Jeremiah 9:4-6
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The verse powerfully uses the name "Jacob" – "every brother will utterly supplant" – to highlight how even the deepest family ties have become untrustworthy. This isn't just about general deceit; it's a direct, cutting allusion to Jacob's own trickery, showing that the people have not only forgotten God but have also betrayed the very foundations of familial loyalty.
Let everyone beware of his neighbor, and put no trust in any brother, for every brother is a deceiver, and every neighbor goes about as a slanderer. Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth; they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves committing iniquity. Heaping oppression upon oppression, and deceit upon deceit, they refuse to know me, declares the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is painting a grim picture of a society utterly broken by sin, where even the most fundamental human relationships are poisoned by deceit. He's calling for extreme caution, warning his listeners that no one, not even a close friend or family member, can be trusted because everyone is actively engaged in deception and spreading lies. This breakdown of trust is a direct consequence of their deep-seated wickedness, making it impossible for them to truly know or follow God.
Ever felt like you've been tricked or deceived by someone close? Jeremiah uses a striking, ancient reference to describe this betrayal.
Jeremiah declares that 'every brother will utterly supplant.' This powerful phrase alludes to the story of Jacob, who famously deceived his brother Esau to steal his birthright and blessing.
In a world where even neighbors can't be trusted, what does 'walking with slanders' really mean for community and truth?
Jeremiah doesn't just warn about being tricked; he also highlights the destructive power of gossip and slander.
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Understand the original words
aqob · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A person who intentionally misleads or acts dishonestly to gain an advantage or harm others, violating the command to love one's neighbor.
rakhil · Hebrew Noun
One who spreads false or malicious reports about others, undermining social unity and violating the biblical mandate to protect the reputation of one's neighbor.
avon · Hebrew Noun
General wickedness or moral perversity; it signifies a state of being "off the path" and is fundamentally rebellion against God's law and righteous standards.
ʿōšeq · Hebrew Noun
The act of crushing, exploiting, or treating others unjustly, often involving the misuse of power. Biblically, it is condemned by God, who identifies as the protector of the oppressed.
mirmâ · Hebrew Noun
The act of misleading, tricking, or speaking falsehoods to achieve an advantage. It is antithetical to God’s nature, who is Truth.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God, revealed to Moses, emphasizing His faithfulness and eternal existence.
Jeremiah's stark warning reflects a society where even the deepest relationships are fractured by deceit and betrayal, a condition exacerbated by years of spiritual decline, failed reforms, and the looming threat of exile.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Neo-Assyrian Empire, leading to the deportation of many Israelites and the resettlement of foreigners in their land.
c. 609 BC
Josiah's Reforms
King Josiah implements widespread religious reforms in Judah, attempting to purge idolatry and centralize worship in Jerusalem, but these reforms were not fully embraced by all.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports a group of Judean nobles and skilled workers, including the prophet Daniel, marking the beginning of Judah's exile.
c. 597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another wave of exiles, including the prophet Ezekiel, are taken to Babylon following a rebellion by King Jehoiachin.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians, under Nebuchadnezzar, destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, with most of the remaining population exiled.
Late 7th Century BC— this verse
Jeremiah's Ministry in Jerusalem
Jeremiah delivers his prophetic warnings of impending judgment to Judah and Jerusalem amidst political turmoil, foreign invasion threats, and internal corruption.
This passage echoes Jeremiah's sentiment, painting a picture of societal breakdown where even close family relationships are untrustworthy, with a man's enemies being those of his own household.
Genesis 27:36The verse alludes to Jacob's name, meaning 'supplanter,' highlighting the deep deception and betrayal within relationships that Jeremiah is describing.
Matthew 10:36Jesus quotes Micah (and by extension, Jeremiah's theme) when sending out his disciples, warning them that they will face opposition and betrayal even from their own families, showing this isn't just an ancient problem.
Proverbs 14:20This proverb contrasts the favor of a king with the widespread mistrust among neighbors, emphasizing how societal corruption leads to suspicion and a lack of genuine connection, similar to Jeremiah's observation.
barnesJeremiah 9:4: "Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders."
In a state of such utter lawlessness, the bonds of mutual confidence are relaxed, and suspicion takes its place. Utterly supplant - An allusion to the name of Jacob Genesis 27:36. It might be rendered, "every brother is a thorough Jacob." Will walk with slanders - Or, slandereth.
cambridgeJeremiah 9:4: "Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders."
4 . Cp. Micah 7:5 f. “The mutual distrust, which had already in the time of Hezekiah broken up families and divided the nearest friends, and made a man’s worst enemies those of his own household, had now reached the highest degree of intensity” (Stanley, J. Ch . II. 437). will utterly supplant ] The Hebrew verb emphasizes…
The verse powerfully uses the name "Jacob" – "every brother will utterly supplant" – to highlight how even the deepest family ties have become untrustworthy. This isn't just about general deceit; it's a direct, cutting allusion to Jacob's own trickery, showing that the people have not only forgotten God but have also betrayed the very foundations of familial loyalty.
Jeremiah is painting a grim picture of a society utterly broken by sin, where even the most fundamental human relationships are poisoned by deceit. He's calling for extreme caution, warning his listeners that no one, not even a close friend or family member, can be trusted because everyone is actively engaged in deception and spreading lies. This breakdown of trust is a direct consequence of their deep-seated wickedness, making it impossible for them to truly know or follow God.
Jeremiah is painting a grim picture of a society utterly broken by sin, where even the most fundamental human relationships are poisoned by deceit. He's calling for extreme caution, warning his listeners that no one, not even a close friend or family member, can be trusted because everyone is actively engaged in deception and spreading lies. This breakdown of trust is a direct consequence of their deep-seated wickedness, making it impossible for them to truly know or follow God.
"Let everyone beware of his neighbor, and put no trust in any brother, for every brother is a deceiver, and every neighbor goes about as a slanderer. Everyone deceives his neighbor, and no one speaks the truth;…" — The verse powerfully uses the name "Jacob" – "every brother will utterly supplant" – to highlight how even the deepest family ties have become untrustworthy. This isn't just about general deceit; it'…
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Last reviewed October 2026
