Jeremiah 23:32

Authorized King James Version

Behold, 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִ֠נְנִי
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#2
עַֽל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
נִבְּאֵ֞י
Behold I am against them that prophesy
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
#4
חֲלֹמ֥וֹת
dreams
a dream
#5
בְּשִׁקְרֵיהֶ֖ם
by their lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#6
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#7
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#8
וַֽיְסַפְּרוּם֙
and do tell
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
#9
וַיַּתְע֣וּ
to err
to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both
#10
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
לָֽעָם
them and cause my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#12
בְּשִׁקְרֵיהֶ֖ם
by their lies
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
#13
וּבְפַחֲזוּתָ֑ם
and by their lightness
frivolity
#14
וְאָנֹכִ֨י
i
#15
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#16
שְׁלַחְתִּ֜ים
yet I sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#17
וְלֹ֣א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
צִוִּיתִ֗ים
them not nor commanded
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#19
יוֹעִ֥ילוּ
at all
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
#20
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#21
יוֹעִ֥ילוּ
at all
properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)
#22
לָֽעָם
them and cause my people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#23
הַזֶּ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#24
נְאֻם
saith
an oracle
#25
יְהוָֽה׃
the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Jeremiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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