Jeremiah 23:10

Jeremiah 23:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused.

King James Version KJV

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

American Standard Version ASV

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. And their course is evil, and their might is not right;

Bible in Basic English BBE

For the land is full of men who are untrue to their wives; because of the curse the land is full of grief; the green fields of the waste land have become dry; and they are quick to do evil, their strength is for what is not right.

Free Bible Version FBV

For the country is full of people committing adultery so it's under a curse. The land mourns and the desert pastures have dried up. The people live evil lives, using their energy to do wrong.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the lande is full of adulterers, and because of othes the lande mourneth, the pleasant places of the wildernesse are dried vp, and their course is euill, and their force is not right.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For of adulterers hath the land been full, For because of these hath the land mourned, Dried up hath been the pleasant places of the wilderness, And their course is evil, and their might — not right.

World English Bible WEB

“For the land is full of adulterers; for because of the curse the land mourns. The pastures of the wilderness have dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Because the land is full of adulterers, because the land hath mourned by reason of cursing, the fields of the desert are dried up: and their course is become evil, and their strength unlike.

Translation for Translators T4T

The land is full of people who commit adultery; and Yahweh has cursed the land. Even the pastures in the desert are all dried up, because the people do what is evil, and the false prophets use their power to do things that are not just/fair.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:10

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 23:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֤י מְנָֽאֲפִים֙ מָלְאָ֣ה הָ/אָ֔רֶץ כִּֽי מִ/פְּנֵ֤י אָלָה֙ אָבְלָ֣ה הָ/אָ֔רֶץ יָבְשׁ֖וּ נְא֣וֹת מִדְבָּ֑ר וַ/תְּהִ֤י מְרֽוּצָתָ/ם֙ רָעָ֔ה וּ/גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם לֹא כֵֽן

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj

מְנָֽאֲפִים֙ nâʼaph H5003 to commit adultery V-Piel

מָלְאָ֣ה mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Qal-Perf-3fs

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

מִ/פְּנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

אָלָה֙ ʼâlâh H423 oath N-fs

אָבְלָ֣ה ʼâbal H56 to mourn V-Qal-Perf-3fs

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

יָבְשׁ֖וּ yâbêsh H3001 to wither V-Qal-Perf-3cp

נְא֣וֹת nâʼâh H4999 habitation N-fp

מִדְבָּ֑ר midbâr H4057 mouth N-ms

וַ/תְּהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

מְרֽוּצָתָ/ם֙ mᵉrûwtsâh H4794 running N-fs | Suff

רָעָ֔ה raʻ H7451 bad Adj

וּ/גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם gᵉbûwrâh H1369 might Conj | N-fs | Suff

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

כֵֽן kên H3651 right Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:10

כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

מְנָֽאֲפִים֙ nâʼaph H5003 "to commit adultery" V-Piel

This word means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, like in the story of David and Bathsheba. It can also mean to worship idols, which is a form of spiritual adultery. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.

Definition: 1) to commit adultery 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to commit adultery 1a1a) usually of man 1a1a1) always with wife of another 1a1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1a2) idolatrous worship (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to commit adultery 1b1a) of man 1b1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1b2) idolatrous worship (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock. See also: Exodus 20:14; Jeremiah 23:10; Psalms 50:18.

מָלְאָ֣ה mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.

Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

מִ/פְּנֵ֤י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

אָלָה֙ ʼâlâh H423 "oath" N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a promise or oath, often with serious consequences. It appears in Genesis 24:8 and Deuteronomy 29:12, describing agreements between God and people.

Definition: 1) oath 2) oath of covenant 3) curse 3a) from God 3b) from men 4) execration

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: curse, cursing, execration, oath, swearing. See also: Genesis 24:41; Job 31:30; Psalms 10:7.

אָבְלָ֣ה ʼâbal H56 "to mourn" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

To mourn or lament, as seen in human and inanimate objects, like gates or land, and used in various forms in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to mourn, lament 1a) (Qal) to mourn, lament 1a1) of humans 1a2) of inanimate objects (fig.) 1a2a) of gates 1a2b) of land 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mourn, cause to mourn (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to mourn 1c2) play the mourner

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn. See also: Genesis 37:34; Isaiah 33:9; Isaiah 3:26.

הָ/אָ֔רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | N-cs

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

יָבְשׁ֖וּ yâbêsh H3001 "to wither" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.

Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.

נְא֣וֹת nâʼâh H4999 "habitation" N-fp

This word refers to a home or pasture, a place where someone or something can rest. It is used to describe a pleasant or peaceful place, like a meadow. The KJV translates it as 'habitation' or 'pasture'.

Definition: 1) pasture, abode, abode of shepherd, habitation, meadow 1a) pasture, meadow 1b) abode

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: habitation, house, pasture, pleasant place. See also: Psalms 23:2; Jeremiah 25:37; Psalms 65:13.

