Jeremiah 23:25
I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
I have heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֗עְתִּי
I have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 11
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֤ת
H853
אֵ֤ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הַנְּבִאִ֔ים
what the prophets
H5030
הַנְּבִאִ֔ים
what the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
5 of 11
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
הַֽנִּבְּאִ֥ים
that prophesy
H5012
הַֽנִּבְּאִ֥ים
that prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
6 of 11
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
בִּשְׁמִ֛י
in my name
H8034
בִּשְׁמִ֛י
in my name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
7 of 11
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
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.Jeremiah 23:28The 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.Jeremiah 29:8For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.Joel 2:28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:Jeremiah 8:6I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Numbers 12:6And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
Historical Context
Dreams played significant roles in ancient Near Eastern religion and politics. Professional dream interpreters served royal courts. True dreams from God were distinguished by fulfillment and alignment with revealed truth. False prophets manufactured dreams to gain influence and political cover.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you test whether subjective impressions genuinely come from God?
- When are you tempted to invoke God's authority for personal preferences?
- What safeguards exist against spiritual manipulation through private revelation claims?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have heard what the prophets said...I have dreamed, I have dreamed (חָלַמְתִּי חָלַמְתִּי, chalamti chalamti)—the repetition mimics false prophets' dramatic claims. They prophesy lies (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer) while invoking God's name (בִּשְׁמִי, bishmi), violating the third commandment. Dreams were legitimate divine communication channels (Genesis 37, Daniel 2), making them prime counterfeit targets.
False prophets exploited dreams' subjective, unverifiable nature—'God showed me in a dream'—claiming authority without accountability. But God hears their lies. The phrase 'I have heard' (שָׁמַעְתִּי) ironically reverses their claim to hearing God. Modern equivalents claim 'God told me' to manipulate others or excuse agendas.