Jeremiah 23:31
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַנְּבִיאִ֖ם
Behold I am against the prophets
H5030
הַנְּבִיאִ֖ם
Behold I am against the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
3 of 9
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַלֹּקְחִ֣ים
that use
H3947
הַלֹּקְחִ֣ים
that use
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
6 of 9
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
לְשׁוֹנָ֔ם
their tongues
H3956
לְשׁוֹנָ֔ם
their tongues
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
7 of 9
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:17They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.Isaiah 30:10Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:2 Chronicles 18:5Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.
Historical Context
The formula 'declares the LORD' signaled divine speech, not human opinion. False prophets assumed the language itself granted authority regardless of actual commission. This is like signing someone else's name to documents—identity theft at the highest level.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you use religious language without genuine divine guidance?
- How can communities distinguish authentic prophecy from opinion in spiritual garb?
- What accountability exists for those claiming to speak for God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, I am against the prophets...that use their tongues, and say, He saith (הַלֹּקְחִים לְשׁוֹנָם וַיִּנְאֲמוּ נְאֻם, haloq'chim l'shonam vayyin'amu n'um)—they manufacture oracles then attach the formula נְאֻם ('declares'), the technical term for divine utterance. The phrase 'they oracle an oracle' mocks their pretense—using sacred language as verb.
This is spiritual forgery, counterfeiting God's signature. The formula appears 365 times in Jeremiah, marking authentic prophecy. False prophets exploited it, assuming language itself carried authority. Jesus condemned those saying 'Lord, Lord' yet practicing lawlessness (Matthew 7:21). Right vocabulary without divine reality is theater.