Old Testament
Jeremiah 9:5
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 9:5, the prophet highlights a troubling reality among the people of Judah.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
They all deceive each other and refuse to speak the truth. They've trained their tongues to lie, and they exhaust themselves doing wrong.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 9:5, the prophet highlights a troubling reality among the people of Judah. They are characterized by deceit, as they consistently lie to one another instead of being truthful. This behavior is not accidental; they have deliberately trained themselves to speak falsehoods. Their commitment to dishonesty has become so ingrained that it exhausts them, indicating a deep moral and spiritual decline. The verse reflects a society where trust is broken, and relationships are marred by lies. This situation serves as a warning about the consequences of abandoning truth and integrity, leading to a cycle of wrongdoing that ultimately harms both individuals and the community as a whole.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 9:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own communication. Are we honest in our interactions, or do we sometimes resort to lies? Building a culture of truthfulness in our relationships can foster trust and integrity, leading to healthier communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 9:5 mean?
Jeremiah 9:5 describes the deceitful nature of the people of Judah, who lie to each other and have become so accustomed to dishonesty that it exhausts them. This verse highlights the moral decline and broken trust within their community.
What is the meaning of deceit in Jeremiah 9:5?
In Jeremiah 9:5, deceit refers to the intentional lies that people tell one another, indicating a lack of integrity and truthfulness in their relationships. It shows how deeply ingrained dishonesty has become in their society.
How does Jeremiah 9:5 relate to trust in relationships?
Jeremiah 9:5 illustrates how deceit erodes trust within relationships, as people lie to one another instead of being honest. This breakdown of trust can lead to a cycle of wrongdoing and further moral decline.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 9:5?
Key themes in Jeremiah 9:5 include deceit, the importance of truth, moral decline, and the impact of dishonesty on community trust. The verse highlights the spiritual exhaustion that comes from a life of lies.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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