King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:31 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:31 in the King James Version says “Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. that: or, that smooth thei...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. that: or, that smooth their tongues”

Jeremiah 23:31 · KJV

Context

29

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

30

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

31

Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. that: or, that smooth their tongues

32

Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

33

And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

Read Jeremiah 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, I am against the prophets...that use their tongues, and say, He saith (הַלֹּקְחִים לְשׁוֹנָם וַיִּנְאֲמוּ נְאֻם, haloq'chim l'shonam vayyin'amu n'um)—they manufacture oracles then attach the formula נְאֻם ('declares'), the technical term for divine utterance. The phrase 'they oracle an oracle' mocks their pretense—using sacred language as verb.

This is spiritual forgery, counterfeiting God's signature. The formula appears 365 times in Jeremiah, marking authentic prophecy. False prophets exploited it, assuming language itself carried authority. Jesus condemned those saying 'Lord, Lord' yet practicing lawlessness (Matthew 7:21). Right vocabulary without divine reality is theater.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The formula 'declares the LORD' signaled divine speech, not human opinion. False prophets assumed the language itself granted authority regardless of actual commission. This is like signing someone else's name to documents—identity theft at the highest level.

Reflection Questions

  1. When do you use religious language without genuine divine guidance?
  2. How can communities distinguish authentic prophecy from opinion in spiritual garb?
  3. What accountability exists for those claiming to speak for God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הִנְנִ֥י1 of 9
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עַל2 of 9
H5921

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

הַנְּבִיאִ֖ם3 of 9

“Behold I am against the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

נְאֻֽם׃4 of 9

“He saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֑ה5 of 9

“the LORD”

H3068

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

הַלֹּקְחִ֣ים6 of 9

“that use”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לְשׁוֹנָ֔ם7 of 9

“their tongues”

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

וַֽיִּנְאֲמ֖וּ8 of 9

“and say”

H5001

properly, to whisper, i.e., (by implication) to utter as an oracle

נְאֻֽם׃9 of 9

“He saith”

H5002

an oracle

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 23:31 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 23:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:17Isaiah 30:102 Chronicles 18:52 Chronicles 18:10-122 Chronicles 18:19-21Micah 2:11

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