Jeremiah Chapter 23 · Verse 38
But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
But
H518
וְאִם
But
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מַשָּׂ֥א
The burden
H4853
מַשָּׂ֥א
The burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
2 of 22
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
5 of 22
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֚ה
H3541
כֹּ֚ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יַ֧עַן
H3282
יַ֧עַן
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
9 of 22
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this word
H1697
הַדָּבָ֥ר
this word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
12 of 22
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
מַשָּׂ֥א
The burden
H4853
מַשָּׂ֥א
The burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
14 of 22
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וָאֶשְׁלַ֤ח
and I have sent
H7971
וָאֶשְׁלַ֤ח
and I have sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
16 of 22
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
19 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
This verse implies a historical sequence: Jeremiah delivered God's prohibition, yet people—especially prophets and priests—continued using the banned phrase. Their persistence despite warning reveals entrenched rebellion. The religious establishment's investment in existing theological language made reform impossible without catastrophic judgment. Sometimes linguistic habits become so ingrained that only exile and starting over can break them.
Questions for Reflection
- What prohibited patterns of speech or thought do you cling to despite divine correction?
- How does persistence in 'small' disobediences (forbidden words) reveal deeper rebellion?
- What linguistic or theological habits in your faith community resist reform despite biblical challenge?
Analysis & Commentary
But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD. The conditional 'since' (וְאִם, v'im, 'but if') introduces judgment based on continued disobedience. Despite explicit prohibition (verse 34), they persist in saying מַשָּׂא יְהוָה (massa YHWH, 'the burden of the LORD'). The phrase and I have sent unto you, saying (וָאֶשְׁלַח אֲלֵיכֶם לֵאמֹר, va'eshlach aleikhem lemor) emphasizes active divine communication—God sent messengers forbidding this language.
The verse structure emphasizes willful rebellion:
This isn't innocent error but defiant disobedience to explicit command. The repetition of 'the burden of the LORD' (three times in one verse!) dramatizes their obstinate clinging to forbidden terminology. It's like children taunting a parent by repeating prohibited words. Such defiance transforms linguistic corruption into direct rebellion against divine authority. When God says 'Don't speak this way' and people insist on doing so, language becomes battleground for sovereignty.