Jeremiah 23:21
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁלַ֥חְתִּי
I have not sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֥חְתִּי
I have not sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
2 of 11
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָ֑צוּ
yet they ran
H7323
רָ֑צוּ
yet they ran
Strong's:
H7323
Word #:
6 of 11
to run (for whatever reason, especially to rush)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 11
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.Jeremiah 27:15For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.Jeremiah 23:32Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Institutional prophetic guilds created professionals serving royal courts through favorable oracles. God's true prophets received direct, often traumatic commissioning. The conflict between institutional religion and authentic calling continues—compare Jesus versus Pharisees, Paul versus Judaizers.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish self-appointed ministry from genuine divine calling?
- What might you be running toward in spiritual service without being sent?
- How does eagerness to prophesy without divine commission manifest today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran (לֹא־שָׁלַחְתִּי...וְהֵם רָצוּ, lo-shalachti...v'hem ratsu)—the dual negation ('not sent...not spoken') versus dual action ('they ran...they prophesied') exposes unauthorized ministry. The verb רוּץ (ruts, 'ran') suggests eager self-appointment rather than reluctant divine commission. These prophets volunteered; God's true prophets were conscripted.
Moses protested (Exodus 3-4), Jeremiah resisted (Jeremiah 1:6), Isaiah felt unworthy (Isaiah 6:5)—authentic prophets were reluctant conscripts. False prophets ran eagerly because comfortable lies require no courage. Paul insisted 'called to be an apostle' (Romans 1:1), not self-appointed. Contemporary ministry must distinguish divine sending from religious entrepreneurship.