Jeremiah 14:14

Jeremiah 14:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.

King James Version KJV

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

American Standard Version ASV

Then Jehovah said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name; I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake I unto them: they prophesy unto you a lying vision, and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their own heart.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the Lord said to me, The prophets say false words in my name, and I gave them no orders, and I said nothing to them: what they say to you is a false vision and wonder-working words without substance, the deceit of their hearts.

Free Bible Version FBV

The prophets are prophesying lies in my name, replied the Lord. I didn't send them or choose them or speak to them. It's a lying vision, an empty prediction, a deluded, deceitful product of their own minds that they are prophesying to you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then the Lord said vnto me, The prophets prophecie lyes in my Name: I haue not sent them, neither did I command them, neither spake I vnto them, but they prophecie vnto you a false vision, and diuination, and vanitie, and deceitfulnes of their owne heart.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto me: Falsehood the prophets are prophesying in My name, I did not send them, nor command them, Nor have I spoken unto them: A false vision, and divination, and vanity, And the deceit of their own heart, they are prophesying to you.

World English Bible WEB

Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I didn’t send them. I didn’t command them. I didn’t speak to them. They prophesy to you a lying vision, divination, and a thing of nothing, and the deceit of their own heart.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then the LORD said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I have not sent them, neither have I commanded them, neither spoken to them: they prophesy to you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to me: The prophets prophesy falsely in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, nor have I spoken to them: they prophesy unto you a lying vision, and divination and deceit, and the seduction of their own heart.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh replied to me, “Those prophets say that they are speaking what I tell them to say [MTY], but they are telling lies. I did not send them, so what they are saying is false. They say that they have received visions from me, and that they are telling things that I have revealed to them, but that is not true. They are saying foolish things that they have only thought of themselves.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 14:14

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 14:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֵלַ֗/י שֶׁ֚קֶר הַ/נְּבִאִים֙ נִבְּאִ֣ים בִּ/שְׁמִ֔/י לֹ֤א שְׁלַחְתִּי/ם֙ וְ/לֹ֣א צִוִּיתִ֔י/ם וְ/לֹ֥א דִבַּ֖רְתִּי אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם חֲז֨וֹן שֶׁ֜קֶר וְ/קֶ֤סֶם ו/אלול וֶֽ/אֱלִיל֙ ו/תרמות וְ/תַרְמִ֣ית לִבָּ֔/ם הֵ֖מָּה מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֥ים לָ/כֶֽם

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

שֶׁ֚קֶר sheqer H8267 deception N-ms

הַ/נְּבִאִים֙ nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-mp

נִבְּאִ֣ים nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Niphal

בִּ/שְׁמִ֔/י shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part

שְׁלַחְתִּי/ם֙ shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

צִוִּיתִ֔י/ם tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

דִבַּ֖רְתִּי dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-1cs

אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

חֲז֨וֹן châzôwn H2377 vision N-ms

שֶׁ֜קֶר sheqer H8267 deception N-ms

וְ/קֶ֤סֶם qeçem H7081 divination Conj | N-ms

ו/אלול ʼĕlûwl H434 worthless Conj | N-proper

וֶֽ/אֱלִיל֙ ʼĕlîyl H457 idol Conj | N-ms

ו/תרמות tormâh H8649 treachery Conj | N-fs

וְ/תַרְמִ֣ית tormâh H8649 treachery Conj | N-fs

לִבָּ֔/ם lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

הֵ֖מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron

מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֥ים nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Hithpael

לָ/כֶֽם Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 14:14

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֜ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֵלַ֗/י ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

שֶׁ֚קֶר sheqer H8267 "deception" N-ms

This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.

Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain

Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.

הַ/נְּבִאִים֙ nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-mp

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

נִבְּאִ֣ים nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" V-Niphal

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

בִּ/שְׁמִ֔/י shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שְׁלַחְתִּי/ם֙ shâlach H7971 "to send" V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.

Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send

Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

צִוִּיתִ֔י/ם tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

דִבַּ֖רְתִּי dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-1cs

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

אֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

חֲז֨וֹן châzôwn H2377 "vision" N-ms

A vision or revelation from God, often received through dreams or prophecy. This word is used in the Bible to describe divine communication, like the visions received by prophets in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) vision 1a) vision (in ecstatic state) 1b) vision (in night) 1c) vision, oracle, prophecy (divine communication) 1d) vision (as title of book of prophecy)

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: vision. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Daniel 1:17; Psalms 89:20.

