Jeremiah 5:12 Meaning and Explanation
“They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people deny God's power and reality, claiming that judgment will not come upon them.
The Context of Jeremiah 5:12
The people deny God's existence and power, falsely claiming that judgment will not reach them.
What Does Jeremiah 5:12 Mean?
The people 'belie the LORD'—they contradict and deny Him. The phrase 'It is not he' suggests they reject God's existence or His ability to act. They may acknowledge the name 'LORD' in words, as earlier verses showed, but in their hearts they deny His reality and authority. Coupled with this denial is a false claim of security: neither sword nor famine will touch them. This represents a deliberate, willful disbelief in God's judgment.
This denial is not honest doubt but willful self-deception. They have rejected the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah. The false confidence stems from their rejection of God's reality: if there is no God who judges, then there is no judgment to fear. This verse shows how idolatry and covenant breaking lead to comprehensive spiritual blindness. They have talked themselves out of accountability and believe their own false assurances.
Jeremiah 5:12 in the Original Language
kazab (כָּזַב), 'belied' — to speak falsely, to treat as false, to deceive; stronger than mere doubt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 5:12
What does Jeremiah 5:12 mean?
The people deny God's power and reality, claiming that judgment will not come upon them.
What is the context of Jeremiah 5:12?
The people deny God's existence and power, falsely claiming that judgment will not reach them.