Jeremiah 23:30
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֛ן
H3651
לָכֵ֛ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַנְּבִאִ֖ים
Therefore behold I am against the prophets
H5030
הַנְּבִאִ֖ים
Therefore behold I am against the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
4 of 11
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מְגַנְּבֵ֣י
that steal
H1589
מְגַנְּבֵ֣י
that steal
Strong's:
H1589
Word #:
7 of 11
to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
דְבָרַ֔י
my words
H1697
דְבָרַ֔י
my words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אִ֖ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:20But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.Ezekiel 13:8Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.Psalms 34:16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.Ezekiel 13:20Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.Ezekiel 15:7And I will set my face against them; they shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them; and ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I set my face against them.
Historical Context
Prophetic guilds created professional networks where messages circulated and successful formulas repeated. Instead of hearing God directly, they borrowed from peers. This produced theological homogeneity disconnected from actual divine revelation. Jeremiah stood alone against this consensus.
Questions for Reflection
- How much of your spiritual teaching comes from authentic encounter versus borrowed content?
- When do you plagiarize others' insights rather than wrestling with God?
- What would change if God positioned Himself against your religious activities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I am against the prophets...that steal my words every one from his neighbour (גֹּנְבֵי דְבָרַי אִישׁ מֵאֵת רֵעֵהוּ, gov'vei d'varai ish me'et re'ehu)—the participle גֹּנֵב ('stealing') describes ongoing theft. These prophets plagiarize each other, recycling religious language without authentic divine encounter. The phrase 'every one from his neighbour' suggests echo chambers creating false consensus.
The declaration I am against (הִנְנִי עַל) is terrifying—God positions Himself as enemy of religious professionals. They traffic in stolen spiritual goods—using God's vocabulary without God's voice. The eighth commandment forbids theft (Exodus 20:15); these prophets steal God's words, repackaging them without authorization.