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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 23  › Jeremiah 23:11

Jeremiah 23:11

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Jeremiah 23:11 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.

King James Version KJV

For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

for both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For the prophet as well as the priest is unclean; even in my house I have seen their evil-doing, says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

Both prophets and priests show no respect for me. I see wickedness even in my Temple, declares the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For both the prophet and the Priest doe wickedly: and their wickednesse haue I found in mine House, saith the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For both prophet and priest have been profane, Yea, in My house I found their wickedness, An affirmation of Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

for both prophet and priest are profane. Yes, in my house I have found their wickedness,” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For both prophet and priest are profane; even in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For the prophet and the priest are defiled: and in my house I have found their wickedness, saith the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh says, “Yes, even the priests and the prophets are ungodly; they do wicked things even in my temple.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:11

BAB
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 23:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי גַם נָבִ֥יא גַם כֹּהֵ֖ן חָנֵ֑פוּ גַּם בְּ/בֵיתִ֛/י מָצָ֥אתִי רָעָתָ֖/ם נְאֻם יְהוָֽה
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
גַם gam H1571 also Adv
נָבִ֥יא nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet N-ms
גַם gam H1571 also Adv
כֹּהֵ֖ן kôhên H3548 priest N-ms
חָנֵ֑פוּ chânêph H2610 to pollute V-Qal-Perf-3cp
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
בְּ/בֵיתִ֛/י bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms | Suff
מָצָ֥אתִי mâtsâʼ H4672 to find V-Qal-Perf-1cs
רָעָתָ֖/ם raʻ H7451 bad N-fs | Suff
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:11

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
נָבִ֥יא nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" N-ms
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.
גַם gam H1571 "also" Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
כֹּהֵ֖ן kôhên H3548 "priest" N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
חָנֵ֑פוּ chânêph H2610 "to pollute" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To pollute means to soil or corrupt, especially in a moral sense. It can also mean to be profaned or defiled, and is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be profaned, be defiled, be polluted, be corrupt 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be polluted 1a2) to be profane, be godless 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pollute 1b2) to make profane, make godless, cause to be defiled
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: corrupt, defile, [idiom] greatly, pollute, profane. See also: Numbers 35:33; Jeremiah 3:2; Psalms 106:38.
גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בְּ/בֵיתִ֛/י bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
מָצָ֥אתִי mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
רָעָתָ֖/ם raʻ H7451 "bad" N-fs | Suff
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 "utterance" N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
יְהוָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Zephaniah 3:4 Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.
2 Jeremiah 6:13 “For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
3 Matthew 21:12–13 Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’ ”
4 Jeremiah 32:34 They have placed their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it.
5 Ezekiel 23:39 On the very day they slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary to profane it. Yes, they did this inside My house.
6 Jeremiah 8:10 Therefore I will give their wives to other men and their fields to new owners. For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.
7 Jeremiah 7:30 For the people of Judah have done evil in My sight, declares the LORD. They have set up their abominations in the house that bears My Name, and so have defiled it.
8 2 Chronicles 36:14 Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem.
9 Ezekiel 8:16 So He brought me to the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the portico and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were bowing to the east in worship of the sun.
10 Jeremiah 7:10–11 and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 23:11 Summary

Jeremiah 23:11 tells us that God found wickedness even in His own house, among the prophets and priests who were supposed to be leading and guiding His people. This means that those who were supposed to be closest to God were actually living sinful lives, which is a serious offense to God's holiness, as seen in Isaiah 59:2-3. We can learn from this that God expects His people, especially leaders, to live according to His standards of righteousness and justice, as stated in Micah 6:8. By reflecting on this verse, we are reminded to examine our own hearts and actions, and to strive to live in a way that honors God, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:13-16.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for a prophet or priest to be ungodly?

In Jeremiah 23:11, being ungodly refers to the moral corruption and wickedness of those who were supposed to be spiritual leaders, as seen in Ezekiel 34:2-4 where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their selfishness and neglect of the flock.

How could God's house, the temple, be filled with wickedness?

According to Jeremiah 23:11, God's house was desecrated by the sinful actions of the prophets and priests, much like in Isaiah 1:13-15 where God rejects the sacrifices and prayers of the people due to their hypocrisy and injustice.

Is this verse saying that all prophets and priests are ungodly?

No, Jeremiah 23:11 is specifically addressing the corruption of the prophets and priests in Judah during Jeremiah's time, as seen in the context of Jeremiah 23:9-12, and is not a blanket statement about all spiritual leaders, as there were still faithful prophets like Jeremiah and faithful priests like Zechariah in Zechariah 1:1-6.

What is the significance of God finding wickedness in His own house?

