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.
Their tongues are like arrows that have been shot out; they speak lies and deception. A person speaks kindly to their neighbor with their mouth, but in their heart they are planning to harm them.
The writer is describing people who use their words as weapons, speaking kindly on the surface while secretly plotting harm against others.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of the prophet Jeremiah, the nation of Judah was facing moral and spiritual corruption, with people engaging in deceit and hypocrisy amid widespread idolatry and injustice. This verse highlights the deceptive speech that was prevalent, where individuals would outwardly speak peaceably but inwardly plot harm, reflecting the broader societal breakdown that led to God's impending judgment through the Babylonian invasion. Such behaviors were a key indicator of the people's unfaithfulness to God's covenant.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.