Jeremiah 23:32

Jeremiah 23:32 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

King James Version KJV

Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith Jehovah, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

See, I am against the prophets of false dreams, says the Lord, who give them out and make my people go out of the way by their deceit and their uncontrolled words: but I did not send them or give them orders; and they will be of no profit to this people, says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

Pay attention to this, declares the Lord, I'm opposed to those who prophesy fictional dreams. They tell them in order to lead my people into sin with their wild lies. I didn't send them or give them any instructions, and they don't do anybody any good, declares the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Beholde, I will come against them that prophecie false dreames, saith the Lord, and doe tell them, and cause my people to erre by their lies, and by their flatteries, and I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they bring no profite vnto this people, saith the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Lo, I [am] against the prophets of false dreams, An affirmation of Jehovah, And they recount them, and cause my people to err, By their falsehoods, and by their instability, And I — I have not sent them, Nor have I commanded them, And they are not at all profitable to this people, An affirmation of Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams,” says the LORD, “who tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting; yet I didn’t send them or command them. They don’t profit this people at all,” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Behold I am against the prophets that have lying dreams, saith the Lord: and tell them, and cause my people to err by their lying, and by their wonders: when I sent them not, nor commanded them, who have not profited this people at all, saith the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

I oppose those prophets who falsely say that I told them something in a vision, but they are only telling lies that cause my people to sin. I did not send those prophets. I did not even appoint them to be prophets. And they have no messages that will benefit my people at all.' That is what I, Yahweh, declare.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:32

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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 23:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הִ֠נְ/נִי עַֽל נִבְּאֵ֞י חֲלֹמ֥וֹת שֶׁ֨קֶר֙ נְאֻם יְהוָ֔ה וַֽ/יְסַפְּרוּ/ם֙ וַ/יַּתְע֣וּ אֶת עַמִּ֔/י בְּ/שִׁקְרֵי/הֶ֖ם וּ/בְ/פַחֲזוּתָ֑/ם וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י לֹֽא שְׁלַחְתִּ֜י/ם וְ/לֹ֣א צִוִּיתִ֗י/ם וְ/הוֹעֵ֛יל לֹֽא יוֹעִ֥ילוּ לָֽ/עָם הַ/זֶּ֖ה נְאֻם יְהוָֽה

הִ֠נְ/נִי hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

נִבְּאֵ֞י nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy V-Niphal

חֲלֹמ֥וֹת chălôwm H2472 dream N-mp

שֶׁ֨קֶר֙ sheqer H8267 deception N-ms

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וַֽ/יְסַפְּרוּ/ם֙ çâphar H5608 to recount Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff

וַ/יַּתְע֣וּ tâʻâh H8582 to go astray Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

עַמִּ֔/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

בְּ/שִׁקְרֵי/הֶ֖ם sheqer H8267 deception Prep | N-mp | Suff

וּ/בְ/פַחֲזוּתָ֑/ם pachăzûwth H6350 recklessness Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י ʼânôkîy H595 I Conj | Pron

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

שְׁלַחְתִּ֜י/ם shâlach H7971 to send V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

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

וְ/הוֹעֵ֛יל yaʻal H3276 to gain Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

יוֹעִ֥ילוּ yaʻal H3276 to gain V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp

לָֽ/עָם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:32

הִ֠נְ/נִי hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

נִבְּאֵ֞י 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.

חֲלֹמ֥וֹת chălôwm H2472 "dream" N-mp

This Hebrew word means a dream, which can be ordinary or have a prophetic meaning, as seen in the Bible where God communicates through dreams. It appears in the story of Joseph in Genesis. The word is also used in Joel 2:28.

Definition: 1) dream 1a) dream (ordinary) 1b) dream (with prophetic meaning) Aramaic equivalent: che.lem (חֵ֫לֶם "dream" H2493)

Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: dream(-er). See also: Genesis 20:3; Deuteronomy 13:2; Psalms 73:20.

שֶׁ֨קֶר֙ 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.

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.

יְהוָ֔ה 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.

וַֽ/יְסַפְּרוּ/ם֙ çâphar H5608 "to recount" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff

This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.

Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.

וַ/יַּתְע֣וּ 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.

עַמִּ֔/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.

