What is the meaning of Jeremiah 5:26?

For among My people are wicked men

“ ‘For among My people are wicked men…’ ” (Jeremiah 5:26a)

• God speaks of “My people,” emphasizing covenant relationship; yet sin exists inside the community, not merely outside (see 1 Peter 4:17; Acts 20:29–30).

• The word “wicked” points to moral corruption that is deliberate, echoing Genesis 6:5 where “every inclination” was evil.

• This is not a fringe problem; it’s embedded, similar to Jesus’ parable of tares among wheat (Matthew 13:24-30).

• The warning underscores personal responsibility: if evil resides “among” God’s people, every believer must stay watchful (1 Corinthians 10:12).

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They watch like fowlers lying in wait

“ …they watch like fowlers lying in wait… ” (Jeremiah 5:26b)

• “Fowlers” were bird-catchers who studied prey patiently; the image portrays calculated deception, not impulsive wrongdoing (Psalm 10:8-9).

• Such vigilance resembles false prophets who “secretly introduce destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1), observing vulnerabilities before striking.

• In practical terms:

– They study believers’ habits and weaknesses.

– They blend in until the moment of advantage.

– Their goal is exploitation, not edification (Ezekiel 22:27).

• God exposes their hidden plots, reassuring the faithful that nothing escapes His notice (Hebrews 4:13).

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They set a trap to catch men

“ …they set a trap to catch men.” (Jeremiah 5:26c)

• The trap targets “men,” illustrating that people—not birds—are the prey; souls are at stake (Luke 17:1-2).

• Tools of entrapment can include:

– False doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9).

– Exploitation of trust for financial gain (Micah 3:11; 1 Timothy 6:5).

– Immoral influence that normalizes sin (Jude 4).

• The verse foreshadows Christ’s warning: “Beware of the scribes” who “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:38-40).

• God later vows judgment: “I will bring disaster on this people” (Jeremiah 6:19), affirming that traps set for others will ultimately ensnare the wicked themselves (Proverbs 26:27).

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summary

Jeremiah 5:26 exposes an unsettling truth: evil can take root within God’s own community. The verse paints a three-fold picture—wicked men dwelling among the righteous, watching with predatory patience, and laying traps to capture unsuspecting souls. Cross-scriptural echoes confirm that such deception remains an ongoing threat, yet God’s revelation arms believers with awareness. By recognizing hidden sin, guarding doctrine, and relying on the Lord’s oversight, the faithful avoid the snares and stand firm in purity and truth.