מִדְבָּ֑ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" N-ms

The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.

Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)

Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.

וַ/תְּהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

מְרֽוּצָתָ/ם֙ mᵉrûwtsâh H4794 "running" N-fs | Suff

This word describes the act of running or a course of life, including the manner or progress of it. It can refer to a physical race or a journey through life. The Bible uses it to describe both literal and figurative running.

Definition: 1) running, course (of life) 1a) running, mode or style of running 1b) course (of life)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: course, running. Compare H4835 (מְרֻצָה). See also: 2 Samuel 18:27; Jeremiah 8:6; Jeremiah 23:10.

רָעָ֔ה raʻ H7451 "bad" Adj

Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.

Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions

Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.

וּ/גְבוּרָתָ֖/ם gᵉbûwrâh H1369 "might" Conj | N-fs | Suff

This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.

Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)

Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

כֵֽן kên H3651 "right" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:10
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:10
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:10

Context — Lying Prophets

8Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land.” 9As for the prophets: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble. I have become like a drunkard, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD, because of His holy words.

10For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused.

11“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD. 12“Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Hosea 4:2–3	Cursing and lying, murder and stealing, and adultery are rampant; one act of bloodshed follows another. Therefore the land mourns, and all who dwell in it will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea disappear.
2	Psalms 107:34	and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers.
3	Jeremiah 9:2	If only I had a traveler’s lodge in the wilderness, I would abandon my people and depart from them, for they are all adulterers, a crowd of faithless people.
4	Jeremiah 5:7–8	“Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I satisfied their needs, yet they committed adultery and assembled at the houses of prostitutes. They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing after his neighbor’s wife.
5	Jeremiah 9:10	I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains, a dirge over the wilderness pasture, for they have been scorched so no one passes through, and the lowing of cattle is not heard. Both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled; they have gone away.
6	Malachi 3:5	“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
7	Ezekiel 22:9–11	Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency. In you they have uncovered the nakedness of their fathers; in you they violate women during their menstrual impurity. One man commits an abomination with his neighbor’s wife; another wickedly defiles his daughter-in-law; and yet another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter.
8	Isaiah 24:6	Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.
9	Lamentations 1:2–4	She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies. Judah has gone into exile under affliction and harsh slavery; she dwells among the nations but finds no place to rest. All her pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of her distress. The roads to Zion mourn, because no one comes to her appointed feasts. All her gates are deserted; her priests groan, her maidens grieve, and she herself is bitter with anguish.
10	Jeremiah 12:3–4	But You know me, O LORD; You see me and test my heart toward You. Drag away the wicked like sheep to the slaughter and set them apart for the day of carnage. How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field be withered? Because of the evil of its residents, the animals and birds have been swept away, for the people have said, “He cannot see what our end will be.”

Jeremiah 23:10 Summary

[Jeremiah 23:10 tells us that when people turn away from God and pursue sin, it has serious consequences for the land and its people, as we see in Deuteronomy 28:15-24. The 'curse' mentioned in this verse is a result of disobedience and idolatry, leading to desolation and barrenness, as described in Leviticus 26:32-35. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are using our power and influence for good or for evil, and to turn back to God in repentance, as called for in 1 John 1:9. By doing so, we can bring hope and restoration to ourselves and those around us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the land to be 'full of adulterers' in Jeremiah 23:10?

In this context, 'adulterers' refers to those who have been unfaithful to God, pursuing idolatry and sin, as seen in Jeremiah 3:8-10, and this spiritual adultery has severe consequences for the land and its people, as noted in Deuteronomy 28:15-24.

How does the 'curse' mentioned in Jeremiah 23:10 relate to the land mourning?

The curse is a result of the people's disobedience and idolatry, leading to the land's desolation and barrenness, as described in Leviticus 26:32-35 and Isaiah 24:4-6, which ultimately causes the land to mourn and wither away.

What is meant by 'their course is evil and their power is misused'?

This phrase suggests that the leaders and people of the land have not only turned away from God but are also using their power and influence for evil purposes, rather than for justice and righteousness, as called for in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 29:4.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?

Jeremiah 23:10 fits into the book's larger theme of calling God's people to repentance and warning them of the consequences of their sin, as seen in Jeremiah 7:1-20 and Jeremiah 18:1-10, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I may be 'committing adultery' against God in my own life, and how can I turn back to Him?
How do I think the 'curse' mentioned in this verse might be manifesting in my own community or the world at large, and what can I do to bring hope and restoration?
In what ways am I using my own power and influence, whether great or small, and am I using it for good or for evil?
What does it mean for me to 'mourn' over the sin and desolation in my own life and in the world, and how can I cultivate a heart of repentance and prayer?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:10

For the land is full of adulterers,.... Of such as were guilty of corporeal adultery, and of spiritual adultery, which is idolatry.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:10

