Jeremias 5:2

2 The Lord lives, they say; do they not therefore swear falsely?

Jeremias 5:2 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 5:2

And though they say, the Lord liveth
It might be said, that there were multitudes that made mention of the name of the Lord, that professed it, and swore by it; which sometimes is put for the worship and service of God, ( Deuteronomy 10:20 ) and therefore it could not be so difficult a matter to find a man of integrity and uprightness among them; this is answered by allowing there were persons that did do so: but then it must be observed, that surely they swear falsely;
they abused the name of God, and were guilty of perjury: or the sense is, they were only nominal professors, hypocritical worshippers; in words professed to know God, but in works denied him; had a form of religion and godliness, but without the power of it.

Jeremias 5:2 In-Context

1 Run ye about in the streets of Jerusalem, and see, and know, and seek in her broad places, if ye can find , if there is any one that does judgment, and seeks faithfulness; and I will pardon them, saith the Lord.

2 The Lord lives, they say; do they not therefore swear falsely?

3 O Lord, thine eyes are upon faithfulness: thou hast scourged them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them; but they would not receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; and they would not return.

4 Then I said, It may be they are poor; for they are weak, for they know not the way of the Lord, or the judgment of God.

5 I will go to the rich men, and will speak to them; for they have known the way of the Lord, and the judgment of God: but, behold, with one consent they have broken the yoke, they have burst the bonds.