Jeremiah 23:31
Jeremiah 23:31 in Multiple Translations
“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
See, I am against the prophets, says the Lord, who let their tongues say, He has said.
Pay attention to this, declares the Lord. I'm opposed to those prophets who make up their own stories and then announce, “This is what the Lord says.”
Beholde, I will come against the prophets, saith the Lord, which haue sweete tongues, and say, He saith.
Lo, I [am] against the prophets, An affirmation of Jehovah, Who are making smooth their tongue, And they affirm — an affirmation.
Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who use their tongues, and say, ‘He says.’
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Behold I am against the prophets, saith the Lord: who use their tongues, and say: The Lord saith it.
I oppose those prophets who speak their own messages but claim that those messages came from me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:31
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 23:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנְ/נִ֥י
עַל
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֖ם
נְאֻם
יְהוָ֑ה
הַ/לֹּקְחִ֣ים
לְשׁוֹנָ֔/ם
וַֽ/יִּנְאֲמ֖וּ
נְאֻֽם
הִנְ/נִ֥י
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֖ם
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
נְאֻם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הַ/לֹּקְחִ֣ים
lâqach
H3947
to take
Art | V-Qal
לְשׁוֹנָ֔/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
וַֽ/יִּנְאֲמ֖וּ
nâʼam
H5001
to prophesy
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
נְאֻֽם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
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 23:31
הִנְ/נִ֥י
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֖ם
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.
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.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
הַ/לֹּקְחִ֣ים
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Art | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
לְשׁוֹנָ֔/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
וַֽ/יִּנְאֲמ֖וּ
nâʼam
H5001
"to prophesy"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to prophesy or speak as a prophet, like Isaiah or Jeremiah. It involves whispering or uttering an oracle from God. In the Bible, prophets use this word to describe their messages from God.
Definition: 1) to prophesy, utter a prophecy, speak as prophet, say 1a) (Qal) to utter a prophecy, speak as prophet
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: say. See also: Jeremiah 23:31.
נְאֻֽם
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.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 23:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:31
- Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
- Sermons on Jeremiah 23:31
Context — Lying Prophets
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.”
31“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”
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. 33“Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 23:17 | They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’ |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 18:10–12 | Now Zedekiah son of Chenaanah had made for himself iron horns and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘With these you shall gore the Arameans until they are finished off.’” And all the prophets were prophesying the same, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and prosper, for the LORD will deliver it into the hand of the king.” Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 18:5 | So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Micah 2:11 | If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people! |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 18:19–21 | And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ |
Jeremiah 23:31 Summary
Jeremiah 23:31 is a warning from God against prophets who speak their own words and claim they are from the Lord. This is a serious issue, as it can lead people astray and cause them to doubt God's true words, as seen in Jeremiah 23:32. To avoid this, we must be careful with our own words and ensure that we are speaking truthfully about God, as commanded in Ephesians 4:25. By doing so, we can trust that God's word will be like fire and a hammer, shaping and transforming us, as mentioned in Jeremiah 23:29.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue God has with the prophets in Jeremiah 23:31?
The main issue God has with these prophets is that they are speaking their own words and attributing them to the Lord, as seen in Jeremiah 23:31, which is a form of false prophecy also warned against in Deuteronomy 18:20.
How can we distinguish between true and false prophets?
According to the Bible, true prophets will speak the words of the Lord, as in Jeremiah 23:31, and their words will come to pass, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:22, whereas false prophets will speak lies and lead people astray, as warned in Jeremiah 23:32.
What is the significance of God being 'against' the prophets in Jeremiah 23:31?
When God says He is 'against' the prophets, it means He is opposed to them and will judge them for their false words, as seen in Jeremiah 23:31 and Ezekiel 13:8-9, emphasizing the seriousness of speaking falsely in the Lord's name.
How does this verse relate to our own speech and claims about God?