בְּ/שִׁקְרֵי/הֶ֖ם sheqer H8267 "deception" Prep | N-mp | Suff

וּ/בְ/פַחֲזוּתָ֑/ם pachăzûwth H6350 "recklessness" Conj | Prep | N-fs | Suff

Recklessness is a behavior that is frivolous and extravagant, lacking seriousness or sense. It is described in the Bible as a negative trait, as seen in the book of Proverbs.

Definition: recklessness, extravagance, frivolity

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: lightness. See also: Jeremiah 23:32.

וְ/אָנֹכִ֨י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Conj | Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

לֹֽא 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.

שְׁלַחְתִּ֜י/ם 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.

צִוִּיתִ֗י/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/הוֹעֵ֛יל yaʻal H3276 "to gain" Conj | V-Hiphil-Ptc

This Hebrew word means to gain or ascend, and can also mean to be valuable or beneficial. It is used in various forms in the Bible to convey the idea of profit or advantage.

Definition: (Hiphil) to gain, profit, benefit, avail

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, set forward, can do good, (be, have) profit, (able). See also: 1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 44:10; Proverbs 10:2.

לֹֽא 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.

יוֹעִ֥ילוּ yaʻal H3276 "to gain" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to gain or ascend, and can also mean to be valuable or beneficial. It is used in various forms in the Bible to convey the idea of profit or advantage.

Definition: (Hiphil) to gain, profit, benefit, avail

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, set forward, can do good, (be, have) profit, (able). See also: 1 Samuel 12:21; Isaiah 44:10; Proverbs 10:2.

לָֽ/עָם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms

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.

הַ/זֶּ֖ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

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 23:32

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Context
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Jeremiah 23:32 Summary
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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:32
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:32
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Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:32
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Sermons on Jeremiah 23:32

Context — Lying Prophets

30“Therefore behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words they attribute to Me.” 31“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”

32“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

33“Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’ 34As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 13:7–18	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? Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall. Rain will come in torrents, I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth. Surely when the wall has fallen, you will not be asked, ‘Where is the whitewash with which you covered it?’ Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: In My wrath I will release a windstorm, and in My anger torrents of rain and hail will fall with destructive fury. I will tear down the wall you whitewashed and level it to the ground, so that its foundation is exposed. The city will fall, and you will be destroyed within it. Then you will know that I am the LORD. And after I have vented My wrath against the wall and against those who whitewashed it, I will say to you: ‘The wall is gone, and so are those who whitewashed it— those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem and saw a vision of peace for her when there was no peace, declares the Lord GOD.’ Now, O son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own imagination. Prophesy against them and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on their wrists and make veils for the heads of people of every height, in order to ensnare their souls. Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?
2	Zephaniah 3:4	Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.
3	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.
4	Jeremiah 7:8	But look, you keep trusting in deceptive words to no avail.
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	Isaiah 3:12	Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths.
7	Jeremiah 23:21–22	I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”
8	Deuteronomy 18:20	But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”
9	Jeremiah 27:14–22	Do not listen to the words of the prophets who say, ‘You must not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they are prophesying to you a lie. For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.” Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie. Do not listen to them. Serve the king of Babylon and live! Why should this city become a ruin? If they are indeed prophets and the word of the LORD is with them, let them now plead with the LORD of Hosts that the articles remaining in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem, not be taken to Babylon. For this is what the LORD of Hosts says about the pillars, the sea, the bases, and the rest of the articles that remain in this city, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon did not take when he carried Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim king of Judah into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, along with all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem. Yes, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about the articles that remain in the house of the LORD, in the palace of the king of Judah, and in Jerusalem: ‘They will be carried to Babylon and will remain there until the day I attend to them again,’ declares the LORD. ‘Then I will bring them back and restore them to this place.’”
10	Jeremiah 28:15–17	Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, “Listen, Hananiah! The LORD did not send you, but you have persuaded this people to trust in a lie. Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. You will die this year because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.’” And in the seventh month of that very year, the prophet Hananiah died.

Jeremiah 23:32 Summary

[Jeremiah 23:32 is a warning from God against people who claim to speak for Him but are actually speaking lies and leading others astray. This can happen when people make up their own ideas and claim they are from God, rather than sticking to what the Bible says. As seen in Psalm 119:105, God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in the right direction. We need to be careful to listen to and follow God's true Word, and not be fooled by false dreams and lies, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:15-20.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to prophesy false dreams in Jeremiah 23:32?

