King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 23:37 Mean?

Jeremiah 23:37 in the King James Version says “Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?”

Jeremiah 23:37 · KJV

Context

35

Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

36

And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

37

Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

38

But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;

39

Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:

Read Jeremiah 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken? (כֹּה תֹאמַר אֶל־הַנָּבִיא מֶה־עָנָךְ יְהוָה וּמַה־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה, koh tomar el-hannavi meh-anakh YHWH umah-dibber YHWH). This verse repeats verse 35's corrective language but applies it specifically to questioning prophets (אֶל־הַנָּבִיא, el-hannavi, 'to the prophet'). The repetition emphasizes instruction: when consulting prophets, use this respectful formula. The verbs remain עָנָה (anah, 'answer') and דִּבֶּר (dibber, 'speak'), maintaining God as active subject.

The pedagogical repetition drills proper theological language into communal memory. Like children learning manners through repeated correction, Israel must unlearn corrupted patterns and relearn reverent speech. The specific application to prophets addresses the professional class most responsible for linguistic degradation. By forcing prophets to respond to 'What has the LORD answered you?' rather than 'What is the burden?', the formula requires prophets to take personal responsibility—God answered you specifically, not some generic oracle. This accountability mechanism combats false prophecy's vagueness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This instructional repetition suggests catechetical intent—teaching Israel proper liturgical/theological language through memorization. Ancient oral cultures relied on repetition for retention. The verse's pedagogical structure indicates Jeremiah was not merely condemning but reforming, providing alternative frameworks for approaching divine revelation. The specific mention of questioning prophets addresses the crisis of prophetic authority plaguing Jeremiah's era.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you test those who claim to speak for God, demanding personal accountability for their messages?
  2. What liturgical or theological language needs reforming in your church to restore reverence?
  3. How might repetitive practice of right speech patterns reform your theological imagination?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כֹּ֥ה1 of 10
H3541

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

תֹאמַ֖ר2 of 10

“Thus shalt thou say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנָּבִ֑יא4 of 10

“to the prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

מֶה5 of 10
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָנָ֣ךְ6 of 10

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 10

“What hath the LORD”

H3068

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

וּמַה8 of 10
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

דִּבֶּ֖ר9 of 10

“spoken”

H1696

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

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“What hath 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 23:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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