo" (Hebrew: *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the profound spiritual rebellion. Their "rejection" (H3988, *mâʼaç*) of God's word is not accidental but a deliberate, contemptuous spurning of His revealed truth and authority. This rejection is the fundamental flaw that invalidates any claim to wisdom.
* **"and what wisdom is in them?"** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful concluding statement, implying that if one rejects the ultimate source of truth and wisdom (the LORD's word), then any supposed wisdom they possess is utterly void and meaningless. It challenges the very premise of their intellectual authority and exposes their emptiness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 8:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the prophet refers to "wise men" who are, in fact, utterly foolish because they have rejected the very source of true wisdom. Their supposed insight leads them to shame and capture, directly contradicting the expected outcome of wisdom. The verse also utilizes a powerful **Rhetorical Question** at its conclusion: "and what wisdom is in them?" This question is not meant to be answered literally but to emphatically underscore the absence of genuine wisdom in those who spurn God's word. It forces the audience to confront the logical consequence of their actions. Furthermore, there is an element of **Contrast** between the perceived wisdom of men and the true wisdom that comes from the LORD, highlighting the vast chasm between human understanding and divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 8:9 powerfully articulates a foundational biblical truth: true wisdom is not an inherent human capacity or a product of worldly intellect, but rather a gift and outcome of humble submission to God's revealed word. The "wise men" of Judah, by rejecting the very source of divine truth, demonstrated that their wisdom was ultimately foolishness, incapable of discerning God's will or averting His judgment. This verse serves as a timeless warning against intellectual arrogance and the dangers of separating knowledge from its divine foundation, emphasizing that genuine insight and security are found only in adherence to the LORD's commands.

* [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 1:20](/1_corinthians/1-20 "1 Corinthians 1:20 - God Makes the Wisdom of the World Foolish")
* [James 3:13-17](/james/3-13 "James 3:13-17 - Earthly vs. Heavenly Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 8:9 serves as a profound mirror for every generation, challenging our assumptions about what constitutes true wisdom. In a world that often prioritizes human ingenuity, technological advancement, and self-derived philosophies, this verse reminds us that the ultimate standard for truth and guidance remains the unchanging word of God. When individuals, institutions, or nations reject divine principles, they inevitably find themselves "ashamed, dismayed, and taken" by the consequences of their own flawed counsel. This calls us to a posture of humility, recognizing that our intellect, no matter how sharp, is insufficient without divine illumination. It compels us to diligently study God's word, not merely as an academic exercise, but as the very source of life, discernment, and genuine understanding for navigating the complexities of existence. To truly be wise is to embrace the word of the LORD, allowing it to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions, thereby avoiding the shame and dismay that accompany self-reliance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on human wisdom or popular opinion instead of God's revealed truth?**
* **How does my daily engagement with the Bible reflect my belief that it is the ultimate source of wisdom?**
* **What are the practical consequences of rejecting God's word in my personal life or in the broader society I observe?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater hunger for and obedience to the "word of the LORD" in an age that often dismisses divine authority?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean that "the wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken"?**

Answer: This phrase describes the humiliating and disastrous consequences awaiting those who relied on their own human wisdom rather than God's word. "Ashamed" (Hebrew: *yâbêsh*) implies public disgrace, confusion, and disappointment when their plans fail. "Dismayed" (Hebrew: *châthath*) suggests being terrified, broken down by fear and confusion, indicating a loss of courage and hope. "Taken" (Hebrew: *lâkad*) means to be caught or captured, likely referring to their impending subjugation by foreign powers (Babylon) or being ensnared by their own flawed strategies. Their supposed wisdom proved utterly ineffective in the face of divine judgment and external threats, leading to their utter downfall and humiliation.

**Who are the "wise men" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "wise men" (Hebrew: *chakhamim*) in ancient Israel were typically a class of individuals who held positions of influence as counselors, scribes, legal experts, and interpreters of the law. They were the intellectual elite, responsible for advising kings, teaching the people, and preserving national traditions, often drawing from both practical experience and the divine law. In Jeremiah's context, these were the leaders, priests, and scribes who should have guided the nation according to God's covenant but instead offered deceptive counsel or relied on human reasoning, leading Judah astray. Their wisdom was worldly and self-serving, rather than rooted in the fear of the LORD.

**How does rejecting "the word of the LORD" relate to their lack of wisdom?**

Answer: Jeremiah 8:9 directly links the wise men's shame and dismay to their rejection of "the word of the LORD." This is the core theological point: true wisdom (Hebrew: *chokmâh*) in the biblical sense is not merely intellectual capacity or shrewdness, but a moral and spiritual discernment that originates from God. By deliberately spurning God's revealed will, His commands, and His warnings, these wise men cut themselves off from the only legitimate source of genuine wisdom. Their human intellect, divorced from divine truth, became foolishness, incapable of providing true guidance or salvation. The rhetorical question, "and what wisdom is in them?" highlights that without God's word, their wisdom is non-existent or utterly worthless, leading only to ruin. This concept is foundational to biblical wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 8:9, with its indictment of human wisdom apart from God's word, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person of Jesus Christ. The "wise men" of Jeremiah's day rejected the prophetic word, leading to their shame and destruction. Similarly, in the New Testament, the religious leaders and "wise" of Israel often rejected the living Word of God, Jesus Himself, as highlighted in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"). Their reliance on human traditions and interpretations, rather than the true wisdom embodied in Christ, led them to crucify the very source of life and truth. However, what appeared as foolishness to the world—the cross—is revealed as the ultimate wisdom of God for salvation, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:23-24](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23-24 - Christ Crucified, the Power and Wisdom of God"). In Christ, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")), and He is made to us wisdom from God ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Thus, Jeremiah's lament over rejected wisdom points forward to the divine wisdom fully manifested in Jesus, whose word, unlike that rejected by Judah's wise men, brings life, salvation, and true understanding to all who embrace it.

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

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Jeremiah 6:15

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

Psalms 119:98

¶ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me.

Psalms 119:100

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

Isaiah 19:11

Surely the princes of Zoan [are] fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I [am] the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.