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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Jeremiah 23  › Jeremiah 23:13

Jeremiah 23:13

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Jeremiah 23:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.

King James Version KJV

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

American Standard Version ASV

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And I have seen ways without sense in the prophets of Samaria; they became prophets of the Baal, causing my people Israel to go wrong.

Free Bible Version FBV

I saw the prophets of Samaria doing something really offensive: They prophesied in the name of Baal and led my people Israel to sin.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And I haue seene foolishnesse in the prophets of Samaria, that prophecied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to erre.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And in prophets of Samaria I have seen folly, They have prophesied by Baal, And cause my people — Israel — to err.

World English Bible WEB

“I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria. They prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: they prophesied in Baal, and deceived my people Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

Previously I saw that the prophets in Samaria were doing something that was wrong; they were prophesying, saying that Baal gave them the messages that they were proclaiming, and they were deceiving my people.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:13

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 23:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בִ/נְבִיאֵ֥י שֹׁמְר֖וֹן רָאִ֣יתִי תִפְלָ֑ה הִנַּבְּא֣וּ בַ/בַּ֔עַל וַ/יַּתְע֥וּ אֶת עַמִּ֖/י אֶת יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וּ/בִ/נְבִיאֵ֥י nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Conj | Prep | N-mp
שֹׁמְר֖וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 Samaria N-proper
רָאִ֣יתִי râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cs
תִפְלָ֑ה tiphlâh H8604 folly N-fs
הִנַּבְּא֣וּ nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
בַ/בַּ֔עַל Baʻal H1168 Baal Prep | N-proper
וַ/יַּתְע֥וּ tâʻâh H8582 to go astray Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עַמִּ֖/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel 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 23:13

וּ/בִ/נְבִיאֵ֥י nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Conj | Prep | 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.
שֹׁמְר֖וֹן Shômᵉrôwn H8111 "Samaria" N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
רָאִ֣יתִי râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
תִפְלָ֑ה tiphlâh H8604 "folly" N-fs
This word describes foolish or silly behavior, often used to warn against empty or meaningless actions. It emphasizes the importance of wise decision-making.
Definition: 1) that which is empty, folly, silly, foolish 2) (BDB) unsavouriness, unseemliness (moral)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: folly, foolishly. See also: Job 1:22; Job 24:12; Jeremiah 23:13.
הִנַּבְּא֣וּ nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" V-Hithpael-Perf-3cp
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.
בַ/בַּ֔עַל Baʻal H1168 "Baal" Prep | N-proper
Refers to the Phoenician deity Baal, mentioned in the books of Numbers and Judges as a false god.
Definition: § Baal = "lord" esp. lord, specif. as divine name, Baal supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Baal, (plural) Baalim. See also: Judges 2:11; 2 Kings 10:28; Jeremiah 2:8.
וַ/יַּתְע֥וּ tâʻâh H8582 "to go astray" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַמִּ֖/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 2:8 The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.
2 Isaiah 9:16 For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.
3 1 Kings 18:18–21 “I have not troubled Israel,” Elijah replied, “but you and your father’s house have, for you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. Now summon all Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel, along with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah who eat at Jezebel’s table.” So Ahab summoned all the Israelites and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word.
4 Hosea 9:7–8 The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived— let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility. The prophet is Ephraim’s watchman, along with my God, yet the snare of the fowler lies on all his paths. Hostility is in the house of his God!
5 2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem astray, so that they did greater evil than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.
6 1 Kings 18:40 Then Elijah ordered them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let a single one escape.” So they seized them, and Elijah brought them down to the Kishon Valley and slaughtered them there.
7 1 Kings 18:25–28 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Since you are so numerous, choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first. Then call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire.” And they took the bull that was given them, prepared it, and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, shouting, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no sound, and no one answered as they leaped around the altar they had made. At noon Elijah began to taunt them, saying, “Shout louder, for he is a god! Perhaps he is deep in thought, or occupied, or on a journey. Perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened!” So they shouted louder and cut themselves with knives and lances, as was their custom, until the blood gushed over them.

Jeremiah 23:13 Summary

This verse is talking about false prophets who claimed to speak for God but were actually speaking for a false god named Baal. They were leading the people of Israel astray, which means they were causing them to sin and turn away from the true God. This is a warning to us to be careful who we listen to and to make sure we are following the truth of God's Word, as seen in Jeremiah 23:13 and also in John 10:27, which says that Jesus' sheep will follow His voice. We should always check what someone is saying against the Bible, as in Acts 17:11, to make sure it is true.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to prophesy by Baal?

To prophesy by Baal means to speak or act in the name of a false god, rather than the one true God, as seen in Jeremiah 23:13. This is a form of idolatry, which is condemned in the Bible, as in Deuteronomy 13:1-5.

Why did the prophets of Samaria lead the people of Israel astray?

