Jeremiah 9:3

KJV

And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they bend {H1869} their tongues {H3956} like their bow {H7198} for lies {H8267}: but they are not valiant {H1396} for the truth {H530} upon the earth {H776}; for they proceed {H3318} from evil {H7451} to evil {H7451}, and they know {H3045} not me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They bend their tongues, their 'bow' of falsehood, and hold sway in the land, but not for truth. For they go from evil to evil, and me they do not know," says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.

American Standard Version

And they bend their tongue, as it were their bow, for falsehood; and they are grown strong in the land, but not for truth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 9:3 vividly portrays the profound moral and spiritual decay of Judah, depicting a people whose speech is weaponized for deceit, demonstrating a pervasive societal addiction to falsehood. This verse unmasks their lack of courage to uphold truth and reveals a continuous descent into deeper wickedness, ultimately attributing their depravity to a fundamental and relational ignorance of God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jeremiah's deep lament and prophetic indictment against Judah, often referred to as his "confessions" (Jeremiah 8-9). Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah expresses profound sorrow over the spiritual blindness and incurable wound of his people, who cling to deceit and refuse to return to the Lord (e.g., [Jeremiah 8:5](/jeremiah/8-5 "Jeremiah 8:5 - Refusal to Return") and [Jeremiah 8:11-12](/jeremiah/8-11 "Jeremiah 8:11-12 - False Peace and Shame")). Chapter 9 continues this mournful tone, with the prophet wishing for a "head full of water" to weep over the slain of his people, emphasizing the utter desolation and moral collapse that has engulfed Jerusalem and the towns of Judah. The focus shifts from general lament to specific accusations of treachery and deceit, setting the stage for the powerful imagery of the tongue as a weapon of lies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings (Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) leading up to the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The nation was caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising powers of Egypt and Babylon. Despite Josiah's reforms, the people had largely reverted to idolatry and social injustice, internalizing pagan practices and abandoning the covenant with Yahweh. Deceit, false prophecy, and corruption were rampant, eroding the societal fabric. The "earth" (H776, _ʼerets_) in this context refers specifically to the land of Judah, highlighting that this moral failure was endemic to their society, from leaders to common people. The imagery of the bow and arrow was deeply familiar in ancient Near Eastern warfare and hunting, making the metaphor of the tongue as a weapon for lies particularly potent and culturally resonant.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 9:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Pervasive Sin and Rebellion**, particularly the sin of deceit and false speech, which is a constant refrain throughout Jeremiah's prophecies (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:27-28](/jeremiah/5-27 "Jeremiah 5:27-28 - Deceit and Injustice")). Secondly, it highlights the **Absence of Truth and Justice** in Judah, showing how the people have abandoned the very foundations of righteous living and covenant faithfulness (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:28](/jeremiah/7-28 "Jeremiah 7:28 - Truth Has Perished")). Thirdly, the phrase "proceed from evil to evil" speaks to the **Progressive Nature of Sin**, illustrating a downward spiritual spiral where one transgression leads to another, deepening their depravity. Finally, and most crucially, the verse emphasizes the theme of **Ignorance and Rejection of God**. The ultimate root cause of their moral failure is their failure to "know" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) the Lord in a deep, relational, and obedient sense, a theme central to Jeremiah's message (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:8](/jeremiah/2-8 "Jeremiah 2:8 - Leaders Who Do Not Know God") and [Jeremiah 22:16](/jeremiah/22-16 "Jeremiah 22:16 - Knowing God Through Justice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bend (Hebrew, _dârak'_):** From H1869, a primitive root meaning "to tread" or "to walk," but also specifically "to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)." In Jeremiah 9:3, it vividly describes the deliberate, active, and skilled effort applied to preparing the tongue for deceit. Just as an archer carefully treads on and bends a bow to ready it for shooting, so the people meticulously prepare their words to launch lies, indicating premeditation and proficiency in falsehood.
* **valiant (Hebrew, _gâbar'_):** From H1396, a primitive root meaning "to be strong," "to prevail," or "to be mighty." In this context, it implies a lack of strength, courage, or resolve. The people are "not valiant for the truth," meaning they lack the moral fortitude, conviction, or power to stand for, uphold, or live by truth. They are strong and skillful in deceit but utterly weak and cowardly when it comes to integrity.
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, a primitive root with a vast semantic range, encompassing intellectual knowledge, but more profoundly, intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge. In the biblical sense, "to know God" implies a covenant relationship characterized by obedience, trust, and living in accordance with His character. Here, "they know not me" signifies not merely an intellectual unawareness, but a profound spiritual estrangement, a failure to acknowledge, obey, or relate to the Lord in a transformative way, which is presented as the ultimate source of their moral corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the central metaphor. The "tongue" (H3956, _lâshôwn_), the instrument of speech, is compared to a "bow" (H7198, _qesheth_), a weapon of war. The verb "bend" (H1869, _dârak_) implies deliberate preparation and skill. This vivid imagery portrays the people as actively and intentionally preparing their speech to unleash "lies" (H8267, _sheqer_), indicating that deceit is not accidental but a practiced and potent weapon in their arsenal.
* **"but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth;"** In stark contrast to their readiness for falsehood, this clause highlights their profound deficiency. They lack "valor" (H1396, _gâbar_) or courage for "truth" (H530, _ʼĕmûwnâh_), which signifies firmness, fidelity, and faithfulness. This reveals a moral cowardice: they are bold in deception but weak in integrity. The phrase "upon the earth" (H776, _ʼerets_) underscores that this moral bankruptcy is widespread and evident in their daily lives and societal interactions throughout the land.
* **"for they proceed from evil to evil,"** This clause provides a consequence and further explanation of their behavior. The verb "proceed" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) suggests a continuous movement or progression. Their lack of commitment to truth leads to a relentless descent "from evil (H7451, _raʻ_) to evil," indicating a spiraling moral decay where one sin begets another, deepening their depravity and hardening their hearts. There is no repentance or turning back, only a continuous downward trajectory.
* **"and they know not me, saith the LORD."** This final, authoritative declaration from "the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) reveals the ultimate root cause of all their wickedness. Their failure to live truthfully, their progression into deeper sin, and their general moral collapse stem from a fundamental lack of relational "knowledge" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) of God. It is not merely intellectual ignorance, but a profound spiritual estrangement, a failure to acknowledge, honor, and obey the One who is the source of all truth and righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 9:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of condemnation. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the comparison of the tongue to a bow and lies to arrows ("they bend their tongues like their bow for lies"). This powerful image transforms speech into a weapon, emphasizing the destructive and intentional nature of their deceit. The phrase "for lies" further specifies the ammunition. **Contrast** is also central, juxtaposing their readiness and skill for lies with their utter lack of valor for truth. This highlights their perverse moral priorities. The phrase "they proceed from evil to evil" employs **Progression** or **Climax**, illustrating a continuous, escalating deterioration of their moral state, suggesting an unstoppable downward spiral. Finally, the concluding declaration, "saith the LORD," serves as an **Authoritative Statement** or **Divine Pronouncement**, lending ultimate weight and certainty to the diagnosis of their spiritual condition, particularly their fatal ignorance of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 9:3 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, the importance of truth, and the centrality of knowing God. It reveals that pervasive societal corruption, marked by deceit and moral decay, is not merely a behavioral problem but a symptom of a deeper spiritual malady: a broken relationship with the divine. The people's inability to stand for truth and their continuous descent into evil are directly attributed to their failure to truly "know" the Lord, highlighting that authentic knowledge of God is foundational for ethical living and societal well-being. This verse underscores the biblical principle that a genuine relationship with God cultivates a love for truth and righteousness, while its absence leads to spiritual blindness and moral depravity.

