Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah isn't just saying their words are like arrows; the original Hebrew suggests they are "murderous" or "slaying" arrows, emphasizing that their deceitful talk isn't just a minor sin but a weapon designed to inflict deep harm, destroying trust and relationships from the inside out.
Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jeremiah is lamenting the pervasive sin and impending judgment upon his people, so much so that he wishes he could weep endlessly. In this immediate context, he's describing the deeply ingrained deceit and treachery within the community itself, where neighbors can no longer trust each other even in their greetings. This verse serves as a stark example of the falsehood that has permeated their society, setting the stage for God's judgment described in the following verses.
Have you ever been hurt by words, not just in the moment, but leaving a deep wound? Jeremiah uses a powerful image to describe the destructive power of speech.
Jeremiah compares the tongue to a 'murderous arrow.' This isn't just any arrow; it's sharp, deadly, and shot with intent.
The Swiftness and Force of Deceit
An arrow flies quickly and hits with force. So too, deceitful words can be spoken suddenly, catching us off guard and inflicting deep pain. The original language suggests an arrow that is not just shot, but perhaps drawn from a quiver, ready for use.
The Intent to Harm
This isn't accidental. The imagery emphasizes a deliberate intent to wound, to 'slay' the reputation or peace of another. It’s a weapon wielded by those who have turned their hearts away from truth and kindness.
We often say 'peace be with you,' but what if those very words are a cover for something sinister? Jeremiah exposes a dangerous hypocrisy.
The verse highlights a stark contrast between outward speech and inward intent. People say kind, peaceful words to their neighbors, professing friendship and good intentions.
The Facade of Peace
This outward declaration of peace is a deliberate deception. It's a way to lull the other person into a false sense of security, making them vulnerable.
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The Hidden Plan
Beneath the surface of friendly words lies a heart plotting harm. The phrase 'plans an ambush' speaks of a hidden snare, a secret trap designed to ensnare the unsuspecting neighbor. This is not genuine peace, but a calculated strategy for destruction.
Understand the original words
lāšôn · Hebrew Noun
The organ of speech and deception; biblically, it is often viewed as an instrument that reveals the condition of the human heart, capable of producing life-giving words or deathly harm.
šālôm · Hebrew Noun
A Hebrew greeting and state of well-being, wholeness, prosperity, and harmony with God and others; it signifies a state of reconciliation.
lēb · Hebrew Noun
The inner seat of human thought, will, intention, and emotion; it is where decisions are made and is known perfectly by God.
Jeremiah's warning in this verse about deceitful words and hidden treachery resonates deeply within the context of Jerusalem's impending doom and the corrupt nature of its leaders, who offered false assurances while plotting destruction.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Hegemony
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, marking a period of intense foreign domination and political instability in the region. This sets a precedent for future exiles and the loss of national sovereignty.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting key citizens, including members of the royal family and educated elite, from Judah to Babylon. This is the first wave of exile, symbolizing the encroaching power of Babylon.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Following a rebellion, Nebuchadnezzar deports more Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin, to Babylon. This further weakens the kingdom and intensifies the sense of impending doom.
587-586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population to Babylon. This catastrophic event marks the end of the Davidic monarchy and the ultimate fulfillment of Judah's punishment.
c. 586 BC
Jeremiah's Ministry During the Fall
Jeremiah, having remained in Jerusalem during the siege, witnesses the destruction and continues to prophesy to the exiles. His writings reflect the deep sorrow, judgment, and lingering hope in the aftermath of the fall.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, leading to a shift in geopolitical power and eventually allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
This psalm directly echoes Jeremiah's imagery of deceptive speech, describing words that are 'smoother than butter' but have 'war in their heart,' highlighting the ancient and recurring nature of this spiritual deceit.
Proverbs 26:24-26This passage warns against the specific danger of feigned affection, where 'a man who hates him with his whole heart' uses 'flattering words' to conceal his malicious intent, much like the deceit described in Jeremiah.
Matthew 23:27-28Jesus uses a powerful metaphor of 'whitewashed tombs' to describe the Pharisees, whose outward piety hid inward corruption and deceit, mirroring Jeremiah's critique of those who speak peace but plan evil.
Romans 16:18Paul cautions believers about those who 'by smooth talk and flattery deceive the hearts of the naive,' underscoring the real spiritual danger posed by deceptive tongues even within the Christian community.
pulpitJeremiah 9:8: "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."
Verse 8. - (Comp. Psalm 55:21.) As an arrow shot out; rather, as a sharpened arrow; but this is based on the marginal reading, and is itself a slightly forced rendering. The Hebrew text (i.e. the consonants), and also the Septuagint and Vulgate, have "as a murderous arrow."
barnesJeremiah 9:8: "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."
An arrow shot out - Rather, "a murderous arrow." In heart he layeth his wait - Rather, "inwardly he layeth his ambush."
Jeremiah isn't just saying their words are like arrows; the original Hebrew suggests they are "murderous" or "slaying" arrows, emphasizing that their deceitful talk isn't just a minor sin but a weapon designed to inflict deep harm, destroying trust and relationships from the inside out.
Jeremiah is lamenting the pervasive sin and impending judgment upon his people, so much so that he wishes he could weep endlessly. In this immediate context, he's describing the deeply ingrained deceit and treachery within the community itself, where neighbors can no longer trust each other even in their greetings. This verse serves as a stark example of the falsehood that has permeated their society, setting the stage for God's judgment described in the following verses.
Jeremiah is lamenting the pervasive sin and impending judgment upon his people, so much so that he wishes he could weep endlessly. In this immediate context, he's describing the deeply ingrained deceit and treachery within the community itself, where neighbors can no longer trust each other even in their greetings. This verse serves as a stark example of the falsehood that has permeated their society, setting the stage for God's judgment described in the following verses.
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully; with his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he plans an ambush for him." — Jeremiah isn't just saying their words are like arrows; the original Hebrew suggests they are "murderous" or "slaying" arrows, emphasizing that their deceitful talk isn't just a minor sin but a weapo…
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Last reviewed October 2026