Jeremiah 23:28
Jeremiah 23:28 in Multiple Translations
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.
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? saith Jehovah.
If a prophet has a dream, let him give out his dream; and he who has my word, let him give out my word in good faith. What has the dry stem to do with the grain? says the Lord.
A prophet who has a dream should say it's just a dream, but anyone I've spoken to should deliver my message faithfully. What is straw in comparison to grain? asks the Lord.
The prophet that hath a dreame, let him tell a dreame, and hee that hath my worde, let him speake my worde faithfully: what is the chaffe to the wheate, sayth the Lord?
The prophet with whom [is] a dream, Let him recount the dream, And he with whom [is] My word, Let him truly speak My word. What — to the straw with the corn? An affirmation of Jehovah.
The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat?” says the LORD.
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD?
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream: and he that hath my word, let him speak my word with truth: what hath the chaff to do with the wheat, saith the Lord?
Allow those false prophets to tell people their dreams, but those who have messages that really come from me should proclaim those messages faithfully. I, Yahweh, say that like straw and grain are certainly very different, my messages and the messages from those false prophets are certainly very different.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:28
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 23:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/נָּבִ֞יא
אֲשֶׁר
אִתּ֤/וֹ
חֲלוֹם֙
יְסַפֵּ֣ר
חֲל֔וֹם
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
דְּבָרִ/י֙
אִתּ֔/וֹ
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
דְּבָרִ֖/י
אֱמֶ֑ת
מַה
לַ/תֶּ֥בֶן
אֶת
הַ/בָּ֖ר
נְאֻם
יְהוָֽה
הַ/נָּבִ֞יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּ֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
חֲלוֹם֙
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-ms
יְסַפֵּ֣ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
חֲל֔וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
dream
N-ms
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Conj | Rel
דְּבָרִ/י֙
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
אִתּ֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
דְּבָרִ֖/י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms | Suff
אֱמֶ֑ת
ʼemeth
H571
truth
N-fs
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
לַ/תֶּ֥בֶן
teben
H8401
straw
Prep | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הַ/בָּ֖ר
bâr
H1250
grain
Art | N-ms
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:28
הַ/נָּבִ֞יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-ms
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.
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.
אִתּ֤/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
חֲלוֹם֙
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
יְסַפֵּ֣ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
חֲל֔וֹם
chălôwm
H2472
"dream"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.
Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.
וַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Conj | 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.
דְּבָרִ/י֙
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אִתּ֔/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Juss-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
דְּבָרִ֖/י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֱמֶ֑ת
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
לַ/תֶּ֥בֶן
teben
H8401
"straw"
Prep | N-ms
Teben refers to straw or stubble, often used as fodder for animals or building material. It is mentioned in the Bible as a material for constructing houses.
Definition: 1) straw, stubble 1a) as building material 1b) as fodder for livestock
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: chaff, straw, stubble. See also: Genesis 24:25; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 11:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַ/בָּ֖ר
bâr
H1250
"grain"
Art | N-ms
In Aramaic, 'bar' refers to a field of grain, like wheat or corn. It can also describe the open countryside. This term is used in books like Daniel, where it describes rural areas.
Definition: corn, grain
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: corn, wheat. See also: Genesis 41:35; Psalms 72:16; Psalms 65:14.
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 23:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:28
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
- Sermons on Jeremiah 23:28
Context — Lying Prophets
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.
29“Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” 30“Therefore behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words they attribute to Me.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 2:17 | For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 1:12 | I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 3:12–13 | If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:5 | An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies. |
| 5 | Luke 12:42 | And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? |
| 6 | Matthew 24:45 | Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 4:2 | Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. |
Jeremiah 23:28 Summary
[Jeremiah 23:28 teaches us that God's word is like grain, which is valuable and nourishing, while the words of false prophets are like straw, which is worthless and empty. This means that we should prioritize speaking and living according to God's truth, as seen in Psalm 119:160, where it says that God's word is truth. We can do this by seeking to understand and apply God's word in our lives, and by being careful not to speak or live according to our own 'dreams' or imagination, as warned against in Jeremiah 23:26-27. By doing so, we can trust that God will use us to speak His word truthfully and bring nourishment to those around us, as seen in 1 Peter 4:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a true prophet and a false one according to Jeremiah 23:28?
A true prophet speaks God's word truthfully, while a false prophet may speak from their own dreams or imagination, as seen in Jeremiah 23:26-27, where false prophets prophesy from the delusion of their own minds.
Why does God compare His word to grain and straw in Jeremiah 23:28?
God compares His word to grain and straw to highlight the value and importance of His word, which is like nourishing grain, compared to the worthless and empty words of false prophets, which are like straw, as also seen in Matthew 13:1-9 where Jesus teaches about the parable of the sower.
How can we apply Jeremiah 23:28 to our own lives and discern true prophecy from false?
We can apply Jeremiah 23:28 by testing every prophecy or teaching against God's word, as instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, and seeking to speak and live according to God's truth, as seen in Psalm 119:160, where it says that God's word is truth.
