Jeremiah 23:25
Jeremiah 23:25 in Multiple Translations
“I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’
I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
I have heard what the prophets have said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
My ears have been open to what the prophets have said, who say false words in my name, saying, I have had a dream, I have had a dream, I have had a dream,
I've listened to the prophets who prophesy lies in my name. They say, “I've had a dream! I've had a dream!”
I haue heard what the prophets said, that prophecie lies in my Name, saying, I haue dreamed, I haue dreamed.
I have heard that which the prophets said, Who prophesy in My name falsehood, saying, 'I have dreamed, I have dreamed.'
“I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’
I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, and say: I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
I have heard those prophets prophesy lies, saying that they are telling people messages from me. They say, ‘Listen to me tell you the dream that God gave me last night! I really had this dream!’
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:25
BAB
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 23:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
אֵ֤ת
אֲשֶׁר
אָֽמְרוּ֙
הַ/נְּבִאִ֔ים
הַֽ/נִּבְּאִ֥ים
בִּ/שְׁמִ֛/י
שֶׁ֖קֶר
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
חָלַ֖מְתִּי
חָלָֽמְתִּי
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֵ֤ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָֽמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
הַ/נְּבִאִ֔ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
הַֽ/נִּבְּאִ֥ים
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
Art | V-Niphal
בִּ/שְׁמִ֛/י
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms | Suff
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חָלַ֖מְתִּי
châlam
H2492
be healthy
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
חָלָֽמְתִּי
châlam
H2492
be healthy
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:25
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֵ֤ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָֽמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/נְּבִאִ֔ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
הַֽ/נִּבְּאִ֥ים
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
Art | V-Niphal
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
בִּ/שְׁמִ֛/י
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
שֶׁ֖קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
חָלַ֖מְתִּי
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
חָלָֽמְתִּי
châlam
H2492
"be healthy"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This verb means to dream, like in Genesis 37:5-10 where Joseph dreams about his future. It can also mean to recover or be in good health, as in Psalm 73:4.
Definition: 1) to be healthy, be strong 1a) (Qal) to be healthy 1b) (Hiphil) to restore to health
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) dream(-er), be in good liking, recover. See also: Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 126:1.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 23:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:25
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:25
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:25
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:25
- Sermons on Jeremiah 23:25
Context — Lying Prophets
23“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?”
24“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.
25“I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’
26How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? 27They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 23:32 | “Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:28 | Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 29:8 | For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them. |
| 4 | Joel 2:28 | And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. |
| 5 | Numbers 12:6 | He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 8:6 | I have listened and heard; they do not speak what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, asking, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone has pursued his own course like a horse charging into battle. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 14:14 | “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. |
| 9 | Psalms 139:4 | Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 13:27 | Your adulteries and lustful neighings, your shameless prostitution on the hills and in the fields— I have seen your detestable acts. Woe to you, O Jerusalem! How long will you remain unclean?” |
Jeremiah 23:25 Summary
In Jeremiah 23:25, the Lord is saying that He knows about the false prophets who are claiming to speak in His name, but are actually speaking lies. These prophets are saying 'I had a dream' to make it sound like God is speaking through them, but really they are just speaking their own thoughts and imaginations. This is similar to what is warned against in Deuteronomy 18:20, where it says that a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods or who speaks falsely in God's name will be put to death. We can learn from this verse to always test what we hear against God's Word and to be careful not to follow false teachers or prophets (1 John 4:1-3, Matthew 7:15).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lord saying about the prophets in Jeremiah 23:25?
The Lord is saying that He has heard the false prophecies of those who claim to speak in His name, and He is condemning their lies, as seen in Jeremiah 23:25 and also in Deuteronomy 18:20 where it warns against false prophets.
Why do the prophets say 'I had a dream'?
The prophets say 'I had a dream' because they are trying to pass off their own thoughts and imaginations as revelations from God, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 23:26 where it talks about the delusions of their own minds.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's omniscience?
This verse relates to the concept of God's omniscience because it shows that God is aware of the false prophecies and the thoughts and intentions of those who claim to speak in His name, as stated in Psalm 139:1-6 where it describes God's all-knowing nature.
What warning does this verse give to us today?
This verse gives a warning to us today to be careful not to follow or listen to false prophets or teachers who claim to speak in God's name but are actually speaking lies, as warned in Matthew 7:15 and 1 John 4:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can discern whether a prophet or teacher is speaking truth or lies in God's name?
- How can I avoid being deceived by false prophecies or teachings that claim to be from God?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping me to discern truth from error, as seen in 1 John 2:20 and 27?