שֶׁ֜קֶר sheqer H8267 "deception" N-ms

וְ/קֶ֤סֶם qeçem H7081 "divination" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to the act of seeking guidance through witchcraft or divination, which was common among false prophets. It can also mean a reward or payment for such services. The Bible warns against these practices in Deuteronomy and other books.

Definition: 1) divination, witchcraft 1a) of the nations, Balaam 1b) of false prophets 1c) in a good sense (king's lips as oracles)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (reward of) divination, divine sentence, witchcraft. See also: Numbers 22:7; Proverbs 16:10; Jeremiah 14:14.

ו/אלול ʼĕlûwl H434 "worthless" Conj | N-proper

This Hebrew word means something is worthless or useless, like an idol that has no real power. It appears in the Bible to describe things that are empty or have no value. In the KJV, it is translated as a thing of nought.

Definition: 1) worthless, something worthless, ineffective 2) worthless gods, idols

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: thing of nought. See also: Jeremiah 14:14.

וֶֽ/אֱלִיל֙ ʼĕlîyl H457 "idol" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word means something worthless or an idol, often referring to false gods. It appears in the Bible as a warning against worshiping things with no value. In KJV translations, it is rendered as idol or thing of nought.

Definition: 1) of nought, good for nothing, worthless 1a) of physicians, a shepherd, a divination 1b) of false gods

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: idol, no value, thing of nought. See also: Leviticus 19:4; Isaiah 10:10; Psalms 96:5.

ו/תרמות tormâh H8649 "treachery" Conj | N-fs

This word means deceitfulness or fraud, describing actions that are dishonest or treacherous. It is used to describe secret or sneaky behavior, often with negative intentions.

Definition: in treachery, treacherously

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful), privily. See also: Judges 9:31; Jeremiah 14:14; Psalms 119:118.

וְ/תַרְמִ֣ית tormâh H8649 "treachery" Conj | N-fs

This word means deceitfulness or fraud, describing actions that are dishonest or treacherous. It is used to describe secret or sneaky behavior, often with negative intentions.

Definition: in treachery, treacherously

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful), privily. See also: Judges 9:31; Jeremiah 14:14; Psalms 119:118.

לִבָּ֔/ם lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

הֵ֖מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

מִֽתְנַבְּאִ֥ים nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" V-Hithpael

To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.

Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.

לָ/כֶֽם "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Jeremiah 14:14

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Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 14:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:14
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:14
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14
Sermons on Jeremiah 14:14

Context — Drought, Famine, Sword, and Plague

12Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” 13“Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’”

14“The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.

15Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end! 16And the people to whom they prophesy will be thrown into the streets of Jerusalem because of famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out their own evil upon them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 13:6–7	They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?
2	Ezekiel 12:24	For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations within the house of Israel,
3	Jeremiah 29:8–9	For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them. For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD.”
4	Isaiah 30:10–11	They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”
5	Jeremiah 29:31	“Send a message telling all the exiles what the LORD says concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite. Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you—though I did not send him—and has made you trust in a lie,
6	Lamentations 2:14	The visions of your prophets were empty and deceptive; they did not expose your guilt to ward off your captivity. The burdens they envisioned for you were empty and misleading.
7	Jeremiah 27:9–10	But as for you, do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums, or your sorcerers who declare, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish.
8	2 Thessalonians 2:9–11	The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie,
9	Micah 3:11	Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”
10	Jeremiah 5:31	The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?

Jeremiah 14:14 Summary

[This verse, Jeremiah 14:14, is a warning from God about prophets who claim to speak for Him but are actually speaking lies. These false prophets are not sent by God and are speaking from their own imaginations, as seen in Jeremiah 23:16. We must be careful to seek truth from God's Word, the Bible, and not follow after false teachings or messages that do not align with Scripture, just like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of following false prophets and instead find wisdom and guidance from God Himself, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for prophets to prophesy lies in God's name?

According to Jeremiah 14:14, these prophets are speaking falsely on behalf of God, claiming He has spoken to them when He has not, similar to the situation described in Deuteronomy 18:20 where a prophet speaks in the name of other gods or gives a message that does not come to pass.

How can we distinguish between true and false prophets?