* [Psalm 64:3](/psalms/64-3 "Psalm 64:3 - Tongues like Swords, Arrows")
* [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-2 - No Truth, No Knowledge of God")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - Given Over to a Depraved Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 9:3 serves as a sobering mirror, inviting us to examine the condition of our own hearts and societies. In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and the rapid spread of narratives, the prophet's words resonate powerfully. We are challenged to consider: Are our "tongues" bent for truth or for falsehood? Do we possess the "valor" to stand for what is right, even when unpopular, or do we succumb to the pressure to conform to deceitful trends? This verse reminds us that a casual approach to truth, or a willingness to engage in gossip, slander, or half-truths, can signal a deeper spiritual issue. The progression "from evil to evil" warns against the insidious nature of unaddressed sin, illustrating how small compromises can lead to profound moral decay. Ultimately, the verse directs us to the foundational relationship with God. Our ability to discern and uphold truth, and to resist the gravitational pull of evil, is inextricably linked to how deeply and genuinely we "know" the Lord. True knowledge of God transforms our character, instilling a love for integrity and the courage to live by it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my "tongue" be "bent for lies" in my daily interactions, even subtly (e.g., exaggeration, gossip, flattery, or withholding truth)?**
* **Where do I lack "valor for the truth" in my life, perhaps shying away from difficult conversations or standing up for what is right due to fear or discomfort?**
* **How does my understanding and "knowledge" of God directly impact my commitment to truth and my resistance to evil?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper, more transformative "knowledge" of God, leading to greater integrity in my words and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "bend their tongues like their bow for lies" mean?**