This emphasizes the severity of the corruption, as God is holy and expects His people, especially leaders, to reflect that holiness, as stated in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, where God calls His people to be holy because He is holy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I, as a believer, can ensure that my heart and actions remain pure and pleasing to God, especially in my role within the church or community?
  2. How can I distinguish between true prophets or spiritual leaders and those who are false or corrupted, as warned in Matthew 7:15-20 and 1 John 4:1-6?
  3. In what ways can I support and pray for my spiritual leaders to remain faithful and untainted by the corruption of the world, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Hebrews 13:7-9?
  4. What does it mean for me to be a 'temple' of the Holy Spirit, as described in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, and how can I keep my 'temple' pure and dedicated to God?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:11

For both prophet and priest are profane,.... Being guilty of the afore mentioned sins.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:11

For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. Prophet and priest are profane - (Ezekiel 23:39; Zephaniah 3:4). In my house - (Jeremiah 7:30).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:11

Those whose work was to reveal the mind of God to the people, and who pretended to that office; and those that were employed in offering sacrifices, and other works which belonged to the priestly office, according to the law; the whole ecclesiastical order, all their ministry, were profane; not merely hypocritical, but lewd, immoral, and debauched. Yea, they were grown to that impudence, that they made the temple, which was the Lord’ s house, a den of thieves, a place where they committed wickedness. Thus it was in the time of Eli, , and more generally afterward, . See ,11, and of this chapter. There is no more certain sign of a ruining nation, than when God suffereth in it a lewd and corrupt ministry.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:11

Jeremiah 23:11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.Ver. 11. For both prophet and priest are profane.] What wonder, therefore, that the people were so? I have read of a woman, who, living in professed doubt of the Godhead, after better illumination and repentance, did often protest that the vicious life of a great scholar in that town did conjure up those damnable doubts ia her soul. And of another, that he desired a profane preacher to point him out a nearer way to heaven than that he had taught in his sermons, for he went not that way himself. Our Saviour foretelleth that "iniquity shall abound, love wax cold," &c.; and why? "Many false prophets shall arise." Yea, in my house have I found their wickedness.] Sin is not a little aggravated as by the time, sc., If committed on the Lord’ s day; so by the place, sc., If done in God’ s house, and in his special presence. Unclean glances or worldly thoughts in hearing, &c., argue a profane heart. Like as it were a sign the orthodox party were but weak, if, while they were at sermons, Papists dared come in and put them out. Mrs Ward’ s Happiness of Paradise.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:11

(11) In my house have I found their wickedness.—Prophet and priest are joined, as before (Jeremiah 5:31; Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 8:10), as playing into each other’s hands. It seems probable, from Jeremiah 32:34, that the sins of Ahaz and Manasseh had been repeated under Jehoiakim, and that the worship of other gods had been carried on side by side with that of Jehovah. With this, almost as its natural accompaniment, there may have been sins of another kind—shameless greed or yet more shameless profligacy—like those of the sons of Eli (1 Samuel 2:22).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:11

Verse 11. In my house] They had even introduced idolatry into the Temple of God!

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:11

11. in my house have I found their wickedness] Cp. Jeremiah 6:13, and see 2 Kings 21:5; 2 Kings 23:12.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:11

For both prophet and priest are profane - While by their office they are consecrated to God, they have made themselves common and unholy by their sins. See Jeremiah 3:9 note.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:11

11. Both prophet and priest are profane — Instead of being specially holy, they are specially wicked. Even into the very temple covetousness and impurity had come. See 2 Kings 23:12; Ezekiel 23:39; Zephaniah 3:4.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:11

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala General Session 1 W/ Pastor Cymbala by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and not personal opinions or dreams. He criticizes false prophets who are not inspired by God an
Paul Washer 寻访古道 - Finding the Old Path by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being captivated by the glory of Christ. He shares that his own devotion to Christ is not based on discipline or religious
David Wilkerson We've Forgotten How to Blush by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of God's people in Israel during a time of rebellion and turning away from the truth. He references Jeremiah 5:1-3, where God chall
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Micah by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's requirement for us is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. The prophet in the Bible asks what he can do t
Denny Kenaston The Generation Gap - Part 1 by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing on a godly vision to future generations. He laments the loss of vision in families, leading to divorce and remarria
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Jeremiah 6-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying the inner conscience that God has placed in each person. He questions the wisdom of those who claim to be wise but
Richard Owen Roberts Preaching That Hinders Revival by Richard Owen Roberts Richard Owen Roberts preaches about the hindrances to revival caused by errors in preaching, such as man-centered preaching, timid preaching, preaching that evokes strange fire, se
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