Jeremiah 23:31 reminds us to be careful with our words and to ensure that we are speaking truthfully about God, as commanded in Ephesians 4:25, and not to attribute our own thoughts or desires to Him, lest we be found to be false prophets in our own right.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be 'wagging my own tongue' and speaking my own words instead of God's, and how can I repent of this?
- How can I discern whether a prophet or teacher is speaking God's words or their own, and what role should scripture play in this discernment?
- In what ways can I ensure that my own speech and claims about God are truthful and accurate, and how can I avoid being a false witness for Him?
- What does it mean for God's word to be 'like fire' and 'like a hammer that smashes a rock', as mentioned in Jeremiah 23:29, and how should this impact my approach to scripture and my own words?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:31
Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the Lord,.... Not another sort of prophets distinct from the former, or those that follow; but the same under another character, and against whom he was,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:31
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Use their tongues - rather, 'take' [ haloqªchiym (H3947)] their tongue: a second class (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
Some think the Hebrew words were more properly translated smooth their tongues: see the English Annotations. But the next words seem to assure us that the crime for which God here by the prophet reflecteth upon the false prophets, was not so much their flattering people, and speaking to them such smooth things as pleased them, as their entitling of God to their lies, saying, He, that is, the Lord, saith. So it may be, though the word might be translated smooth, yet it is her, better translated use.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
Jeremiah 23:31 Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.Ver. 31. That use their tongues.] Or, Abuse them rather, to smoothing and soothing up people in their sins: lenificant linguas, id est, blando sermone alliciunt plebem, they flatter and collogue; or tollunt linguam, they lift up their tongues, viz., by extolling themselves, and speaking magnifically of their own doing. As one hath observed of some sectarians among us, that they often call upon their hearers to mark - for it may be they shall hear that which they never heard before - when the thing is either false, or if true, no more than is ordinarily taught by others, and which they have stolen out of the writings of others. And say, He saith.] See on Jeremiah 23:30. Dulcorantium, mollificantium. - False prophets soothe and sweeten men.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
(31) That use their tongues, and say, He saith.—Literally, that take their tongues. There is no adequate evidence for the marginal rendering “that smooth their tongues.” The scornful phrase indicates the absence of a true inspiration. These false prophets plan their schemes, and take their tongue as an instrument for carrying them into effect. The formula which they used, “He saith,” was not the word for common speaking, but that which indicated that the speaker was delivering an oracle from God. (See Note on Jeremiah 23:17.) Elsewhere the word is only used of God, but the prophet, in his stern irony, uses it of the false prophets, they say oracularly. This is an oracle.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:31
31. use] The tongue is all of which they can avail themselves. There is no first-hand knowledge behind it. He saith] This phrase, borrowed from the true prophets, will, they expect, help their sayings to pass as genuine. By the side of the Party of the Nobles “perhaps opposed to them, perhaps allied with them, in that strange combination which often brings together, for purposes of political or religious animosity, parties themselves most alien to each other, was the great body of the Sacerdotal, and even of the Prophetic order. There were those who directly lent themselves to magical rites … who recited the old prophetic phrases, often careless of what they meant.” Stanley’s J. Ch. II. 438.
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:31
That use their tongues - literally, that take their tongues. Their second characteristic.
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:31
30-32. Some of the leading characteristics of false prophets are here grouped together.
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
(Where Is the Church Going) 6. One Day We Will Give an Account to God by Miki Hardy | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and not getting involved in messages that have no sense or are meant to enterta |
|
The Aaronic Ministry by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the current state of the church, describing it as bankrupt and lacking discernment. He emphasizes the need for truth and urges believers to |
|
Pharisees Do Not Practise What They Preach by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon contrasting the Pharisees who taught but did not practice what they preached with Jesus who did first and then taught. He emphasizes the impor |
|
A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and |
|
|
(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |
|
|
Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of testing teachings and doctrines based on four criteria: Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? Did the apostles do it? Did th |