King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:13 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:13 in the King James Version says “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine;... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. assured: Heb. peace of truth

Jeremiah 14:13 · KJV


Context

11

Then said the LORD unto me, Pray not for this people for their good.

12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

13

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. assured: Heb. peace of truth

14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought , and the deceit of their heart.

15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jeremiah protests: 'Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.' This explains the people's complacency: false prophets contradict Jeremiah's warnings, promising 'assured peace' (Hebrew 'shalom emet'—true, reliable peace). Jeremiah appeals to God, effectively saying the people have been misled. This raises the problem of competing prophetic voices—how can people discern true from false? The false prophets' message was more pleasant but ultimately deadly, while Jeremiah's harsh message, though rejected, was true and life-saving for those who heeded.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

False prophets like Hananiah (Jeremiah 28) contradicted Jeremiah's warnings, promising swift deliverance from Babylon. Their optimistic lies were more popular but proved catastrophically wrong.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers discern true from false prophetic voices today?
  2. Why is the more pleasant message often false while harsh truth is rejected?
  3. What responsibility do false teachers bear for those they mislead?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
אֹמְרִ֤ים1 of 22

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲהָ֣הּ׀2 of 22

I Ah

H162

oh!

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 22

Lord

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֗ה4 of 22

GOD

H3069

god

הִנֵּ֨ה5 of 22
H2009

lo!

הַנְּבִאִ֜ים6 of 22

behold the prophets

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֹמְרִ֤ים7 of 22

Then said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶם֙8 of 22
H0
לֹֽא9 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִרְא֣וּ10 of 22

unto them Ye shall not see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

חֶ֔רֶב11 of 22

the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְרָעָ֖ב12 of 22

neither shall ye have famine

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

לֹֽא13 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֣ה14 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָכֶ֑ם15 of 22
H0
כִּֽי16 of 22
H3588

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

שְׁל֤וֹם17 of 22

peace

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אֱמֶת֙18 of 22

you assured

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

אֶתֵּ֣ן19 of 22

but I will give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָכֶ֔ם20 of 22
H0
בַּמָּק֖וֹם21 of 22

in this place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַזֶּֽה׃22 of 22
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 14:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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