Jeremiah 9:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their tongue {H3956} is as an arrow {H2671} shot out {H7819}; it speaketh {H1696} deceit {H4820}: one speaketh {H1696} peaceably {H7965} to his neighbour {H7453} with his mouth {H6310}, but in heart {H7130} he layeth {H7760} his wait {H696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their tongues are sharpened arrows; with their mouths they speak deceit - they say nice words to their neighbors, while inwardly plotting against them.

Berean Standard Bible

Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.

American Standard Version

Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaketh deceit: one speaketh peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart he layeth wait for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 9:8 profoundly exposes the moral decay and pervasive hypocrisy within ancient Judah, vividly portraying how deceitful words, like a hidden weapon, were used to betray neighbors, masking malicious intent with a façade of peace. This verse highlights the deep spiritual sickness of a people whose outward expressions contradicted their inner corruption, contributing significantly to the nation's impending judgment and downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 9:8 is embedded within a broader lament (Jeremiah 9:1-11) where the prophet expresses profound sorrow and anguish over the spiritual and moral corruption of his people. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah mourns the pervasive treachery and lack of truth in the land, declaring that "they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men" in [Jeremiah 9:2](/jeremiah/9-2 "Jeremiah 9:2 - A Den of Treachery"). The verses following continue to describe the deceitful nature of Judah, emphasizing that "every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will walk with slanders" as stated in [Jeremiah 9:4](/jeremiah/9-4 "Jeremiah 9:4 - No Trust Among Neighbors"). This particular verse serves as a chilling illustration of the specific manner in which this treachery manifested: through insidious, two-faced communication that destroyed trust and fostered a climate of suspicion. It underscores the depth of the nation's sin, which extended beyond outward acts to the very core of their interpersonal relationships and inner intentions, paving the way for divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry spanned a tumultuous period in Judah's history, from the late 7th to the early 6th century BCE, leading up to the Babylonian exile. During this time, Judah was caught between competing world powers (Egypt and Babylon), and its internal religious and social fabric was severely compromised. Despite outward adherence to religious rituals, the people had largely abandoned the covenant with Yahweh, engaging in widespread idolatry, social injustice, and moral depravity. The cultural norm of hospitality and neighborly trust, which was foundational to ancient Near Eastern societies, was severely violated. Jeremiah 9:8 specifically targets this breach of trust, depicting a society where the very bonds of community were poisoned by deceit. The prophet's message was a stark warning that such moral decay, coupled with their spiritual apostasy, would inevitably lead to divine judgment and the destruction of Jerusalem, as foretold throughout the entire book of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Hope").
* **Key Themes:** The central themes illuminated by Jeremiah 9:8 are **deceit, hypocrisy, and the erosion of trust**. The verse highlights the destructive power of the tongue when wielded as a weapon of falsehood, directly contributing to the nation's spiritual sickness. It underscores the stark contrast between outward appearance and inward reality, a recurring theme in prophetic literature that condemns superficial religiosity and moral pretense. This disjunction between "mouth" and "heart" reveals a profound lack of integrity, which is antithetical to the covenant relationship with God. The pervasive nature of this deceit, as described in [Jeremiah 9](/jeremiah/9 "Jeremiah 9 - Lament Over Judah's Corruption"), led to a complete breakdown of genuine community and made true peace impossible. Ultimately, this moral decline served as a primary justification for God's impending judgment upon Judah, demonstrating that the nation's sin was not merely external but deeply rooted in the heart of its people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** This word refers literally to the anatomical tongue, but here it is used figuratively to represent speech itself, the primary instrument of communication. In this context, it underscores the destructive capacity of words, transforming a tool meant for connection and truth into a weapon of harm, highlighting its active role in perpetrating falsehood.
* **arrow (Hebrew, _chêts'_):** Meaning a piercer or dart, this term vividly portrays the swift, silent, and often unseen nature of the damage inflicted by deceitful words. Like an arrow, a lie or slander can be launched from a distance, hitting its target with precision and causing deep, lasting wounds that undermine trust and relationships.
* **deceit (Hebrew, _mirmâh'_):** This term signifies fraud, guile, or treachery. It is the very essence of the destructive speech described, indicating that the words spoken are intentionally false, designed to mislead, betray, or harm. It points to a deliberate perversion of truth, where communication is used for manipulation rather than honest interaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their tongue [is] as an arrow shot out;":** This striking simile immediately establishes the destructive and weapon-like nature of the people's speech. The tongue, typically an instrument of communication and connection, is here likened to a projectile weapon, suggesting that words are launched with malicious intent to wound, swiftly and often unexpectedly, without direct confrontation.
* **"it speaketh deceit:":** This clause clarifies the specific payload of the "arrow." The words spoken are not merely idle chatter but are imbued with falsehood, treachery, and guile. This highlights the intentional perversion of truth, where communication is used not to convey reality or build up, but to manipulate, betray, and tear down.
* **"[one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth,":** This phrase describes the outward façade. Individuals present themselves as friendly and benevolent, using their mouths to utter words of "peace" (_shâlôwm_), which implies well-being, harmony, and security. This is a deliberate act of dissimulation, creating an illusion of goodwill and safety for the unsuspecting neighbor.
* **"but in heart he layeth his wait.":** This final clause exposes the profound hypocrisy. Despite the peaceful words, the true intention, residing in the "heart" (the inner core of one's being, thoughts, and will), is one of ambush and betrayal. The phrase "layeth his wait" (or "ambush") signifies a hidden, premeditated plot to harm or ensnare the unsuspecting neighbor, revealing a deep-seated malice that utterly contradicts the outward display of peace.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 9:8 is rich in **Simile** and **Metaphor**, most notably in "Their tongue is as an arrow shot out," where the tongue is directly compared to a weapon, emphasizing its swift, piercing, and destructive power. This is further developed into a **Metaphor** where the tongue *is* a weapon, and its "payload" is **deceit**. The verse masterfully employs **Antithesis** or **Contrast** by juxtaposing the "mouth" (outward expression of peace) with the "heart" (inward intention of malice and ambush). This stark opposition highlights the profound hypocrisy of the people. Furthermore, the phrase "it speaketh deceit" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, attributing the human action of speaking to the tongue, thereby emphasizing its active and deliberate role in perpetrating falsehood. The overall structure also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, contrasting the visible action with the hidden motive, reinforcing the pervasive theme of duplicity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 9:8 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of sin, particularly as it manifests in interpersonal relationships and the corruption of communication. It reveals that sin is not merely external action but originates from the heart, the wellspring of human intent and character. The prophet exposes the insidious nature of hypocrisy, where outward piety or civility masks deep-seated malice and treachery. This disjunction between mouth and heart is a profound affront to God, who desires truth in the inward parts and genuine love among His people. The verse underscores the biblical truth that unchecked deceit and hypocrisy inevitably lead to the breakdown of trust, community, and ultimately, invite divine judgment upon a society that has abandoned integrity. This passage resonates with other biblical warnings about the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of heart integrity.