Answer: This vivid metaphor describes the deliberate and skillful way the people of Judah prepared their speech for deception. Just as an archer carefully strings and bends a bow to shoot an arrow, the people meticulously crafted their words to unleash falsehoods. It implies that lying was not accidental or occasional, but a practiced art, a weapon they wielded with precision and intent to harm or manipulate. It highlights the active, premeditated nature of their deceit.

**What is the significance of "they know not me"?**

Answer: This phrase, spoken by the LORD, identifies the ultimate root cause of Judah's moral and spiritual collapse. In biblical terms, "to know" (H3045, _yâdaʻ_) God means far more than intellectual acquaintance; it signifies a deep, personal, covenantal relationship characterized by intimate fellowship, obedience, and living in accordance with His character and commands. Therefore, "they know not me" means they had abandoned their covenant relationship with God, rejected His authority, and failed to live out the implications of truly belonging to Him. This spiritual estrangement led directly to their moral depravity and their inability to discern or uphold truth. It is a recurring theme in Jeremiah, emphasizing that true knowledge of God is foundational for righteousness, as seen in [Jeremiah 22:16](/jeremiah/22-16 "Jeremiah 22:16 - Knowing God Through Justice").

**How does this verse apply to us today?**

Answer: Jeremiah 9:3 remains profoundly relevant. It challenges us to examine our own use of language in an age of rapid communication and often polarized discourse. It warns against the dangers of spreading misinformation, engaging in gossip, or using words to manipulate or harm. The verse also calls us to cultivate courage for truth, urging us to speak and live with integrity even when it is difficult or unpopular. Fundamentally, it reminds us that our moral compass and our commitment to truth are deeply rooted in our relationship with God. A genuine, transformative knowledge of Him is essential for resisting the temptations of deceit and for walking in righteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 9:3, with its stark portrayal of a people steeped in lies and estranged from God, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The prophet laments a world where "truth has perished" and people "know not me," but Jesus declares, "I am the way, and the **truth**, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Truth")). Where Judah bent their tongues for lies, Jesus's words were always pure truth, even when they led to His crucifixion ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus Testifies to the Truth")). The people's failure to be "valiant for the truth" is contrasted by Christ's unwavering courage to speak God's truth, confronting hypocrisy and injustice, even to the point of death. Their progression "from evil to evil" is broken by Christ, who "appeared to take away sins" ([1_john/3-5](/1_john/3-5 "1 John 3:5 - Christ Takes Away Sins")) and whose sacrifice provides the path out of the cycle of sin. Most significantly, the lament "they know not me" is resolved in Jesus. He is the perfect revelation of God, the One through whom we can truly "know" the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals the Father")). Through faith in Him, we are not only forgiven of our deceit but are also given the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Thus, Christ reverses the spiritual decay depicted in Jeremiah, offering a new covenant where hearts are transformed, truth is embraced, and genuine, saving knowledge of God becomes possible.

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 9:8

Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Jeremiah 4:22

For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

Judges 2:10

And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

Romans 3:13

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

Isaiah 59:13

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

Isaiah 59:15

Yea, truth faileth; and he [that] departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw [it], and it displeased him that [there was] no judgment.

Jeremiah 31:34

And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.