The prophets of Samaria led the people of Israel astray by prophesying by Baal, which means they were promoting a false and idolatrous message, rather than speaking the truth of God's Word, as seen in Jeremiah 23:13 and supported by Ezekiel 13:1-7.

How does this verse relate to the concept of false prophets?

This verse is a clear example of false prophets, who claim to speak for God but instead promote their own ideas or the teachings of false gods, as seen in Jeremiah 23:13 and also in Matthew 7:15-20, which warns against false prophets.

What is the significance of Samaria in this verse?

Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, and in this verse, it represents a place of spiritual corruption and idolatry, as seen in Jeremiah 23:13 and also in 1 Kings 12:25-33, which describes the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I may be unintentionally leading others astray, and how can I ensure that I am speaking the truth of God's Word?
  2. How can I discern between true and false prophets, and what are some characteristics of false prophets that I should be aware of?
  3. In what ways am I tempted to follow after false gods or idols, and how can I stay faithful to the one true God?
  4. What does it mean to 'prophesy by Baal' in my own life, and how can I avoid this kind of idolatry?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:13

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria,.... The ten tribes of Israel, among whom, in Ahab's time there were many false prophets, Baal's prophets, even four hundred and fifty; whose "folly"

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:13

And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen folly - literally, insipidity unsavouriness (Job 6:6) not having the salt of godliness (Colossians 4:6).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:13

There was a time when I saw folly in the prophets that belonged to the ten tribes, whose chief city was Samaria. The word translated folly signifies unsavoury, or an absurd thing. Our Saviour compareth wicked ministers to unsavoury salt, , salt that is turned foolish (as the Greek word signifies). The ministers of God’ s word are, or ought to be, the salt of the earth, to season people with sound doctrine, and by the good example of a holy life; if they be corrupt in doctrine or manners, they become unsavoury, and the very worst of men. Such God says the prophets of the ten tribes were, before they were carried away captive. They prophesied, pretending they had their instructions and revelations from Baal, and so caused the ten tribes to err, which after the division of the kingdom in Jeroboam’ s time were called Israel, in contradistinction to the two tribes and half cleaving to the house of David, which were called Judah, after the name of their principal tribe.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:13

Jeremiah 23:13 And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.Ver. 13. And I have seen folly.] Heb., Insalsity. Folly is as unpleasant to the intelligent as unsavoury meat is to him that tasteth it. They prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.] They sold poison to the people, as Laertius saith Aristotle did - Epicurus is his witness - having first wasted his estate. Lib. x. in Epic

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:13

(13) I have seen folly . . .—Literally, as in Job 6:6, that which is unsavoury—i.e., insipid, and so, ethically, foolish. The guilt of the prophets of Samaria cannot be passed over, but it is noticed, as in Jeremiah 3:6-10, only in order to compare it with the darker evils of those of Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in Baal.—i.e., in the name and as if by the power of Baal. Comp. 1 Kings 18:19; 1 Kings 22:6-7.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:13

Verse 13. I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria] This was not to be wondered at, for their religion was a system of corruption.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:13

13. folly] lit. that which is tasteless, insipid (cp. cognate substantive in Job 6:6 rendered “that which hath no savour”), hence moral unsavouriness, unseemliness. prophets of Samaria] They were simply idolaters, who made no secret of their belief or practice. The prophets of Jerusalem on the other hand were thoroughly immoral besides. Baal] See on Jeremiah 2:8.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:13

And I have seen folly ... - Rather, “Also I have seen.” The prophet contrasts the prophets of Samaria with those of Jerusalem. In the conduct of the former God saw folly (literally that which is insipid, as being unsalted).

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:13

13, 14. Prophets of Samaria — Here introduced to set off the greater folly of the prophets of Jerusalem. These last are represented as having come to the very climax of wickedness, even as Sodom and Gomorrah.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:13

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
John Banks An Epistle on Good Order. by John Banks In this sermon on deception, the preacher delves into the Greek word 'planao' meaning 'to wander astray', emphasizing how various influences like false teachers, signs, and even on
David Wilkerson Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r
Hans R. Waldvogel Seeking God by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God with one's whole heart. He uses the example of a woman searching for a lost piece of money to illustrate the d
G. Campbell Morgan The Message of Jeremiah by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan delivers a powerful sermon on 'The Message of Jeremiah,' emphasizing the prophet's role as God's spokesman during a time of national decline and spiritual darkne
Hans R. Waldvogel Seeking God ("Every One That Seeketh findeth.") by Hans R. Waldvogel Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of seeking God with our whole heart, as true salvation is found in knowing Him. He reflects on the common dissatisfaction among believers
Thomas Brooks Murder All His Hearers at Once! by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of unholy ministers, emphasizing that their sinful lives can lead their congregations down a path of destruction. He argues that an unholy p
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