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.
Jeremiah 9:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from Jeremiah 9:3 condemns those who speak falsehoods and lies, comparing their deceitful words to arrows shot from a bow. The verse highlights the lack of integrity and honesty among individuals who engage in deceit, stating that they are not committed to upholding the truth. The individuals described in this verse are characterized by their continuous progression from one evil deed to another, leading them further away from knowing and understanding the ways of the Lord. The verse serves as a warning against the consequences of living a life filled with falsehood and deception, emphasizing the importance of being valiant for the truth and staying committed to righteousness.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is condemning those who use deceit and lies as their weapons. The imagery of bending their tongues like a bow for lies is powerful, illustrating how effortlessly they use falsehoods to achieve their malicious intentions. However, despite their skill in deception, they lack courage when it comes to standing up for the truth. They may excel in their ability to manipulate others, but they are not willing to champion honesty and righteousness. The verse highlights the progression of evil in their hearts, as they continue to move from one evil act to another without remorse. Ultimately, their refusal to acknowledge the presence and authority of the Lord leads them further away from the path of righteousness. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of deceit and the importance of embracing truth and righteousness in our lives.
Jeremiah 9:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they bend their tongue, [as it were] their bow, for falsehood; and they are grown strong in the land, but not for truth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith Jehovah.
World English Bible
They bend their tongue, as their bow, for falsehood; and they are grown strong in the land, but not for truth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they don’t know me, says Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
And they have bent their tongue, as a bow, for lies, and not for truth: they have strengthened themselves upon the earth, for they have proceeded from evil to evil, and me they have not known, saith the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they bende their tongues like their bowes for lyes: but they haue no courage for the trueth vpon the earth: for they proceede from euill to worse, and they haue not knowen mee, sayth the Lord.