Jeremiah 27:16

Authorized King James Version

Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD'S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַכֹּהֲנִים֩

H3548

to the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָעָ֨ם

H5971

and to all this people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֜ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

דִּבַּ֣רְתִּי

H1696

Also I spake

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

כֹּה֮

H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

#10

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

of the LORD'S

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אַֽל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#13

תִּשְׁמְע֞וּ

H8085

Hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

דִּבְרֵ֣י

H1697

not to the words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#16

נְבִֽיאֵיכֶ֗ם

H5030

of your prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#17

נִבְּאִ֥ים

H5012

for they prophesy

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

#18

לָכֶם֙

#19

לֵאמֹ֔ר

H559

Thus saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#20

הִנֵּ֨ה

H2009

lo!

#21

כְלֵ֧י

H3627

Behold the vessels

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#22

בֵית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#23

יְהוָ֛ה

H3068

of the LORD'S

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#24

מוּשָׁבִ֥ים

H7725

be brought again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#25

מִבָּבֶ֖לָה

H894

from Babylon

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

#26

עַתָּ֣ה

H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

#27

מְהֵרָ֑ה

H4120

shall now shortly

properly, a hurry; hence (adverbially) promptly

#28

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#29

שֶׁ֔קֶר

H8267

a lie

an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)

#30

הֵ֖מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#31

נִבְּאִ֥ים

H5012

for they prophesy

to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)

#32

לָכֶֽם׃

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Jeremiah chapter 27 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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