Definition: For among my people are found wicked [men]: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 5:26. It's a pretty serious warning about the state of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jeremiah is saying that within the Jewish people, there are people who are deliberately plotting to harm and deceive others . They’re setting traps – actively seeking ways to hurt or trick people – and they're ready to catch people. It’s a clear warning about potential danger and wickedness. Let’s unpack it: “For among my people…” : This tells us the verse is coming from a specific place in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Jeremiah. It means this isn't just a general observation; it’s happening within the Jewish community. “…are found wicked men…” : This is a straightforward statement – there are people who are morally wrong and potentially dangerous. “Wicked” here doesn't mean they’re inherently evil, but rather acting in ways that harm others or are dishonest. “They lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.” : This is the key part. It compares their actions to setting traps – actively and deliberately. "Lay wait..." - They’re observing and anticipating what will happen. "...as he that setteth snares..." : This is a powerful metaphor. It's like a hunter preparing his traps. He’s watching, setting up the situation, and waiting for someone to fall into it. "They set a trap, they catch men." : They are actively seeking ways to harm or deceive others - creating situations where people can be hurt or misled. Overall Meaning & Context: Jeremiah is warning about a growing problem within the Jewish community – a tendency towards deceit and malice. It's suggesting that these people aren’t simply making mistakes; they are deliberately working to cause harm. This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming destruction of Israel. Important Note: This verse isn’t about individual sins, but rather a systemic problem – a tendency towards wickedness and deception within the community. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this could have been interpreted historically? Discuss the significance of Jeremiah 5:26 in relation to other biblical stories?