What is the significance of God declaring 'let him who has My word speak it truthfully' in Jeremiah 23:28?
God's declaration emphasizes the importance of handling His word with integrity and accuracy, as also seen in 2 Timothy 2:15, where it says to 'correctly handle the word of truth', and to speak it in a way that honors and glorifies Him, as seen in Colossians 3:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be tempted to speak or live according to my own 'dreams' or imagination, rather than according to God's word?
- How can I prioritize speaking and living according to God's truth in my daily life, and what are some practical steps I can take to do so?
- What are some 'straw' things in my life that I can let go of, in order to focus on the 'grain' of God's word and His truth?
- In what ways can I be a faithful speaker of God's word, and how can I ensure that I am handling it with integrity and accuracy?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:28
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream,.... These words are directed not to a true prophet of the Lord, that has a dream from him, or something communicated to him in a dream by the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:28
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
A dream; not a Divine dream; a revelation which I have made to him in his sleep (as appeareth by the following opposition, betwixt a dream and the word of the Lord); but if any man hath dreamed an ordinary dream, let him tell it as a dream; let him not entitle God to it. And he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully; and let him to whom I have revealed my will publish and declare that in all truth and faithfulness, not adding his own fancies or dreams to it, , not corrupting my word. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord; there is as much difference between my will and their dreams as there is betwixt the chaff and the wheat; the one is of value to make food for the soul, as wheat doth for the body; the other is of no value: the one (viz. my word) is of a solid, abiding substance; the other is light and airy, and easily scattered by every wind.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
Jeremiah 23:28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What [is] the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.Ver. 28. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream.] Or, Let him tell it as a dream, and not as a divine revelation, making more of it than the matter comes to, and “ Laudans venales quas vult obtrudere merces. ” What are dreams ordinarily but very vanities, pleasant follies and delusions, the empty bubbles of the mind, children and tales of fancy, idle and fruitless notions, mere baubles? Why, then, should men make so much of them? why should they tell their Midianitish dreams to others with so much confidence, as if they were oracles? And he that hath my word.] So he be sure he hath it, and can on good ground say, I believed, therefore have I spoken. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord,] i.e., What is false doctrine to true? surely nothing in comparison; you may better set Palea, that is, chaff, upon it, than the Pope doth upon anything in the decrees of his predecessors that pleaseth him not. Shall not the whole body of Popery, founded, most part of it, upon revelations and feigned miracles (think the same of Ranters, Quakers, and some Anabaptists) prove palea - that is, chaff, hay, and stubble that shall be surely burnt. Some render the text Quid paleae cum tritico? what hath chaff to do with the wheat? Away with any such mixtures. In the writings of some sectaries, “ Sunt bona mista malis, sunt mala mista bonis. ” The speech in the text seemeth to have been proverbial, and is not unlike that of the apostle, and those in human authors, Quid sceptro et plectro?
Quid specillo et gladio? quid lecytho et strophio? quid hyaenae et cani? quid bovi et delphino? quid cani et balneo? What has a septre to do with a quill, a surgeon’ s knife with a sword, bottle with a head band, a hyena with a dog, a cow with a dolphin, a dog with a bath. So what communion hath faith and unbelief, zeal and passion? &c. And yet unbelief may be with faith - "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief" - zeal with passion; yea, in young Christians, heat and passion goeth sometimes for zeal; and yet it is but chaff, which, when blown away, the heap is little else but wheat - that is, faith, zeal, humility, though we have less pride, passion, presumption. But this by the way only. Suid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
(28) Let him tell a dream.—The point of the words lies in the contrast between the real and the counterfeit revelation. Let the dreamer tell his dream as such, let the prophet speak the word of Jehovah truly, and then it will be seen that the one is as the chaff and stubble, and the other as the wheat—one worthless, the other sustaining life. What have they in common? What has one to do with the other?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
Verse 28. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.] Do not mingle these equivocal matters with positive revelations. Do not consider a dream, even from a prophet, as that positive inspiration which my prophets receive when their reason, judgment, and spiritual feelings are all in full and in regular exercise. Mix none of your own devices with my doctrines.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:28
28. Mere dreams and the truth of God are to be kept asunder. What is the straw to the wheat?] God’s word contains nourishment and life. Other words are but as straw.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:28
A dream ... faithfully - Rather, as “a dream”... as truth. The dream is but a dream, and is to be told as such, but God’s word is to be spoken as certain and absolute truth.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:28
28. Let him tell a dream — That is, as “a dream,” and not as the word of God. Ordinary dreams are but as chaff, while the divine word is vital and life-sustaining as the wheat.
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:28
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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 |
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Faithfulness by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highli |
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Third Lesson. ‘Pray to Thy Father, Which Is in Secret;’ Or, Alone With God by Andrew Murray | The preacher delves into the concept of 'astocheo,' meaning to deviate from truth or miss the mark spiritually. Paul highlights how false teachers strayed from the central truth, l |