The Bible teaches that true prophets will speak in accordance with God's Word and their messages will come to pass, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:22, whereas false prophets will speak lies and their messages will not come to pass, as seen in Jeremiah 14:14-15.

What is the consequence of following false prophets?

According to Jeremiah 14:15-16, those who follow false prophets will face severe judgment, including sword and famine, because they have rejected God's true Word and followed after lies, similar to the warning given in Matthew 7:15.

Can God use false prophets to accomplish His purposes?

While God is sovereign and can use any situation for His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 14:14 emphasizes that He does not send or appoint false prophets, and their messages are considered worthless divination and delusion, highlighting the importance of seeking truth from God's Word in Jeremiah 29:13.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I may be listening to or following 'false prophets' in my own life, and how can I turn back to God's true Word?
How can I discern whether a message or teaching is truly from God, and what role should the Bible play in my decision-making process?
In what ways am I seeking after 'false visions' or 'worthless divination' in my own life, and how can I instead seek after God's truth and wisdom in Proverbs 2:6?
What does it mean for me to 'prophesy out of the futility and delusion of my own mind', and how can I avoid this by seeking God's guidance in Psalm 119:105?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 14:14

Then said the Lord unto me,.... In reply to the above excuse, in favour of the people: the prophets prophesy lies in my name; it is a wicked thing to tell lies; it is more so to foretell them, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 14:14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14

They did not only prophesy falsehoods, but lies, what they knew to be false; for they pretended that God had revealed such things unto them; for admit the things they spake (as to men) but future contingencies, which might be true or false, yet it was a lie for them to pretend that God had told them any such things. The things were certainly false in themselves, being contrary to God’ s revelation; but setting that aside, for them to pretend God had revealed that to them which he had not revealed was a formed lie. God denieth that he ever commanded them to speak any such things, or sent them upon any such errands; they prophesied what came in their own foolish heads, and the deceits of their own hearts.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14

Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.Ver. 14. The prophets prophesy falsely in my name, &c.] These are certain signs of impostors in the Church in all ages, against whom, now, if ever, the temple doors had need be well guarded, and the pulpit doors have written on them, Oυδειςεισιτωαναξιος, Let no unworthy creature presume to come here.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14

(14) They prophesy unto you . . .—The four forms of the evil are carefully enumerated: (1) the false vision, false as being but the dream of a disordered fancy; (2) divination, by signs and auguries, as, e.g., by arrows (Ezekiel 21:21) or cups (Genesis 44:5); (3) by “a thing of nought,” or, more accurately, the “idol” or small image of a god, used as the Teraphim were used (Ezekiel 21:21; Zechariah 10:2), as in some way forecasting the future; (4) the deceit of their heart, i.e., an imposture pure and simple, the fraud of a deliberately counterfeit inspiration.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14

Verse 14. The prophets prophesy lies] They say they have visions, but they have them by divination, and they are false. The people should know their character, and avoid them; but they love to have it so, and will not be undeceived.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 14:14

11–18. See introductory summary to section.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 14:14

Divination - i. e., “conjuring,” the abuse of the less understood powers of nature. It was strictly forbidden to all Jews Deuteronomy 18:10. A thing of nought - Probably a small idol made of the more precious metals Isaiah 2:20.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 14:14

14. The prophets prophesy lies — The plea is not admitted. This false prophesying was itself the outgrowth of deeper apostasy and rebellion. It is not the cause, but only one of the forms, of the evil.

Sermons on Jeremiah 14:14

	Sermon	Description
	A Great Apostasy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining a childlike trust and confidence in God. He criticizes the modern methods and techniques used in churches and
	(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception
	Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of testing teachings and doctrines based on four criteria: Did Jesus do it? Did Jesus teach it? Did the apostles do it? Did th
	(Where Is the Church Going) 6. One Day We Will Give an Account to God by Miki Hardy	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to the gospel of Jesus Christ and not getting involved in messages that have no sense or are meant to enterta
	Itching Ears by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer addresses the troubling trend within the church where many prioritize pleasure over a genuine love for God. He highlights that many Christians today have 'itching ears,'
	Jeremiah 23:29 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith addresses the dire spiritual condition of the nation, emphasizing how false prophets mislead the people with lies, leading them away from the true worship of God. He hi
	Epistle 50 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about dwelling in purity and waiting for the power of God to preserve believers in that purity. He emphasizes knowing the seed of God in one another to overcome