Jeremiah 27:18
But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts, that the vessels which are left in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah, and at Jerusalem, go not to Babylon.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 23
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
נְבִאִ֣ים
But if they be prophets
H5030
נְבִאִ֣ים
But if they be prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
2 of 23
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 23
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֵ֥שׁ
be
H3426
יֵ֥שׁ
be
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
5 of 23
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
דְּבַר
and if the word
H1697
דְּבַר
and if the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
6 of 23
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אִתָּ֑ם
H854
אִתָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יִפְגְּעוּ
with them let them now make intercession
H6293
יִפְגְּעוּ
with them let them now make intercession
Strong's:
H6293
Word #:
9 of 23
to impinge, by accident or violence, or (figuratively) by importunity
נָא֙
H4994
נָא֙
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
10 of 23
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
H6635
צְבָא֔וֹת
of hosts
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
12 of 23
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לְבִלְתִּי
H1115
לְבִלְתִּי
Strong's:
H1115
Word #:
13 of 23
properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n
הַכֵּלִ֣ים׀
that the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֣ים׀
that the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
15 of 23
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַנּוֹתָרִ֣ים
which are left
H3498
הַנּוֹתָרִ֣ים
which are left
Strong's:
H3498
Word #:
16 of 23
to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve
וּבֵ֨ית
and in the house
H1004
וּבֵ֨ית
and in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
17 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 23
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבֵ֨ית
and in the house
H1004
וּבֵ֨ית
and in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
19 of 23
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֛ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
21 of 23
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
Cross References
1 Samuel 7:8And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.Jeremiah 18:20Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.1 Kings 18:24And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God. And all the people answered and said, It is well spoken.1 Samuel 12:23Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:1 Samuel 12:19And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.
Historical Context
False prophets like Hananiah (chapter 28) were predicting Babylon's defeat within two years. This gave false hope, preventing the repentance God required.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you test modern prophecies and spiritual claims against Scripture?
- What's the relationship between prophetic gifting and intercessory prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse exposes false prophets who predicted quick restoration. True prophets intercede; false prophets presume. The test is whether their prophecies align with God's revealed word. Jeremiah challenges them: if they're real prophets, let them pray to prevent further loss rather than promising what God hasn't promised. Discernment requires comparing all messages against Scripture's standard.