King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 14:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 14:15 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Jeremiah 14:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.

Read Jeremiah 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The judgment on false prophets: '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.' This is poetic justice: what they denied would come, claiming divine authority, will destroy them. Their confident assertion 'shall not be' becomes their means of destruction. This demonstrates God's hatred of false teaching that misleads people under claim of divine authority. The false prophets' fate serves as vindication of God's true word through Jeremiah.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The false prophets who promised peace perished when Babylon conquered Jerusalem. Their deaths validated Jeremiah's contested prophecies and exposed their lies, though this vindication came too late to save those they'd misled.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on false teachers vindicate His true word and servants?
  2. What is the relationship between the content of false teaching and the nature of judgment that follows?
  3. Why does God particularly judge those who mislead others while claiming His authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
לָכֵ֞ן1 of 24
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּֽה2 of 24
H3541

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

אֹֽמְרִ֔ים3 of 24

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה4 of 24

“the LORD”

H3068

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

עַֽל5 of 24
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַנְּבִאִ֖ים6 of 24

“concerning the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַנִּבְּאִ֣ים7 of 24

“that prophesy”

H5012

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

בִּשְׁמִי֮8 of 24

“in my name”

H8034

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

וַאֲנִ֣י9 of 24
H589

i

לֹֽא10 of 24
H3808

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

שְׁלַחְתִּים֒11 of 24

“and I sent”

H7971

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

וְהֵ֙מָּה֙12 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֹֽמְרִ֔ים13 of 24

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּחֶ֤רֶב14 of 24

“By sword”

H2719

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

וּבָֽרָעָב֙15 of 24

“and famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

לֹ֥א16 of 24
H3808

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

יִהְיֶ֖ה17 of 24
H1961

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

בָּאָ֣רֶץ18 of 24

“shall not be in this land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַזֹּ֑את19 of 24
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בַּחֶ֤רֶב20 of 24

“By sword”

H2719

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

וּבָֽרָעָב֙21 of 24

“and famine”

H7458

hunger (more or less extensive)

יִתַּ֔מּוּ22 of 24

“be consumed”

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

הַנְּבִאִ֖ים23 of 24

“concerning the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הָהֵֽמָּה׃24 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

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 14:15 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 14:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 5:12-13Ezekiel 14:10Jeremiah 8:12Jeremiah 6:15Jeremiah 20:6Jeremiah 28:15-17

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