* [Psalm 52:2](/psalm/52-2 "The Deceitful Tongue")
* [Proverbs 26:24-26](/proverbs/26-24-26 "Deceitful Lips and a Malicious Heart")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "What Defiles a Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 9:8 offers a timeless and piercing challenge to examine the authenticity of our own words and intentions. In a world often characterized by superficiality and strategic communication, this verse calls us to profound introspection, urging us to consider whether our outward expressions of peace and goodwill are genuinely aligned with the true motives of our hearts. It compels us to confront any tendencies toward hypocrisy, where we might present a façade of kindness while harboring resentment, envy, or ill will. The passage reminds us of the immense power of our words – to build up or to tear down, to bring truth or to spread deceit. Therefore, we are called to guard our tongues, recognizing their potential as lethal weapons when wielded carelessly or maliciously. Cultivating discernment is also crucial, enabling us to recognize when others might be speaking peaceably with their mouths but harboring hidden agendas in their hearts. Ultimately, this verse challenges believers to pursue radical integrity, striving for a congruence between their inner character and their outward conduct, reflecting the very nature of God, who is truth and light.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my words and my true intentions be out of alignment?**
* **How does the "arrow" of deceitful speech manifest in modern communication (e.g., gossip, slander, online interactions)?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a heart of integrity that genuinely seeks peace and truth, even when it's difficult?**
* **How can I develop greater discernment to recognize when others might be speaking peaceably but harboring ill intent?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the tongue to be "as an arrow shot out"?**

Answer: This vivid simile means that the words spoken by the tongue are like a weapon, specifically an arrow, which is launched swiftly, often silently, and with the intent to strike and wound. Just as an arrow can inflict severe, sometimes unseen, damage, so too can deceitful words. They are not merely idle chatter but carry a destructive force, capable of piercing relationships, reputations, and trust. The phrase emphasizes the deliberate and harmful nature of the speech, highlighting its capacity for precise and devastating impact, much like a carefully aimed projectile. The subsequent phrase, "it speaketh deceit," clarifies that the "payload" of this arrow is falsehood and treachery, making the words themselves the instrument of harm.

**Why is hypocrisy so strongly condemned in Jeremiah 9:8 and throughout the Bible?**

Answer: Hypocrisy is strongly condemned because it fundamentally undermines truth, trust, and the very nature of God. In Jeremiah 9:8, the contrast between speaking "peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth" and laying "his wait" in "heart" exposes a profound disjunction between outward appearance and inward reality. This is an affront to God, who "desires truth in the inward parts" as stated in [Psalm 51:6](/psalm/51-6 "A Prayer for Cleansing"). Hypocrisy destroys genuine community by eroding trust, making authentic relationships impossible. It is a form of spiritual deception, pretending to be righteous or benevolent while harboring malice or selfish motives. Jesus Himself vehemently condemned the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, calling them "whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" in [Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Ultimately, hypocrisy is a denial of God's character, who is truth and light, and a perversion of true worship and righteous living.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 9:8, with its stark portrayal of deceitful tongues and hypocritical hearts, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse exposes humanity's pervasive sinfulness, particularly the corruption of communication and the duplicity of the heart, Christ stands as the embodiment of perfect truth and integrity. Jesus consistently condemned hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His day, exposing their outward piety as a mask for inner corruption, as seen in His woes against the Pharisees throughout [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). He taught that true defilement comes not from what goes into the mouth, but from what comes out of the heart, for "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander" as recorded in [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "What Defiles a Person"). Jesus is the "way, and the truth, and the life" [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), whose words were always pure and whose heart was never deceitful. His life perfectly modeled the integrity that Jeremiah's generation lacked. Furthermore, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross addresses the very root of the problem: the sinful heart. Through His Spirit, believers are given a new heart and empowered to speak truth in love, to live with integrity, and to pursue genuine peace, reflecting the character of the One who "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "Christ's Example of Suffering"). He is the ultimate judge who will expose all hidden deceit [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed") and the source of true reconciliation and peace, not through outward pretense, but through inner transformation.

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

Psalms 28:3

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.

Proverbs 26:24

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

Proverbs 26:26

[Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

Psalms 120:3

What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

Jeremiah 9:3

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.

Psalms 64:3

Who whet their tongue like a sword, [and] bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows, [even] bitter words:

Psalms 64:4

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.