King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 29:9 Mean?

Jeremiah 29:9 in the King James Version says “For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. falsely: Heb. in a lie” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. falsely: Heb. in a lie”

Jeremiah 29:9 · KJV

Context

7

And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

8

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

9

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD. falsely: Heb. in a lie

10

For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. expected: Heb. end and expectation

Read Jeremiah 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God emphatically declares these prophets are false—'I have not sent them.' This is the crucial test of true prophecy: divine commission. The false prophets claimed to speak 'in my name,' invoking Yahweh's authority, yet God never commissioned them. They were self-appointed, speaking from their own imagination rather than divine revelation. This makes their sin not merely error but presumption—claiming God said what He never said.

The phrase 'they prophesy falsely unto you' uses the same word for prophecy as true prophets, highlighting that false prophecy mimics authentic prophecy. False teachers use biblical language, claim divine inspiration, and may even perform signs. The distinction is not in style or sincerity but in actual divine commission and faithfulness to God's revealed word. Jeremiah himself was sent (1:7); these prophets were not.

This establishes the criterion for testing all religious claims: does this message align with God's revealed word in Scripture? Paul commended the Bereans for examining his teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). No claim to special revelation, prophetic gifting, or spiritual authority trumps the written word. If a message contradicts Scripture, regardless of who speaks it or what signs accompany it, it is false. The final authority is God's revealed word, not human experience or claims to divine inspiration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The issue of true versus false prophecy plagued Israel throughout its history. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 provided tests: prophets who spoke in other gods' names or whose predictions didn't come to pass were false. But what about prophets who spoke in Yahweh's name and made predictions that weren't immediately verifiable? Jeremiah's seventy-year prophecy would take decades to be confirmed. The ultimate test was conformity to God's known revelation and covenant—did the prophecy align with God's revealed character and promises?

Reflection Questions

  1. What tests does Scripture provide for discerning true from false prophets and teachers?
  2. How should we respond when someone claims 'God told me' something that contradicts or adds to Scripture?
  3. What is the relationship between ongoing claims to prophetic gifting and the finality and sufficiency of Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֣י1 of 10
H3588

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

בְשֶׁ֔קֶר2 of 10

“falsely”

H8267

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

הֵ֛ם3 of 10
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

נִבְּאִ֥ים4 of 10

“For they prophesy”

H5012

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

לָכֶ֖ם5 of 10
H0
בִּשְׁמִ֑י6 of 10

“unto you in my name”

H8034

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

לֹ֥א7 of 10
H3808

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

שְׁלַחְתִּ֖ים8 of 10

“I have not sent”

H7971

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

נְאֻם9 of 10

“them saith”

H5002

an oracle

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“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 29:9 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 29:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 27:15Jeremiah 29:31Jeremiah 29:23

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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