Jeremiah 9:4

KJV

Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take ye heed {H8104} every one {H376} of his neighbour {H7453}, and trust {H982} ye not in any brother {H251}: for every brother {H251} will utterly {H6117} supplant {H6117}, and every neighbour {H7453} will walk {H1980} with slanders {H7400}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone, be on guard against your neighbor, don't trust even a brother; for every brother is out to trick you, and every neighbor goes around gossiping.

Berean Standard Bible

“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander.

American Standard Version

Take ye heed every one of his neighbor, and trust ye not in any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go about with slanders.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 9:4 presents a devastating portrait of moral and social disintegration within ancient Judah, where the very foundations of trust have crumbled. The prophet laments a society so steeped in deceit and betrayal that even the most fundamental relationships—those between neighbors and brothers—are characterized by cunning manipulation, treachery, and malicious slander. This verse serves as a stark prophetic indictment, revealing the profound spiritual and communal consequences of a nation that has abandoned its covenant with God and embraced widespread unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 9:4 is an integral part of Jeremiah's deeply personal and anguished lament over the spiritual and moral decay of Judah, which spans from [Jeremiah 8:18-9:11](/jeremiah/8-18-9-11 "Jeremiah's Lament Over Judah's Sin"). This section immediately follows a series of pronouncements detailing Judah's persistent idolatry and refusal to repent, despite God's repeated warnings. The preceding verses in chapter 9 (vv. 1-3) establish the prophet's profound sorrow, where he wishes for a "fountain of tears" to mourn for his people, whose tongues are likened to a "deceitful arrow." Verse 4 then zeroes in on the interpersonal manifestation of this national corruption, illustrating how the internal spiritual sickness has permeated the very fabric of daily life, making genuine human connection and trust virtually impossible. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the pervasive nature of deceit and the Lord's impending, just judgment upon such a faithless nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's prophetic ministry unfolded during the tumultuous twilight years of the Kingdom of Judah, roughly from 627 to 586 BCE, a period marked by intense political upheaval and spiritual decline. Despite the brief revival under King Josiah, Judah quickly reverted to widespread idolatry and social injustice after his death, oscillating between alliances with powerful empires like Egypt and Babylon. Culturally, the terms "brother" and "neighbor" were not merely casual designations but signified foundational relationships within Israelite society, deeply rooted in the Mosaic covenant. God's law explicitly commanded honesty, mutual support, and justice among the people, as seen in precepts like the prohibition against bearing false witness ([Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment")) and the foundational command to "love your neighbor as yourself" ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")). The breakdown of trust described in Jeremiah 9:4, therefore, was not merely a social problem but a profound theological crisis, indicating a complete societal collapse and a radical rejection of God's covenant principles, illustrating the depths of Judah's rebellion and unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Jeremiah's prophetic message. Foremost is the theme of **Widespread Deceit and Corruption**, revealing a society where dishonesty and betrayal are not isolated incidents but have become the pervasive norm, even among those expected to be most reliable. This deep-seated moral decay is presented as a direct consequence of Judah's spiritual rebellion and their stubborn turning away from God, a theme consistently highlighted throughout the book, particularly in descriptions of their "stubborn heart" and refusal to listen to God's word (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Judah's Disobedience")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Breakdown of Covenantal Relationships**, demonstrating how the nation's failure to uphold God's law inevitably leads to the erosion of human trust, community cohesion, and the very fabric of society. The expectation of mutual support, truthfulness, and loyalty, which were central to the covenant, is depicted as utterly shattered. Lastly, Jeremiah 9:4 serves as a powerful **Justification for Divine Judgment**, as such pervasive and deep-seated moral decay necessitates God's righteous and inevitable response. The inability to trust one's own kin serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual sickness that warrants the impending exile and destruction, a consistent theme articulated by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 5:29](/jeremiah/5-29 "Jeremiah 5:29 - God's Judgment on Judah")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heed (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** (H8104) This primitive root means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." In the context of Jeremiah 9:4, the imperative "Take ye heed" carries a strong sense of being watchful, circumspect, and cautious. It implies that the environment is fraught with danger and deceit, even from unexpected sources. The word suggests a necessary vigilance, a guarding of oneself against the pervasive treachery of others, rather than a trusting openness.
* **Supplant (Hebrew, _ʻâqab'_):** (H6117) Derived from a primitive root meaning "to swell out or up," this word is used denominatively from the Hebrew for "heel" (`ʻâqeb`). It literally means "to seize by the heel," and figuratively, "to circumvent (as if tripping up the heels); also to restrain (as if holding by the heel)." This term famously evokes the story of Jacob, whose name (`Ya'akov`) is related to this root, and who "supplanted" his brother Esau. Here, it denotes a deliberate, cunning, and often malicious act of deception, trickery, or overreaching, highlighting a deep-seated and pervasive treachery aimed at gaining an advantage over another.