- In what ways can I test the spirits, as commanded in 1 John 4:1-3, to ensure that I am following God's truth?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:25
I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name,.... Or, "I hear what the prophets say" (g), c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:25
I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:25
Visions and dreams were two usual ways by which under the law God made himself known of old to his prophets, making them sometimes, being awake, to hear a voice; sometimes attended with, and proceeding upon, some visible appearance, sometimes not: at other times causing them being asleep, to dream; and in their sleep revealing to them, as in a dream, what his will was they should declare and publish to his people. These false prophets speaking what came into their own heads, and suited their own lust, or the lusts of a debauched people to whom they spake, would pretend that God had revealed to them what they so published in a dream; not in the mean time considering God took notice of these their little arts by which they cheated the people. But saith God, I am a God that know afar off as well as at hand, and I have heard what they say, prophesying lies as from me, and pretending that I had in dreams revealed them to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:25
Jeremiah 23:25 I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.Ver. 25. I have dreamed, I have dreamed,] i.e., I have a prophetic revelation in a dream. Such lying prophets were the ancient and modern enthusiasts and high attainers. Messalanian heretics they were called of old, A.D. 371.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:25
(25) I have dreamed . . .—The words point to the form of the claim commonly made by the false prophets. Dreams took their place among the recognised channels of divine revelation (Genesis 40:8; Genesis 41:16; Joe 2:28; Daniel 7:1), but their frequent misuse by the false prophets brought them into discredit, and the teaching of Deu 13:1-5 accordingly brought the “dreamer of dreams” no less than the prophet to the test whether what he taught was in accordance with the law of Jehovah. The iteration of “I have dreamed” represents the affected solemnity with which the false prophets proclaimed their visions. Of the disparagement of dreams, consequent on this abuse, we have a striking example in Ecclesiastes 5:3, and later still in Sir 34:1-7.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:25
Jeremiah 23:9-40. Condemnation of the prophets Following on the prophecies relating to successive kings of Judah, we have a section dealing with the iniquities of a class who also grievously misled the nation. The passage doubtless contains much that is genuine, but, from the diffuseness of style, especially in the latter part, it may be safely inferred that additional matter has been inserted. Commentators, however, are by no means agreed as to the amount of the latter. Du. omits all after Jeremiah 23:15, Co. nearly all after Jeremiah 23:24, Gi. Jeremiah 23:30-40, while the last-named also rejects Jeremiah 23:18-21. Jeremiah 23:9-17 and again 23–29 are in Ḳ ?inah rhythm. Elsewhere metre is for the most part irregular or absent. The collection of utterances, so far as genuine, may have probably belonged to the last part of Zedekiah’s reign. The section may be thus subdivided.
(i) Jeremiah 23:9-15. Jeremiah is undone and nerveless because of the Lord’s message to a land whose profligacy has brought on it a curse. The Temple itself is polluted by the iniquities of prophets and priests. They shall be as men driven in the dark along slippery ways till they fall. The prophets of Samaria led the people astray by alleged prophecies of their false deity, while the prophets of Jerusalem shock Jehovah still more by immorality, lying, and the encouragement of others in permanent evil-doing. They have reached the infamy of the cities of the plain. They have infected all the land; therefore shall wormwood and gall be their food. (ii) Jeremiah 23:16-18. It is from the prophets’ own imaginations and not from Jehovah that their pleasing promises of immunity from evil come. Who is there who has visited His heavenly abode, there to learn His purposes?
(iii) Jeremiah 23:19-20. Jehovah’s wrath shall break, like a storm, on the head of the wicked, and shall not be recalled till His purpose is fully achieved. (iv) Jeremiah 23:21-24. Those prophets were not commissioned nor inspired by the Lord; else they would have delivered His rebuke of the people’s sins. He is omnipresent. They cannot escape His observation. (v) Jeremiah 23:25-29. How long shall they adduce dreams, dreams forsooth, in support of their lying predictions, making the real character of Jehovah to be forgotten by the people, even as their fathers thought of Him as though He were no better than one of the Baals? Let the dream be told, and let Jehovah’s message be told as well; but let the utterances which embody the two be sharply distinguished, as stubble from wheat. Jehovah’s word is as fire, and as a hammer which breaketh the rocks.
(vi) Jeremiah 23:30-32. He is against the prophets who steal their announcements from the true prophets, and with ready tongue claim that they are from Him, who lead His people astray with delusive dreams and claims to Divine authority. They have not His commission, and so are without value. (vii) Jeremiah 23:33-40.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:25
In Deuteronomy 13:1 “a dreamer of dreams” is used in a bad sense, and with reason. God communicating His will by dreams was a thing too easy to counterfeit for it not to be misused.
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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True and False Prophets by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical distinction between true and false prophets, expressing concern over the current trend of self-proclaimed prophetic voices that dilute the true mea |
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Epistle 91 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the signs of the end times and the presence of false prophets, deceivers, and mockers who lead people astray with their ungodly ways and teachings. He war |
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(Israel) Preaching Christ With Authority by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with spiritual authority. He shares a personal experience of a young man who came seeking wisdom |
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The Origin of True Preaching by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the community of believers and their role in guiding and correcting one another. He encourages open communication and feed |
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False Prophets Are in Our Midst by Aaron Ernst | In this sermon, Aaron Ernst emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and staying true to sound doctrine. He warns against the temptation to seek out teachers who cate |
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The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f |
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Woe to the Foolish Prophets by Brian Gochenour | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the Bible as the final authority for the church. They criticize those who try to undermine the word of God and promote a fa |