Prophesying false dreams in Jeremiah 23:32 refers to speaking lies and deceptions that claim to be from God, leading people astray from His true Word, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20 and Ezekiel 13:9.

Why is God against those who prophesy false dreams?

God is against those who prophesy false dreams because they lead His people astray with reckless lies, causing harm and confusion, as stated in Jeremiah 23:32, and He desires His people to know and follow the truth, as seen in John 8:31-32.

How can we discern between true and false prophets?

We can discern between true and false prophets by examining their words and actions in light of Scripture, as seen in 1 John 4:1-6 and Matthew 7:15-20, and looking for fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and humility, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

What is the consequence of prophesying false dreams?

The consequence of prophesying false dreams is that God will punish the false prophet, as stated in Jeremiah 23:32 and Ezekiel 13:9, and they will not be of any benefit to God's people, as seen in Jeremiah 23:32.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that false dreams and lies can lead me astray from God's truth?
How can I discern between a true prophet and a false prophet in my life?
What are some signs that I may be following a false prophet or listening to false dreams?
How can I stay grounded in God's Word and avoid being led astray by false teachings?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:32

Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord,.... And not true ones, such as the Lord spoke in to his prophets, and which they communicated from him to his people; see

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:32

Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them:

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:32

False dreams; that is, false things under the notion of things which I have revealed unto them in their sleep. By lightness here some understand volubility and smoothness of tongue and speech; others, lasciviousness; others, levity and inconstancy: the last seemeth most probably the sense. I sent them not, ( saith God.) therefore they shall not profit. None can expect God’ s blessing upon their ministry that are not called and sent of God into the ministry.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:32

Jeremiah 23:32 Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.Ver. 32. That cause my people to err by their lies and by their lightness.] By their lying discourses and light or loose courses. So Zephaniah 3:4 Judges 9:4. If these false prophets had been of a sober, grave behaviour, the people might have been with better excuse deluded by them; as Aristotle noteth of Eudoxus (and the same is true of Epicurus himself, as Cicero telleth us) that he prevailed much in disputing for pleasure, because he was no voluptuous man himself. But these in the text were no less lewd than loud liars.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:32

(32) False dreams.—The words may mean either actual dreams, which have nothing answering to them in the world of facts, or dreams which are not really such, but simply, as in Jeremiah 23:31, the form in which the deceiver seeks to work out his plans. By their lightness.—The Hebrew word is the same in meaning as the “unstable as water” of Genesis 49:4, the “light persons” of Judges 9:4; Zephaniah 3:4, and points primarily to the gushing or spurting forth of water. Here it points to what we may call the “babbling” of the false prophets. We are almost reminded of the words in which an English poet describes a hollow and pretentious eloquence as poured out— “In one weak, washy, everlasting flood.” Therefore . . .—Better, simply, and they shall not profit.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:32

32. vain boasting] The Hebrew root, which is rather rare, denotes in the cognate languages impudent boldness.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:32

The third characteristic. See Jeremiah 23:25. Lightness - Vain, empty, talk.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:32

30-32. Some of the leading characteristics of false prophets are here grouped together.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:32

	Sermon	Description
	Epistle 91 by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the signs of the end times and the presence of false prophets, deceivers, and mockers who lead people astray with their ungodly ways and teachings. He war
	Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes
	(Saved Through the Fire) 12 - God's True Message by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's message for today. He refers to various parts of the Bible, particularly Ezekiel 7 and Matthew 24, to e
	(The Church in the Last Days) 08 - the Harlot by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying focused and alert in one's faith. He warns against drifting off and becoming complacent, urging listeners to be so
	Isaiah's Vision by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson explores Isaiah's vision of the future glory of God's house, emphasizing its centrality in the world and the promise of peace and righteousness that will come when the
	Isaiah Chapter 3 Isaiah's Vision by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson expounds on Isaiah's vision of the future glory of Israel and Jerusalem, contrasting it with the current state of corruption and sin. He emphasizes the centrality of t
	Bondage Breaker - Part 4 by Neil T. Anderson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in God rather than in the world. He highlights the cycle of sin, confession, and giving up, and explain