King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 27:15 Mean?

Jeremiah 27:15 in the King James Version says “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 mi...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Jeremiah 27:15 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

17

Hearken not unto them; serve the king of Babylon, and live: wherefore should this city be laid waste?

Read Jeremiah 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I have not sent them, saith the LORD—God emphatically declares these prophets lack divine commission. The Hebrew lo-shalakhti otam (לֹא־שְׁלַחְתִּי אֹתָם, I have not sent them) is emphatic negative—God takes no responsibility for their message. True prophecy requires divine sending (shalakh, שָׁלַח); self-appointed prophets, regardless of sincerity, speak only human imagination. This establishes the crucial test: divine commission and conformity to God's revealed word authenticate true prophecy.

Yet they prophesy a lie in my name—The prophets invoke Yahweh's authority (in my name, bishmi, בִּשְׁמִי) for their false message, making them not just wrong but blasphemous—claiming God said what He never said. This is the third commandment violation: taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7). The consequence follows: that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you—Both false prophets and those who follow them will perish. God's purpose (lema'an, לְמַעַן, in order that) is not to destroy but to save, yet when people reject His true word for comforting lies, judgment becomes inevitable. The prophets who promised life would bring death—to themselves and their followers. This sobering reality should make all who claim to speak for God tremble at the responsibility (James 3:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The false prophets' fate was sealed when Jerusalem fell. Those who promised Babylon would be quickly defeated perished in the siege or were executed afterward. Jeremiah survived because Babylon recognized his counsel had been friendly to their interests—yet he spoke not for Babylon but for God. The book of Lamentations describes the destruction these false prophets helped bring: 'Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment' (Lamentations 2:14). Their failure to speak God's true word of judgment and call for repentance resulted in the very catastrophe they falsely promised wouldn't occur.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to prophesy 'in God's name' falsely, and how might this happen today through misuse of Scripture?
  2. Why does God hold both false teachers and those who follow them accountable?
  3. How should the sobering responsibility of teaching or proclaiming God's word affect how we approach ministry and spiritual leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

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

לֹ֤א2 of 17
H3808

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

שְׁלַחְתִּים֙3 of 17

“For I have not sent”

H7971

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

נְאֻם4 of 17

“them saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָ֔ה5 of 17

“the LORD”

H3068

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

וְהֵ֛ם6 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַֽנִּבְּאִ֥ים7 of 17

“that prophesy”

H5012

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

בִּשְׁמִ֖י8 of 17

“in my name”

H8034

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

לַשָּׁ֑קֶר9 of 17

“a lie”

H8267

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

לְמַ֨עַן10 of 17
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הַדִּיחִ֤י11 of 17

“that I might drive you out”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

אֶתְכֶם֙12 of 17
H853

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

וַאֲבַדְתֶּ֔ם13 of 17

“and that ye might perish”

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

אַתֶּ֕ם14 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְהַנְּבִאִ֖ים15 of 17

“ye and the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַֽנִּבְּאִ֥ים16 of 17

“that prophesy”

H5012

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

לָכֶֽם׃17 of 17
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 27:15 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 27:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 27:10Jeremiah 6:13-15Jeremiah 14:15-162 Chronicles 25:16Jeremiah 28:16-17Jeremiah 8:10-12

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