Jeremiah 9:5

KJV

And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they will deceive {H2048} every one {H376} his neighbour {H7453}, and will not speak {H1696} the truth {H571}: they have taught {H3925} their tongue {H3956} to speak {H1696} lies {H8267}, and weary {H3811} themselves to commit iniquity {H5753}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Everyone deceives his neighbor, no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongues to lie, they wear themselves out with sinning.

Berean Standard Bible

Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.

American Standard Version

And they will deceive every one his neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 9:5 vividly portrays the profound moral and spiritual decay within Judah, depicting a society where deceit has become the prevailing norm, truth is actively suppressed, and the pursuit of wickedness is an exhausting, cultivated endeavor. This verse encapsulates the prophet's lament over a people so steeped in falsehood that they have trained themselves in dishonesty, demonstrating an intense and deliberate commitment to iniquity rather than to God's righteous ways, thus setting the stage for divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 9:5 is embedded within a powerful lament (Jeremiah 9:1-11) where the prophet expresses deep anguish over the pervasive sin of his people. This section immediately follows a strong denunciation of Judah's idolatry and false worship (Jeremiah 7-8), particularly their reliance on the Temple while engaging in widespread injustice and immorality. The verses preceding 9:5 describe a land filled with "adulterers" and "treacherous dealers" (Jeremiah 9:2), setting the stage for the specific indictment of deceit and untruthfulness. The prophet's sorrow in [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah's Lament for Judah's Sin") is a direct response to the spiritual depravity described in verses like 9:5, highlighting the prophet's personal agony over the nation's impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah (c. 627-586 BC). This era was marked by political instability, the decline of Assyrian power, the rise of Babylon, and the looming threat of invasion. Spiritually, Judah had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, embracing idolatry and syncretism, often adopting the practices of surrounding Canaanite cultures. Socially, this spiritual apostasy manifested in widespread corruption, injustice, and a breakdown of trust within the community. The "neighbor" in this context refers to fellow Israelites, implying a betrayal of the communal bonds established by the Mosaic Law, which emphasized truthfulness and justice (e.g., [Exodus 20:16](/exodus/20-16 "The Ninth Commandment: Do Not Bear False Witness")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah. It underscores the theme of **Pervasive Sin and Corruption**, showing that sin was not isolated but deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, affecting every individual interaction. It highlights the **Rejection of Truth and Covenant Faithfulness**, as the people actively chose falsehood over the truth demanded by their covenant God, who is himself the God of truth ([Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "God is a God of Truth and Justice")). The phrase "taught their tongue to speak lies" emphasizes the theme of **Intentional and Cultivated Wickedness**, indicating that sin was not merely accidental but a deliberate, practiced skill. Finally, "weary themselves to commit iniquity" speaks to the **Energetic Pursuit of Evil**, revealing a profound dedication to unrighteousness that tragically contrasts with the energy due to God, foreshadowing the inevitable **Divine Judgment** that would fall upon Judah for their unrepentant rebellion, as detailed throughout [Jeremiah's prophecies](/jeremiah/25 "Jeremiah's Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deceive (Hebrew, _hâthal'_):** This primitive root (H2048) means "to deride" or, by implication, "to cheat." It conveys a sense of mockery and trickery, suggesting that the act of deception was not merely a passive withholding of truth but an active, often scornful, manipulation of others. In Jeremiah 9:5, it indicates a pervasive culture where individuals actively sought to outwit and betray their "neighbor" (H7453, _rêaʻ_), eroding the very foundation of communal trust.
* **Taught (Hebrew, _lâmad'_):** This root (H3925) properly means "to goad" or "to teach," implying a process of instruction, training, or becoming accustomed to something. The use of "taught" here is significant; it indicates that lying was not an accidental or occasional failing but a deliberate, learned behavior. The people had actively disciplined their tongues, honing their ability to fabricate falsehoods, signifying a profound and intentional moral perversion.
* **Weary (Hebrew, _lâʼâh'_):** Meaning "to tire" or "to be disgusted" (H3811), this word describes a state of exhaustion or fatigue. When applied to "commit iniquity," it paints a striking picture: the people expend immense effort and energy in their pursuit of wrongdoing. This is not passive sin, but an active, laborious, and even exhausting dedication to perpetrating evil, revealing a deep-seated commitment to unrighteousness that consumes their vitality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they will deceive every one his neighbour":** This opening clause immediately establishes the pervasive nature of deceit. "Every one" (H376, _ʼîysh_) emphasizes the universality of this practice, indicating that dishonesty was not limited to a few corrupt individuals but was characteristic of the entire society. The target, "his neighbour" (H7453, _rêaʻ_), underscores the breakdown of trust within the community, where those who should be allies and confidantes are instead objects of manipulation.
* **"and will not speak the truth":** This phrase clarifies the nature of the deceit—it is an active refusal to engage with or utter what is true (H571, _ʼemeth_). It's not just a failure to be honest, but a deliberate choice to withhold or distort reality. This highlights a fundamental departure from God's character, who is the embodiment of truth, and a rejection of the covenantal demands for integrity.
* **"they have taught their tongue to speak lies":** This is a powerful and chilling indictment. The "tongue" (H3956, _lâshôwn_) is the instrument of speech, and the verb "taught" (H3925, _lâmad_) implies intentional training and mastery. This suggests that lying was not merely a habit but a cultivated skill, a deliberate discipline. The "lies" (H8267, _sheqer_) are untruths, shams, and falsehoods, indicating that their speech was systematically divorced from reality and designed to mislead.
* **"[and] weary themselves to commit iniquity":** This final clause reveals the intensity and dedication with which the people pursued wrongdoing. To "weary themselves" (H3811, _lâʼâh_) implies expending significant effort and energy. "To commit iniquity" (H5753, _ʻâvâh_) means to act perversely or wickedly. The combination paints a picture of people who are not just passively sinning but are actively, even strenuously, toiling in the service of evil, demonstrating a profound and exhausting commitment to unrighteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 9:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping statement "every one his neighbour," emphasizing the widespread and universal nature of the corruption; though perhaps not literally every single person, it conveys the overwhelming societal trend. The phrase "taught their tongue to speak lies" uses **Personification** by attributing the act of learning and teaching to the tongue, highlighting the intentional and disciplined nature of their deceit. This also functions as a **Metaphor** for the ingrained habit and mastery of falsehood. Furthermore, there is a stark **Irony** in the idea of "wearying themselves to commit iniquity." Instead of expending energy for good, for God, or for productive labor, they exhaust themselves in destructive, self-defeating wickedness, underscoring the tragic misdirection of their human will and effort.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 9:5 stands as a stark theological commentary on the nature of sin and humanity's propensity for rebellion against a holy God. It reveals that sin is not merely a passive failing but can be an active, cultivated, and even laborious pursuit, fundamentally distorting human relationships and rejecting divine truth. The verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, contrasting sharply with humanity's fallen state. It highlights the destructive power of deceit, which erodes trust, corrupts society, and ultimately separates individuals from God, who is the source of all truth and integrity. The prophet's lament reflects God's own sorrow over His people's persistent unfaithfulness and their preference for falsehood over the life-giving truth of His covenant.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are trustworthy.")
* [Psalm 5:6](/psalm/5-6 "God destroys those who speak lies.")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 9:5 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination and societal critique in any age. It challenges us to consider the subtle and overt ways in which deceit can permeate our lives and communities. Are we, like ancient Judah, "teaching our tongues to speak lies" through gossip, exaggeration, half-truths, or outright falsehoods in our personal and professional interactions? The concept of "wearying themselves to commit iniquity" is particularly convicting, prompting us to reflect on where we expend our energy. Do we exhaust ourselves in pursuits that are ultimately self-serving, destructive, or contrary to God's will, or are we actively and joyfully pursuing righteousness and truth? This verse calls believers to a radical commitment to integrity, to be people whose words are reliable and whose actions reflect the character of God. It reminds us that cultivating truthfulness and actively pursuing righteousness are not passive endeavors but require intentional effort and a deliberate turning away from the insidious allure of deceit and sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "teaching my tongue to speak lies," perhaps subtly or habitually?**
* **Where am I expending significant energy and effort? Is it in alignment with God's will, or am I "wearying myself to commit iniquity" in some form?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a greater commitment to truth and integrity in my daily interactions, reflecting God's character?**
* **What is the impact of widespread deceit on my community or society, and how can I be an agent of truth and trust?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that they "taught their tongue to speak lies"?**

