Jeremiah 23:35

Jeremiah 23:35 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’

King James Version KJV

Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

American Standard Version ASV

Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath Jehovah answered? and, What hath Jehovah spoken?

Bible in Basic English BBE

But this is what you are to say, every man to his neighbour and every man to his brother, What answer has the Lord given? and, What has the Lord said?

Free Bible Version FBV

This is what everybody should say to their friends and relatives: “What answer has the Lord given?” or, “What has the Lord said?”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thus shall yee say euery one to his neighbour, and euerie one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and what hath the Lord spoken?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Thus do ye say each unto his neighbour, And each unto his brother: What hath Jehovah answered? And what hath Jehovah spoken?

World English Bible WEB

You will say everyone to his neighbor, and everyone to his brother, ‘What has the LORD answered?’ and, ‘What has the LORD said?’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Thus shall you say every one to his neighbor, and to his brother: What hath the Lord answered? and what hath the Lord spoken?

Translation for Translators T4T

What you should continually ask each other is, ‘When you spoke to Yahweh, what did he reply? What is he saying to us?’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:35

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 23:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כֹּ֥ה תֹאמְר֛וּ אִ֥ישׁ עַל רֵעֵ֖/הוּ וְ/אִ֣ישׁ אֶל אָחִ֑י/ו מֶה עָנָ֣ה יְהוָ֔ה וּ/מַה דִּבֶּ֖ר יְהוָֽה

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Adv

תֹאמְר֛וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

רֵעֵ֖/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff

וְ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Conj | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

אָחִ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff

מֶה mâh H4100 what? Part

עָנָ֣ה ʻânâh H6030 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וּ/מַה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Part

דִּבֶּ֖ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:35

כֹּ֥ה kôh H3541 "thus" Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

תֹאמְר֛וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

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.

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

עַל 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.

רֵעֵ֖/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff

A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.

Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.

וְ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Conj | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

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.

אָחִ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

מֶה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

עָנָ֣ה ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.

Definition: (Qal) to dwell

Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.

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.

וּ/מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Part

דִּבֶּ֖ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

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.

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 23:35

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:35 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:35
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:35
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:35
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:35
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:35
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:35
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:35
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:35

Context — False Prophecies

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.

35This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’

36But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God. 37Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 31:34	No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”
2	Jeremiah 42:4	“I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers; I will not withhold a word from you.”
3	Jeremiah 33:3	Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
4	Hebrews 8:11	No longer will each one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest.

Jeremiah 23:35 Summary

Jeremiah 23:35 teaches us to seek a genuine word from the Lord by asking 'What has the Lord answered?' or 'What has the Lord spoken?' This means we should desire to hear and obey God's true message, rather than following false or self-serving claims (as seen in Jeremiah 23:34 and Deuteronomy 18:21-22). By asking these questions, we can prioritize seeking the Lord's will and guidance in our lives, as encouraged in Matthew 7:7-8 and Psalm 119:18. This helps us to distinguish between true and false messages, and to follow God's will, as seen in Jeremiah 23:35 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main point of Jeremiah 23:35?

The main point of Jeremiah 23:35 is to instruct the people on how to approach and inquire about the Lord's message, by asking 'What has the Lord answered?' or 'What has the Lord spoken?' as seen in Jeremiah 23:35, and to seek a genuine word from the Lord, rather than relying on false or misleading claims, as warned in Jeremiah 23:34.

Why is it important to ask 'What has the Lord answered?' or 'What has the Lord spoken?'?

Asking 'What has the Lord answered?' or 'What has the Lord spoken?' is important because it shows a desire to hear and obey God's true message, rather than following false or self-serving claims, as emphasized in Jeremiah 23:35 and Deuteronomy 18:21-22.

How does this verse relate to the concept of 'burden of the Lord' mentioned in the surrounding verses?

Jeremiah 23:35 relates to the concept of 'burden of the Lord' by providing an alternative way to inquire about the Lord's message, rather than using the phrase 'burden of the Lord', which was being misused by false prophets, as warned in Jeremiah 23:33-34 and Jeremiah 23:36.

What is the significance of asking these questions to a friend or brother?

Asking 'What has the Lord answered?' or 'What has the Lord spoken?' to a friend or brother, as instructed in Jeremiah 23:35, signifies a desire for community and mutual encouragement in seeking to understand and follow God's will, as seen in Proverbs 27:17 and Hebrews 10:24-25.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the principle of seeking a genuine word from the Lord in my daily life, as encouraged in Jeremiah 23:35?
How can I distinguish between a true message from God and a false or misleading claim, as warned in Jeremiah 23:34 and Deuteronomy 18:21-22?
What role does community play in seeking to understand and follow God's will, as seen in Jeremiah 23:35 and Hebrews 10:24-25?
In what ways can I prioritize seeking the Lord's true message, as emphasized in Jeremiah 23:35 and Matthew 7:7-8?
How can I use the questions 'What has the Lord answered?' or 'What has the Lord spoken?' as a guide for my personal devotions and prayer life, as encouraged in Jeremiah 23:35 and Psalm 119:18?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:35