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10

Under that term adulterers all species of uncleanness are comprehended. Because of swearing the land mourneth; by false swearing, or by idle and profane swearing, the land is brought to ruin. The word signifies also a curse or cursing. Many good interpreters judge that the more genuine sense and true translation of this text were, for because of the curse (that is, the curse of God) the land is brought to that misery which is coming upon it. The pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up; the pastures of the wilderness, or of the plain, for so the word is rendered, . The wrath of God was extended to all places, whether more or less inhabited. Their course is evil, and their force is not right; the prophets did not only err in single acts, but the whole course of their actions was naught, and particularly their power, rule, and government was not right. If any say, What were the prophets concerned in the people’ s wickedness? Answ. They were profane as well as the people, as we shall find, ; but besides this, the people were thus vile through their connivance; they did not warn the people of their sins, but soothed them up in their wicked courses, and so were the cause of the people’ s wickedness, who had not been so vile but for them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10

Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force [is] not right.Ver. 10. For the land is full of adulterers.] It is even become a great brothel house, as sometimes Cyprus was, and as Rome is now said to be: “ Tota est iam Roma lupanar. ” “ Now Rome is entirely a brothel.” For because of swearing (or cursing) the land mourneth.] Swearers and cursers, then, are public enemies, traitors to the State. The Jews observe that Beershaba signifies, The well of oath; and Beersaba, The well of plenty. Sure we are that for oaths the land mourneth; of which there is such store, as if men, by an easy mistake of the point, used to draw and drop them, as it were, out of the well of plenty. And the pleasant places.] Or, Pastures, or habitations, which, being dried up, seem to mourn, and yet the inhabitants are without all sense of sorrow. And their course is evil.] Naught all over, as we say. And their force is not right.] Not rightly employed; they are not valiant for the truth, but violent for wrong doing.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10

(10) The land is full of adulterers.—The context shows that the words must be taken literally, and not of the spiritual adultery of the worship of other Gods. The false prophets and their followers were personally profligates, like those of 2 Peter 2:14. (Comp. Jeremiah 5:7-8; Jeremiah 29:23.) Because of swearing.—Better, because of the curse—i.e., that which comes from Jehovah on account of the wickedness of the people. The land mourneth.—This, and the “drying up” of the “pleasant places” or “pastures,” refers apparently to the drought described in Jeremiah 12:4; Jeremiah 14:2, or to some similar visitation. Their course.—Literally, their running—i.e., their way or mode of life. Their force is not right.—Literally, their might or their valour: that in which they exulted was might, not right.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10

Verse 10. The land is full of adulterers] Of idolaters. Of persons who break their faith to ME, as an impure wife does to her husband. The pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up] He speaks here, most probably, in reference to dearth. Profane oaths, false swearing, evil courses, violence, c., had provoked God to send this among other judgments see Jeremiah 23:19.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:10

10. Of the two clauses containing the words “the land,” the first is probably a corruption of the second, as accidentally repeated by a copyist, or as a gloss on a blurred text, suggested perhaps by Jeremiah 23:14. It is not found in LXX, while Gi. would further omit “the pastures … dried up.” adulterers] either literally, or in the secondary sense of idolatry. Cp. Jeremiah 3:8 f. swearing] better, with mg. the curse, viz. the drought described in the next clause, if this last be not (so Gi.) an insertion, suggested perhaps by Jeremiah 12:4. The LXX, however, without any change in the Heb. consonants, vocalised the word as these things. course] lit. running.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:10

Because of swearing - Rather, because of the curse denounced against sin Jeremiah 11:3. The mourning probably refers to the drought Jeremiah 12:4. The pleasant places - “Pastures.” Their course - Their mode of life.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:10

10. Adulterers — Taken literally as a specimen-aspect of the prevalent immorality. Because of swearing — Rather, because of the curse. Mourneth — Literally, withereth.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:10

	Sermon	Description
	K-536 Defining the Prophetic Call (1 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. He suggests that this miracle has a deeper meaning, pointing to the futu
	K-537 Defining the Prophetic Call (2 of 2) by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the contrast between a preacher who lives a luxurious lifestyle and one who is deeply involved in the struggles and challenges of the commun
	The Third Commandment by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink emphasizes the gravity of the Third Commandment, which instructs believers not to take the name of the Lord in vain. He explains that this commandment calls for sincere,
	Bible Survey - Lamentations by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Lamentations, emphasizing the consequences of immorality, idolatry, and injustice faced by Jerusalem due to their disobedience to God. The pro
	Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a
	Bible Survey - Jeremiah by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond delivers a powerful sermon based on the message of Jeremiah, emphasizing the consequences of backsliding and the importance of repentance for restoration. The sermon
	A Call to Set Our Hearts on God by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of setting our hearts on God, drawing inspiration from the life of the prophet Jeremiah, who sought the Lord and received His word. Despit