Answer: This phrase, "they have taught their tongue to speak lies," signifies that dishonesty was not an accidental or occasional slip but a deliberate, cultivated, and practiced skill. It implies that the people had actively trained themselves in the art of deception, becoming proficient in fabricating falsehoods. This suggests a deep-seated moral corruption where lying was not merely a habit but a chosen discipline, reflecting a profound intentionality in their sin. It stands in stark contrast to the divine expectation for truthfulness and integrity, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16-19 "Things the Lord Hates, including a lying tongue").

**How does "weary themselves to commit iniquity" illustrate the nature of their sin?**

Answer: The phrase "weary themselves to commit iniquity" powerfully illustrates the intensity and dedication with which the people pursued wrongdoing. It suggests that sin was not a passive or effortless act but required significant exertion, effort, and energy. Instead of directing their strength towards righteous endeavors or serving God, they expended their vitality in perpetrating evil. This reveals a profound and active commitment to unrighteousness, demonstrating that their hearts were fully engaged in rebellion, even to the point of exhaustion, rather than seeking the path of life and truth found in God's ways, as described in [Psalm 1:1-2](/psalm/1-1-2 "The Blessed Man who Delights in God's Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 9:5, with its grim portrayal of humanity's deep-seated deceit and laborious commitment to sin, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The pervasive lies and the active pursuit of iniquity described here underscore humanity's desperate need for a Savior who embodies truth and can break the power of sin. Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), standing in stark contrast to the falsehood that permeated Judah. While humanity "taught their tongue to speak lies," Christ's words were always pure truth, and He never "committed sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "Christ's Sinless Example")). The "weariness" of committing iniquity points to the futility and burden of a life lived apart from God; Christ, however, invites those who are "weary and burdened" to come to Him for rest ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of our iniquity, offering redemption from the very sins Jeremiah lamented. His resurrection empowers believers to "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor" ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Put Off Falsehood and Speak Truthfully")), enabling a new life where energy is directed not towards sin, but towards righteousness and the glory of God, fulfilling the longing for truth and integrity that the human heart, corrupted by sin, could never achieve on its own.

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 6:12

For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue [is] deceitful in their mouth.

Isaiah 57:10

Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; [yet] saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved.

Job 15:5

For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.

Habakkuk 2:13

Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

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.

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.