* **Slanders (Hebrew, _râkîyl'_):** (H7400) This noun is derived from a root meaning "to travel about" and refers to a "scandal-monger" or "talebearer." It describes someone who spreads malicious gossip, false accusations, or damaging information. The phrase "walk with slanders" (using the verb `hâlak`, H1980) indicates that slander is not an occasional misstep but a habitual, pervasive mode of behavior, an ingrained way of life. It signifies a constant undermining of reputation and trust, actively fostering division and hostility within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take ye heed every one of his neighbour":** This opening imperative serves as a dire warning, urging each individual in Judah to exercise extreme caution and vigilance in their interactions, even with those living closest to them. The term "neighbour" (H7453, _rêaʻ_) refers to an associate, companion, or fellow, someone with whom one would typically expect a relationship of mutual trust and support. The command to "take heed" (H8104, _shâmar_) underscores the tragic reality that the expected bond of trust has been so thoroughly corrupted that constant watchfulness is now a necessity for survival in their society.
* **"and trust ye not in any brother":** This second imperative intensifies the warning, extending it to the most intimate and sacred of social bonds—the "brother" (H251, _ʼâch_), which encompasses literal siblings, close kin, and fellow Israelites bound by covenant. The command "trust ye not" (H982, _bâṭach_) signifies a complete and devastating breakdown of confidence, indicating that even within the family unit or among those who share a common heritage, reliability, integrity, and loyalty are tragically absent.
* **"for every brother will utterly supplant":** This clause provides the grim justification for the preceding warnings. The verb "supplant" (H6117, _ʻâqab_) implies a deliberate act of deception, trickery, or overreaching, often with malicious intent to gain an advantage. The repetition of "every brother" emphasizes the widespread and systemic nature of this treachery, suggesting that such deceit is not isolated but a pervasive characteristic of the society. The adverb "utterly" (derived from the infinitive absolute of the H6117 root) intensifies the action, stressing the complete and total nature of the supplanting, leaving no room for genuine trust.
* **"and every neighbour will walk with slanders":** This final clause further elaborates on the nature of the corruption among neighbors. The phrase "walk with slanders" (H1980, _hâlak_ with H7400, _râkîyl_) paints a vivid and disturbing picture of talebearing, malicious gossip, and the spreading of damaging information as a habitual, pervasive behavior. It suggests that slander is not an occasional lapse but an ingrained mode of interaction, actively undermining reputations, fostering division, and destroying the very possibility of communal harmony and genuine fellowship. This behavior is depicted as a defining characteristic of their daily conduct.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 9:4 masterfully employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent and lamentable message. The most striking is **Hyperbole**, as the prophet declares that "every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders." While not literally every single individual, this exaggerated language powerfully emphasizes the pervasive, overwhelming, and systemic nature of deceit and betrayal within Judahite society, highlighting the profound depth of their moral decay and the near impossibility of finding genuine trustworthiness. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, by repeating the structure and theme across the two clauses: "every brother will utterly supplant" and "every neighbour will walk with slanders." This repetition reinforces the central message of widespread untrustworthiness, applying it equally and emphatically to both familial and communal relationships. Furthermore, the use of the verb "walk" (**hâlak**) in conjunction with "slanders" is a powerful form of **Metonymy** or **Idiom**, where "walking with slanders" signifies a lifestyle, a habitual practice, or an ingrained characteristic of spreading malicious gossip, rather than a literal physical act. This vivid imagery paints a grim picture of a society where deceit and harmful speech have become a normalized, deeply ingrained way of life. The prophet's lament in this passage also functions as a profound **Prophetic Indictment**, serving as a direct and severe accusation against the people for their profound covenant unfaithfulness and their abandonment of God's moral law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 9:4 exposes a profound theological crisis: the catastrophic breakdown of human relationships is presented as a direct and inevitable symptom of a broken relationship with God. When a people collectively abandon the Lord's covenant and His foundational moral law, the natural consequence is the erosion of trust, integrity, and genuine love within their community. The divine command to love one's neighbor as oneself ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) and to deal truthfully and justly with one another is foundational to biblical ethics and God's design for human flourishing. The widespread deceit and betrayal described here signify a radical departure from God's intended order for communal harmony and well-being. This verse therefore serves as a powerful testament to the intrinsic interconnectedness of spiritual faithfulness and social health, demonstrating that true societal flourishing and authentic human relationships are impossible without adherence to divine principles. It highlights that sin, at its core, not only separates humanity from a holy God but also alienates individuals from one another, fostering suspicion, hostility, and fragmentation where fellowship and trust should exist.

