King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 27:14 Mean?

Jeremiah 27:14 in the King James Version says “Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.”

Jeremiah 27:14 · KJV

Context

12

I spake also to Zedekiah king of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live.

13

Why will ye die, thou and thy people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the LORD hath spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon?

14

Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

15

For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you. a lie: Heb. in a lie, or, lyingly

16

Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD'S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

Read Jeremiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon—God repeats the warning (cf. v. 9), emphasizing its urgency. The phrase hearken not (al-tishme'u, אַל־תִּשְׁמְעוּ) is emphatic prohibition—absolutely do not listen. These prophets spoke what people wanted to hear: nationalist promises of quick deliverance and restored independence. Their message was religiously attractive (trust God, not pagan Babylon) but theologically wrong (God had ordained Babylon's temporary dominance).

For they prophesy a lie unto you—The repeated accusation sheker (שֶׁקֶר, lie/falsehood) establishes these aren't sincere believers who happen to be mistaken; they are purveyors of deception. The danger of false prophecy is that it comes in God's name, uses religious language, and appeals to noble instincts (patriotism, faith in God's protection), yet leads away from God's actual will. Distinguishing true from false prophecy requires comparing the message to God's revealed word and character. These prophets promised what contradicted God's explicit revelation through Jeremiah. When prophecy contradicts Scripture, regardless of the prophet's sincerity or charisma, it must be rejected. Truth is not determined by popular vote, emotional appeal, or national sentiment, but by correspondence to God's revealed word.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Multiple false prophets operated during this period. Hananiah famously contradicted Jeremiah, breaking the symbolic yoke and promising return from exile within two years (Jeremiah 28). He died within that year as God's judgment. Other false prophets in Jerusalem and Babylon promised quick deliverance, encouraging rebellion against Babylonian authority. Their influence was strong because their message aligned with natural human desires for independence and divine protection. Jeremiah's counsel seemed defeatist and even treasonous—he was imprisoned and nearly killed for it (Jeremiah 37-38). Yet history vindicated God's true prophet: those who followed false prophets perished in Jerusalem's destruction; those who heeded Jeremiah's counsel survived.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we distinguish between true prophetic voices and false teachers who use religious language but contradict Scripture?
  2. What makes false teaching so dangerous when it appeals to legitimate desires like faith in God or hope for deliverance?
  3. In what ways might we be tempted to prefer comforting falsehoods over difficult truths from God's word?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאַֽל1 of 18
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּשְׁמְע֞וּ2 of 18

“Therefore hearken”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶל3 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דִּבְרֵ֣י4 of 18

“not unto the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַנְּבִאִ֗ים5 of 18

“of the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

לֵאמֹ֔ר6 of 18

“that speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיכֶם֙7 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 18

“that speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֥א9 of 18
H3808

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

תַעַבְד֖וּ10 of 18

“Ye shall not serve”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת11 of 18
H853

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

מֶ֣לֶךְ12 of 18

“the king”

H4428

a king

בָּבֶ֑ל13 of 18

“of Babylon”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

כִּ֣י14 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֶׁ֔קֶר15 of 18

“a lie”

H8267

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

הֵ֖ם16 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נִבְּאִ֥ים17 of 18

“for they prophesy”

H5012

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

לָכֶֽם׃18 of 18
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 27:14 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 27:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:14Jeremiah 23:21Jeremiah 29:8-92 Corinthians 11:13-152 Peter 2:1-3Jeremiah 27:9-10

Places in This Verse

Babylon 1Settlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E296 verses across 15 books
View all places in Jeremiah 27 →

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 27 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes