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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 31

23:31
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

Meaning

Within this verse, the LORD is expressing His disapproval of prophets who claim to speak on His behalf but are actually speaking their own thoughts. The LORD is against those who misuse their tongues to deceive others by attributing their own words to Him. This verse serves as a warning against false prophets who twist the truth and mislead people with their deceptive messages. It highlights the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones, and the need to be vigilant in testing the spirits to ensure that the messages we receive are truly from the LORD. By declaring His opposition to such prophets, the LORD is emphasizing the seriousness of speaking in His name and the consequences of misleading His people. This verse serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who claim to speak for God, and to always seek His truth above all else.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah speaks on behalf of the Lord, condemning false prophets who claim to speak on God's behalf when they are actually deceiving the people. The phrase "Behold, I am against the prophets" signifies God's direct opposition to those who misuse their authority and twist his message with false prophecies. The emphasis on "use their tongues" highlights the deceptive nature of these prophets, emphasizing the power of speech in spreading falsehood. The image of God being against these prophets signifies his displeasure with their actions and his intention to bring judgment upon them. This verse serves as a warning against those who claim to speak for God but do not truly represent his word, highlighting the importance of discernment and staying true to the genuine teachings of the Lord.

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