Jeremiah 23:26
Jeremiah 23:26 in Multiple Translations
How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?
Is (my word) in the hearts of the prophets who give out false words, even the prophets of the deceit of their hearts?
How long will this continue? How long will these prophets go on prophesying these lies which are just the product of their own deluded minds?
Howe long? Doe the prophets delite to prophecie lies, euen prophecying the deceit of their owne heart?
Till when is it in the heart of the prophets? The prophets of falsehood, Yea, prophets of the deceit of their heart,
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, and that prophesy the delusions of their own heart?
How long will they continue to do this? How long will those lying prophets continue to prophesy things that come only from their own minds?
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:26
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 23:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
מָתַ֗י
הֲ/יֵ֛שׁ
בְּ/לֵ֥ב
הַ/נְּבִאִ֖ים
נִבְּאֵ֣י
הַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
וּ/נְבִיאֵ֖י
תַּרְמִ֥ת
לִבָּֽ/ם
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָתַ֗י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
הֲ/יֵ֛שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
בְּ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
הַ/נְּבִאִ֖ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
נִבְּאֵ֣י
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
V-Niphal
הַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
Art | N-ms
וּ/נְבִיאֵ֖י
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Conj | N-mp
תַּרְמִ֥ת
tormâh
H8649
treachery
N-fs
לִבָּֽ/ם
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:26
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָתַ֗י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
הֲ/יֵ֛שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
בְּ/לֵ֥ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הַ/נְּבִאִ֖ים
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.
נִבְּאֵ֣י
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
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.
הַ/שָּׁ֑קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
Art | 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.
וּ/נְבִיאֵ֖י
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Conj | 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.
תַּרְמִ֥ת
tormâh
H8649
"treachery"
N-fs
This word means deceitfulness or fraud, describing actions that are dishonest or treacherous. It is used to describe secret or sneaky behavior, often with negative intentions.
Definition: in treachery, treacherously
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful), privily. See also: Judges 9:31; Jeremiah 14:14; Psalms 119:118.
לִבָּֽ/ם
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 23:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:26
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
- Sermons on Jeremiah 23:26
Context — Lying Prophets
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. 28Let 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 4:1–2 | Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11 | The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 4:3 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. |
| 5 | 2 Peter 2:13–16 | The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you. Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:14 | Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? |
| 8 | Acts 13:10 | and said, “O child of the devil and enemy of all righteousness, you are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? |
| 9 | Isaiah 30:10 | They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. |
| 10 | Psalms 4:2 | How long, O men, will my honor be maligned? How long will you love vanity and seek after lies ? Selah |
Jeremiah 23:26 Summary
This verse is asking how long it will take for these false prophets to stop spreading lies and deceit. They are claiming to have messages from God, but it's really just their own imaginations and delusions. God wants His people to trust in His word and not be led astray by false messages (Psalm 119:105). We can learn from this by being careful about what we listen to and making sure it lines up with God's word, as taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue with the prophets in Jeremiah 23:26?
The main issue with these prophets is that they are prophesying falsehood, which is a result of the delusion of their own minds, as stated in Jeremiah 23:26, and this is condemned by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20.
How do these prophets claim to receive their messages?
These prophets claim to have received their messages through dreams, as mentioned in Jeremiah 23:25, but God emphasizes the importance of speaking His word truthfully, as stated in Jeremiah 23:28.
What is the ultimate goal of these false prophets?
The ultimate goal of these false prophets is to lead God's people astray, making them forget His name, as stated in Jeremiah 23:27, which is similar to the idolatry of the Israelites' fathers, as seen in Jeremiah 2:8.
What does God expect from His true prophets?
God expects His true prophets to speak His word truthfully, as stated in Jeremiah 23:28, and to trust in His power and wisdom, rather than relying on their own dreams or delusions, as emphasized in Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Ezekiel 2:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be prophesying falsehood or following the delusion of my own mind, and how can I seek God's truth in these areas?
- How can I discern whether a message or prophecy is truly from God, or if it is just a product of human imagination or deceit?
- In what ways can I prioritize speaking God's word truthfully in my own life, and what are the potential consequences of failing to do so?
- What are some common 'dreams' or ideologies in our culture that may be leading people astray from God's truth, and how can I lovingly and truthfully point them to God's word?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:26
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies?.... To invent such lies, and deceive the people, and turn them away from God; agreeably to the preceding and following verses:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:26
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
Will these prophets never have done? Have they not deceived people long enough with their lies, and the deceit of their own hearts; and that not unwarily, and by involuntary mistake, but of set purpose, it being in their heart, their purpose and design, to do it. Some join it to the following verse, and make the sense this: Do these prophets, that publish lies, and the deceits of their hearts, for my revealed will, think to cheat my people always, and to cause my people to forget my name? as it followeth in the next verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
Jeremiah 23:26 How long shall [this] be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, [they are] prophets of the deceit of their own heart;Ver. 26. How long shall this be in the hearts? &c., ] q.d., Will they never give over lying to the Holy Ghost, and flying against the light (of their own consciences), as bats do. Nam quod argute commenti sunt, haec aiunt ex Spiritu se dicere; studio enim suis mendaciis plebi imponunt, falsumque data opera docent; for they father their falsities upon the Spirit of truth, cozening the credulous multitude. And this they do wittingly and incessantly. Oecolamp.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
(26) How long shall this be . . .?—The Hebrew text gives a double interrogative: How long? Is it in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, prophets of the deceit of their own hearts? Do they think to cause my people . . .? A conjectural alteration of the text gives “How long is the fire in the heart of the prophets . . .?” as if anticipating the thought of Jer 23:29, and reproducing that of Jer 20:9.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:26
26. The opening words are evidently corrupt. Co. accepts Du.’s suggestion to substitute (by a not violent change in MT.) a third “I have dreamed” (cp. Jeremiah 7:4, Jeremiah 22:29) for “How long,” and for “shall this be … prophets” to read (by a different division of words) “Will the heart of the prophets turn.”
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:26
Some translate, “How long? Is it in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, and prophesy the deceit of their heart - do they purpose to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:26
26. How long, etc. — Rather, How long? Is it in the minds of the prophets that prophesy falsehood in my name — the prophets of the deceit of their heart?
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Deliverance - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to him as the first step to becoming a true overcomer. He then advises his audience to sell their possessions an |
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How to Identify the Enemy - Part 2 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how demons can enter a person's life and influence their behavior. He gives an example of a businessman who has a terrible day and how his ang |
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(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the antici |
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Beware of Good Liars by Francis Chan | This sermon challenges believers to examine their beliefs and mindset, urging them to align their thinking with biblical truths rather than cultural norms. It emphasizes the import |
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(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about peo |
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Prodigal Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He compares the prodigal son to the state of the church, describing how it has become impoveris |
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The Voice of Conscience by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a sincere and reverent attitude towards God in Christ. He acknowledges the value of testimonies, songs, and occasion |