King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:32 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:32 in the King James Version says “Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by th... — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Jeremiah 23:32 · KJV


Context

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.

34

And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house. punish: Heb. visit upon


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am against them that prophesy false dreams...and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness (וּבְפַחֲזוּתָם, uv'fachazvtam)—the term פַּחֲזוּת (pachazut, 'lightness/recklessness/frivolity') describes cavalier irresponsibility treating sacred matters frivolously. Yet I sent them not...therefore they shall not profit this people at all.

These prophets are theological arsonists spreading lies recklessly, causing people to err (תָּעָה, ta'ah, 'go astray'). Result? No profit (יוֹעִילוּ, yo'ilu). Despite religious activity and influence, zero spiritual value. Jesus warned against blind guides leading blind into ditches (Matthew 15:14). Ministry without divine sending produces activity without fruit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The false prophets' 'lightness' likely included entertainment, flattering rhetoric—making prophecy palatable and popular. They treated serious covenant matters casually, packaging truth-claims as performance. Contrast Jeremiah's anguish: 'My bowels!' (4:19), weeping over destruction. True prophets bore weight; false prophets treated it lightly.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where do you see lightness treating sacred matters casually in contemporary Christianity?
  2. How might your influence be producing activity without actual profit?
  3. What distinguishes weight of authentic ministry from lightness of religious performance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
הִ֠נְנִי1 of 25
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עַֽל2 of 25
H5921

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

נִבְּאֵ֞י3 of 25

Behold I am against them that prophesy

H5012

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

חֲלֹמ֥וֹת4 of 25

dreams

H2472

a dream

בְּשִׁקְרֵיהֶ֖ם5 of 25

by their lies

H8267

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

נְאֻם6 of 25

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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

וַֽיְסַפְּרוּם֙8 of 25

and do tell

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

וַיַּתְע֣וּ9 of 25

to err

H8582

to vacillate, i.e., reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both

אֶת10 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לָֽעָם11 of 25

them and cause my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

בְּשִׁקְרֵיהֶ֖ם12 of 25

by their lies

H8267

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

וּבְפַחֲזוּתָ֑ם13 of 25

and by their lightness

H6350

frivolity

וְאָנֹכִ֨י14 of 25
H595

i

לֹֽא15 of 25
H3808

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

שְׁלַחְתִּ֜ים16 of 25

yet I sent

H7971

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

וְלֹ֣א17 of 25
H3808

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

צִוִּיתִ֗ים18 of 25

them not nor commanded

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יוֹעִ֥ילוּ19 of 25

at all

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

לֹֽא20 of 25
H3808

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

יוֹעִ֥ילוּ21 of 25

at all

H3276

properly, to ascend; figuratively, to be valuable (objectively; useful, subjectively; benefited)

לָֽעָם22 of 25

them and cause my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַזֶּ֖ה23 of 25
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

נְאֻם24 of 25

saith

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃25 of 25

the LORD

H3068

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


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 23:32 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 23:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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