Jeremiah 23:34
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַנָּבִ֤יא
And as for the prophet
H5030
וְהַנָּבִ֤יא
And as for the prophet
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
1 of 13
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וְהַכֹּהֵן֙
and the priest
H3548
וְהַכֹּהֵן֙
and the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
2 of 13
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
H5971
וְהָעָ֔ם
and the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מַשָּׂ֣א
The burden
H4853
מַשָּׂ֣א
The burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
6 of 13
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּפָקַדְתִּ֛י
I will even punish
H6485
וּפָקַדְתִּ֛י
I will even punish
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
8 of 13
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָאִ֥ישׁ
that man
H376
הָאִ֥ישׁ
that man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 13
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)
הַה֖וּא
H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
11 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
The ban on using massa attempted linguistic reform—preventing further profaning of prophetic vocabulary. Archaeological evidence shows ancient Near Eastern cultures treated divine oracles with elaborate rituals and reverence. Judah's casual treatment of massa revealed spiritual bankruptcy. The punishment 'on his house' reflects ancient Near Eastern household-based social structure where families functioned as legal and religious units.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious vocabulary have you emptied of meaning through casual or manipulative use?
- How does your household/family share accountability for how you speak about sacred things?
- What would it mean to ban certain corrupted religious language to protect truth's integrity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house (וְהַנָּבִיא וְהַכֹּהֵן וְהָעָם אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַר מַשָּׂא יְהוָה וּפָקַדְתִּי עַל־הָאִישׁ הַהוּא וְעַל־בֵּיתוֹ, v'hannavi v'hakohen v'ha'am asher yomar massa YHWH ufaqadti al-ha'ish hahu v'al-beito). The threefold category—prophet, priest, people—encompasses religious leaders and laypeople alike. The verb פָּקַד (paqad, 'punish/visit/attend to') carries judicial force. Using the forbidden phrase מַשָּׂא יְהוָה (massa YHWH, 'burden of the LORD') brings punishment extending to one's household (בַּיִת, bayit).
This severe prohibition addresses linguistic degradation of sacred terminology. When words lose meaning through misuse, reality itself becomes obscured. God bans the term massa because it has been corrupted beyond recovery. The punishment's extension to 'his house' reflects covenant corporate solidarity—households share responsibility for profaning God's name. Jesus similarly warned against every idle word requiring account (Matthew 12:36). Language shapes reality; corrupt language corrupts communities. The prohibition protects divine communication's integrity.