Thus shall ye say everyone to his neighbour, and everyone to his brother,.... When conferring about religious things, and the word of God in particular; when any inquiry is made of another, whether

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:35

Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:35

I will have you speak more reverently of me and my word to my prophets.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:35

Jeremiah 23:35 Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?Ver. 35. Thus shall ye say.] God sets them a form, who otherwise knew not how to lisp out a syllable of sober language. Loquamur verba Scripturae, Let us speak the words of the Bible, saith Peter Ramus, utamur sermone Spiritus Sancti, Let us inure ourselves to Scripture expressions.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:35

(35) Thus shall ye say . . .—The words are a protest against the high-sounding phrase, “This is the burden, the oracle of Jehovah.” This, with which the false prophets covered their teachings of lies, the prophet rejects, and he calls men back to the simpler terms, which were less open to abuse. The true prophet’s message was to be called an “answer” when men had come to him with questions—a “word of the Lord” when it was spoken to them without any previous inquiry.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:35

Jeremiah 23:9-40. Condemnation of the prophets Following on the prophecies relating to successive kings of Judah, we have a section dealing with the iniquities of a class who also grievously misled the nation. The passage doubtless contains much that is genuine, but, from the diffuseness of style, especially in the latter part, it may be safely inferred that additional matter has been inserted. Commentators, however, are by no means agreed as to the amount of the latter. Du. omits all after Jeremiah 23:15, Co. nearly all after Jeremiah 23:24, Gi. Jeremiah 23:30-40, while the last-named also rejects Jeremiah 23:18-21. Jeremiah 23:9-17 and again 23–29 are in Ḳ ?inah rhythm. Elsewhere metre is for the most part irregular or absent. The collection of utterances, so far as genuine, may have probably belonged to the last part of Zedekiah’s reign. The section may be thus subdivided. (i) Jeremiah 23:9-15. Jeremiah is undone and nerveless because of the Lord’s message to a land whose profligacy has brought on it a curse. The Temple itself is polluted by the iniquities of prophets and priests. They shall be as men driven in the dark along slippery ways till they fall. The prophets of Samaria led the people astray by alleged prophecies of their false deity, while the prophets of Jerusalem shock Jehovah still more by immorality, lying, and the encouragement of others in permanent evil-doing. They have reached the infamy of the cities of the plain. They have infected all the land; therefore shall wormwood and gall be their food. (ii) Jeremiah 23:16-18. It is from the prophets’ own imaginations and not from Jehovah that their pleasing promises of immunity from evil come. Who is there who has visited His heavenly abode, there to learn His purposes? (iii) Jeremiah 23:19-20. Jehovah’s wrath shall break, like a storm, on the head of the wicked, and shall not be recalled till His purpose is fully achieved. (iv) Jeremiah 23:21-24. Those prophets were not commissioned nor inspired by the Lord; else they would have delivered His rebuke of the people’s sins. He is omnipresent. They cannot escape His observation. (v) Jeremiah 23:25-29. How long shall they adduce dreams, dreams forsooth, in support of their lying predictions, making the real character of Jehovah to be forgotten by the people, even as their fathers thought of Him as though He were no better than one of the Baals? Let the dream be told, and let Jehovah’s message be told as well; but let the utterances which embody the two be sharply distinguished, as stubble from wheat. Jehovah’s word is as fire, and as a hammer which breaketh the rocks. (vi) Jeremiah 23:30-32. He is against the prophets who steal their announcements from the true prophets, and with ready tongue claim that they are from Him, who lead His people astray with delusive dreams and claims to Divine authority. They have not His commission, and so are without value. (vii) Jeremiah 23:33-40.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:35

The proper words for prophecy. It is to be called an answer when the people have come to inquire of Yahweh: but His word when it is sent unasked.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:35

	Sermon	Description
	(John - Part 28): The Basis of True Conversion by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that God is constantly watching for the devil's next move and trying to block him. He argues that this belief leads to a la
	(Hebrews - Part 23): Old Covenant Was Provisional by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the internal struggle between the flesh and the spirit. He refers to the 7th chapter of Romans, where a holy man expresses his frustration wi
	Regeneration and True Christian Unity by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of being lost on a mountain controlled by terrorists. They prayed for direction and heard a bell and a little boy's voice leadin
	Letting Go of Condemnation and Judging by Albert Zehr	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the hearts of believers and their longing for God to move in their lives. He shares a personal experience of listening to a tap
	The Power of Forgiveness by Scott Volk	In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a criminal who steals from a priest and knocks him out. The next day, the criminal is caught by the police and accuses the priest of
	Heredity - Part 3 by G.W. North	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of glory and its connection to God's intentions for humanity. The preacher explains that sin led to the introduction of hereditar
	(Genesis #10) Symbol of Revolt by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and His sovereignty. He warns about the spiritual influence of Satan that unites sinners in an evil course, using the s