Jeremiah 23:26
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָתַ֗י
H4970
מָתַ֗י
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
הֲיֵ֛שׁ
How long shall this be
H3426
הֲיֵ֛שׁ
How long shall this be
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
3 of 10
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
לִבָּֽם׃
in the heart
H3820
לִבָּֽם׃
in the heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
נִבְּאֵ֣י
that prophesy
H5012
נִבְּאֵ֣י
that prophesy
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
6 of 10
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
הַשָּׁ֑קֶר
lies
H8267
הַשָּׁ֑קֶר
lies
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
7 of 10
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
Historical Context
By late 7th century BC, false prophecy had become institutionalized—generations trained to deliver messages kings wanted. The self-deception was systemic, not merely individual. Entire theological traditions developed around false premises, making repentance professionally difficult. This explains God's exasperation.
Questions for Reflection
- What deceit of your own heart might you mistake for divine truth?
- How do echo chambers reinforce self-deception?
- What external standards correct your heart's natural deceitfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? (עַד־מָתַי, ad-matai, 'how long?')—divine exasperation. The phrase תַּרְמִת לִבָּם (tarmit libbam, 'deceit of their own heart') diagnoses the source: self-deception precedes deceiving others. They've believed their own propaganda.
The progression: heart corruption → self-deception → false prophecy → leading others astray. Jeremiah 17:9 warns 'the heart is deceitful above all things.' Jesus taught evil thoughts proceed from the heart (Matthew 15:19). Without external revelation correcting internal deception, the heart becomes an echo chamber of lies. Therapeutic culture's 'follow your heart' counsel ignores this reality.