* [Proverbs 11:13](/proverbs/11-13 "Proverbs 11:13 - The Talebearer and Trust")
* [Micah 7:5](/micah/7-5 "Micah 7:5 - Do Not Trust a Neighbor or Friend")
* [Romans 1:29-32](/romans/1-29-32 "Romans 1:29-32 - The Depravity of Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 9:4, though rooted in the specific historical context of ancient Judah, resonates profoundly with the human condition across all generations. It compels us to confront the sobering reality that sin's corrosive effects are not confined to grand theological errors or public transgressions but permeate the most intimate and seemingly mundane aspects of our daily interactions. The prophet's lament serves as a stark and sobering mirror, prompting us to critically examine the health of our own relationships and the integrity of our words and actions. In a world often characterized by suspicion, misinformation, self-interest, and the casual spread of damaging narratives, this verse calls believers to be counter-cultural agents of truth, trustworthiness, and genuine love. It reminds us that cultivating a community of authentic trust begins with individual commitment to honesty, discernment, and an unwavering reliance on God's unchanging character, especially when human reliability falters. Ultimately, it challenges us to live out the biblical call to love our neighbor and brother, not with suspicion, but with a Christ-like integrity that seeks to build up, reconcile, and foster genuine fellowship rather than tearing down through deceit and slander.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life, family, or community do I observe a breakdown of trust or a prevalence of deceit, similar to what Jeremiah describes?**
* **How might I, perhaps unintentionally, contribute to an atmosphere of suspicion, gossip, or dishonesty in my relationships or online interactions?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity, transparency, and trustworthiness in my daily interactions with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers?**
* **When faced with betrayal, dishonesty, or slander from others, how can I respond in a way that honors God, reflects His character, and seeks reconciliation, rather than mirroring the world's destructive ways?**

### FAQ
**Does Jeremiah 9:4 mean we should never trust anyone?**

Answer: No, Jeremiah 9:4 is not a blanket command for universal distrust. Rather, it is a powerful prophetic indictment of a specific, deeply corrupted society in Judah, where pervasive deceit and unfaithfulness had become the tragic norm. The prophet is highlighting the lamentable reality of his time, where even foundational relationships were compromised due to widespread sin. For believers, the verse serves as a call for **discernment** and **wisdom** in all relationships, recognizing the reality of human sinfulness and the potential for betrayal. While we are called to love, extend grace, and seek reconciliation, we are also exhorted to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). Our ultimate and unfailing trust, however, must always be placed in God alone, who is perfectly faithful, true, and unchanging ([Psalm 118:8](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8 - Trust in the Lord")).

**How does the concept of "supplant" relate to Jacob in this verse?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "supplant" in Jeremiah 9:4 is _ʻâqab_ (H6117), which is famously linked to the patriarch Jacob. Jacob's name, _Ya'akov_, means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter" because he was born grasping Esau's heel ([Genesis 25:26](/genesis/25-26 "Genesis 25:26 - Birth of Jacob and Esau")) and later literally "supplanted" or "deceived" Esau out of his birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Genesis 27:36 - Esau's Complaint")). Jeremiah's deliberate use of this word here is a powerful rhetorical device. It draws a vivid parallel between the historical act of Jacob's cunning and the widespread, habitual deceit practiced by the people of Judah. It implies that the nation had collectively embraced the negative, treacherous aspects of Jacob's character, becoming a people defined by trickery, manipulation, and self-serving betrayal, rather than by the faithfulness, integrity, and covenant loyalty that God desired from His chosen people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 9:4 paints a bleak and devastating picture of human relationships utterly corrupted by sin, where trust is shattered, and betrayal is rampant. This profound brokenness underscores humanity's desperate need for a radical transformation, a need that finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Where brothers and neighbors "utterly supplant" and "walk with slanders," Jesus embodies perfect truth, unwavering faithfulness, and absolute integrity. He is the one who never deceives, never betrays, and always speaks truth, even to His own suffering and ultimate sacrifice ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's atoning sacrifice, offers not merely a new set of laws but a new heart and a new spirit, enabling believers to live in integrity and genuine love for one another ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant") prophetically foreshadows this, and [Hebrews 8:8-12](/hebrews/8-8-12 "Hebrews 8:8-12 - The New Covenant Established") confirms its fulfillment in Christ). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to put off falsehood and "speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members one of another" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Put Off Falsehood")). Christ not only exposes the depth of human depravity and the brokenness of our relationships but also provides the sole remedy: reconciliation with God, which then enables true reconciliation, trust, and authentic community among people, building a fellowship founded on His truth and sacrificial love, rather than the deceit and slander of the fallen world. He is the ultimate "faithful witness" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), in whom all trust can be securely and eternally placed.

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

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Micah 7:6

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

Jeremiah 6:28

They [are] all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: [they are] brass and iron; they [are] all corrupters.

Proverbs 26:24

¶ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for [there are] seven abominations in his heart.

Leviticus 19:16

Thou shalt not go up and down [as] a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.