Jeremiah 23:16
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּֽה
H3541
כֹּֽה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֗וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
4 of 20
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
אַֽל
H408
אַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 20
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּשְׁמְע֞וּ
Hearken
H8085
תִּשְׁמְע֞וּ
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּבְרֵ֤י
not unto the words
H1697
דִּבְרֵ֤י
not unto the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַנִּבְּאִ֣ים
that prophesy
H5012
הַנִּבְּאִ֣ים
that prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
10 of 20
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
מַהְבִּלִ֥ים
unto you they make you vain
H1891
מַהְבִּלִ֥ים
unto you they make you vain
Strong's:
H1891
Word #:
12 of 20
to be vain in act, word, or expectation; specifically to lead astray
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֲז֤וֹן
a vision
H2377
חֲז֤וֹן
a vision
Strong's:
H2377
Word #:
15 of 20
a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle
לִבָּם֙
of their own heart
H3820
לִבָּם֙
of their own heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
16 of 20
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
they speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֔רוּ
they speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
17 of 20
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
לֹ֖א
H3808
לֹ֖א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
18 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Jeremiah 14:14Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.Ezekiel 13:6They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Ezekiel 13:3Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Jeremiah 23:21I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.2 Kings 17:15And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.Jeremiah 23:26How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;Micah 2:11If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.Proverbs 19:27Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.
Historical Context
Jeremiah prophesied judgment and exile (626-586 BC), while contemporary prophets like Hananiah proclaimed imminent peace and Babylonian defeat (Jeremiah 28). The false prophets spoke what kings and people wanted to hear, maintaining their positions and popularity. Their optimistic messages contradicted God's true word through Jeremiah, creating competing claims to divine authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between messages from 'your own heart' and authentic divine revelation?
- What modern equivalents exist to prophets who 'make you vain' with comfortable illusions?
- In what ways might you be seeking teachers who confirm your preferences rather than God's truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain (מְהַבְּלִים הֵמָּה אֶתְכֶם, m'havlim hemmah etkhem)—the verb הָבַל (haval) means to make empty, futile, or worthless. False prophets manufacture illusions, they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD (חֲזוֹן לִבָּם יְדַבֵּרוּ לֹא מִפִּי יְהוָה, chazon libbam y'dabberu lo mipi YHWH). The contrast is stark: human imagination (lev, 'heart') versus divine revelation (pi YHWH, 'mouth of Yahweh').
This indictment exposes the source of theological error—substituting personal preference for God's Word. The prophets didn't invent new doctrines; they repackaged popular opinion as divine oracle. Paul later warned against those who 'tickle ears' (2 Timothy 4:3). The danger isn't merely falsehood but making people hebel—empty vapor, like the book of Ecclesiastes describes worldly pursuits. False teaching doesn't just mislead; it evacuates meaning from life itself.