Jeremiah 9:8 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Speech has become a lethal weapon; people hide violent intent beneath peaceful words.
The Context of Jeremiah 9:8
An image of how deception manifests in daily social interaction.
What Does Jeremiah 9:8 Mean?
The arrow shot out leaves the archer's hand and cannot be recalled—so with their deceptive words. Once spoken, lies spread and wound irreversibly. The contrast between mouth and heart captures the essence of hypocrisy: outward peace and neighborly greeting while internally plotting harm.
This verse shows how deceit corrodes relationships at the deepest level. The person greeted peaceably cannot trust what they hear because the speaker's actual intention—'laid in wait' in the heart—is hostile. Truth is the only foundation for genuine peace.
Jeremiah 9:8 in the Original Language
arrow shot out (חִצִּים, chitstsim) — swift, irrevocable once released; metaphor for words that wound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 9:8
What does Jeremiah 9:8 mean?
Speech has become a lethal weapon; people hide violent intent beneath peaceful words.
What is the context of Jeremiah 9:8?
An image of how deception manifests in daily social interaction.