Jeremiah 23:37
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
מֶה
H4100
מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָנָ֣ךְ
answered
H6030
עָנָ֣ךְ
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
יְהוָֽה׃
What hath the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
What hath the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
Historical Context
This instructional repetition suggests catechetical intent—teaching Israel proper liturgical/theological language through memorization. Ancient oral cultures relied on repetition for retention. The verse's pedagogical structure indicates Jeremiah was not merely condemning but reforming, providing alternative frameworks for approaching divine revelation. The specific mention of questioning prophets addresses the crisis of prophetic authority plaguing Jeremiah's era.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you test those who claim to speak for God, demanding personal accountability for their messages?
- What liturgical or theological language needs reforming in your church to restore reverence?
- How might repetitive practice of right speech patterns reform your theological imagination?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken? (כֹּה תֹאמַר אֶל־הַנָּבִיא מֶה־עָנָךְ יְהוָה וּמַה־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, koh tomar el-hannavi meh-anakh YHWH umah-dibber YHWH). This verse repeats verse 35's corrective language but applies it specifically to questioning prophets (אֶל־הַנָּבִיא, el-hannavi, 'to the prophet'). The repetition emphasizes instruction: when consulting prophets, use this respectful formula. The verbs remain עָנָה (anah, 'answer') and דִּבֶּר (dibber, 'speak'), maintaining God as active subject.
The pedagogical repetition drills proper theological language into communal memory. Like children learning manners through repeated correction, Israel must unlearn corrupted patterns and relearn reverent speech. The specific application to prophets addresses the professional class most responsible for linguistic degradation. By forcing prophets to respond to 'What has the LORD answered you?' rather than 'What is the burden?', the formula requires prophets to take personal responsibility—God answered you specifically, not some generic oracle. This accountability mechanism combats false prophecy's vagueness.