Jeremiah 23:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Jeremiah 23:28
28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
Chapter Context
Jeremiah 23 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, fellowship, love. Written during the final years of Judah and early exile (c. 627-580 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Prophesied during Judah's final years as Babylon became the dominant power.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Jeremiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Jeremiah 23:28
28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.
Analysis
What is the chaff to the wheat? (מַה־לַתֶּבֶן אֶת־הַבָּר, mah-latteven et-habbar)—dreams without divine origin are chaff, worthless wind-blown refuse. God's word is wheat—nourishing, life-sustaining, weighty. Let him speak my word faithfully (יְדַבֵּר דְּבָרִי אֱמֶת, y'daber d'vari emet) establishes the standard.
John the Baptist used similar imagery for judgment (Matthew 3:12). Jesus taught man lives by every word from God's mouth (Matthew 4:4)—not every dream, feeling, or impression. The contrast isn't dreams versus non-dreams but divine revelation versus human imagination. Chaff appears substantial but lacks nutritional value; God's word nourishes.
Historical Context
The agricultural metaphor resonated in agrarian Judah. Threshing floors separated wheat from chaff through winnowing—wind carried away useless husks. Everyone understood chaff's worthlessness. Jeremiah uses shared experience to illustrate spiritual discernment—God's word has substance; false prophecy blows away.
Reflection
- How do you distinguish wheat (substantial truth) from chaff (impressive but empty claims)?
- What chaff might you be consuming—religious content lacking real substance?
- How faithfully are you speaking God's word versus sharing opinions?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Faith: Proverbs 14:5, Matthew 24:45, Luke 12:42, 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Timothy 1:12
- Word: 2 Corinthians 2:17