King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:14 in the King James Version says “Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neith...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 14:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Read Jeremiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God responds to Jeremiah's concern about false prophets: '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.' The threefold denial ('sent not,' 'commanded not,' 'spake not') emphasizes their illegitimacy. Their message's source is revealed: 'they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.' Four descriptors: false vision, divination (occult practices), worthlessness ('thing of nought'), and heart-deceit. This shows false prophecy's origins: not divine revelation but human imagination or demonic deception. God disowns these prophets completely.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout redemptive history, false prophets arose claiming divine authority for messages originating in human desire or demonic influence (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20-22; 1 Kings 22:1-28).

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the marks of false prophecy that help believers identify it?
  2. How do false teachers claim divine authority for messages originating in human or demonic sources?
  3. What accountability do those who prophesy falsely 'in God's name' bear?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 23

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 23

“Then the LORD”

H3068

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

אֵלַ֗י3 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֶׁ֜קֶר4 of 23

“lies”

H8267

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

הַנְּבִאִים֙5 of 23

“unto me The prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֥ים6 of 23

“prophesy”

H5012

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

בִּשְׁמִ֔י7 of 23

“in my name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לֹ֤א8 of 23
H3808

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

שְׁלַחְתִּים֙9 of 23

“I sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְלֹ֣א10 of 23
H3808

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

צִוִּיתִ֔ים11 of 23

“them not neither have I commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

וְלֹ֥א12 of 23
H3808

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

דִבַּ֖רְתִּי13 of 23

“them neither spake”

H1696

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

אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם14 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חֲז֨וֹן15 of 23

“vision”

H2377

a sight (mentally), i.e., a dream, revelation, or oracle

שֶׁ֜קֶר16 of 23

“lies”

H8267

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

וְקֶ֤סֶם17 of 23

“and divination”

H7081

a lot; also divination (including its fee), oracle

וֶֽאֱלִול֙18 of 23

“and a thing of nought”

H457

good for nothing, by analogy vain or vanity; specifically an idol

וְתַרְמִ֣ות19 of 23

“and the deceit”

H8649

fraud

לִבָּ֔ם20 of 23

“of their heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

הֵ֖מָּה21 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֥ים22 of 23

“prophesy”

H5012

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

לָכֶֽם׃23 of 23
H0

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 14:14 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 14:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 13:6-7Jeremiah 29:8-9Ezekiel 12:24Lamentations 2:14Jeremiah 29:31Isaiah 30:10-11

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