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 9:3KJV
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Jeremiah 9:3 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 9:3 mean?

Jeremiah 9:3 says that the people are using their words as weapons to spread lies, and they do not stand up for what is true. Instead, they keep doing more and more wrong, and they do not truly know God, even though the LORD is speaking directly about them.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking God’s message to the people of Judah. The situation is one of deep moral decline: people are dishonest and move from one bad action to another. The verse paints a picture of a society where truth is neglected, and people are separated from God because of their choices.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 9:3

  • "bend" (דָּרַךְ, darak): This word is often used for stringing a bow, but here it describes how people prepare their tongues to shoot out lies, showing that their speech is intentionally harmful.
  • "valiant" (גָּבַר, gavar): This word means to be strong or courageous. The verse says people are not "valiant for the truth," highlighting that standing up for honesty takes real courage, which is missing in this context.
  • "truth" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word carries the sense of faithfulness or reliability, not just factual accuracy. The people are failing to be trustworthy or faithful in their dealings.
  • "know" (יָדַע, yada): To "know" God here means more than just being aware of Him; it suggests a close, personal relationship. The verse points out that the people do not have this genuine connection with God.

Why Jeremiah 9:3 matters

  • Jeremiah 9:3 clarifies that the problem is not just lying, but a deliberate, ongoing rejection of truth and faithfulness, which separates people from God.
  • The verse emphasizes that knowing God is not just about religious rituals or beliefs, but about living truthfully and faithfully.
  • In the wider context, this verse helps explain why judgment is coming on Judah: the breakdown of honesty and relationship with God has reached a crisis point.

Where else these words appear

“valiant” Hebrew H1396 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
  • 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
  • Psalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

“truth” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.

“bend” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Isaiah 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.

“bow” Hebrew H7198 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 9:13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
  • Isaiah 41:2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made him rule over kings? he gave them as the dust to his sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.