Jeremiah 23:37
Jeremiah 23:37 in Multiple Translations
Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath Jehovah answered thee? and, What hath Jehovah spoken?
This is what you are to say to the prophet, What answer has the Lord given to you? and, What has the Lord said?
This is what you are to ask any prophet: “What message has the Lord given you?” and “What has the Lord told you?”
Thus shalt thou say to the Prophet, What hath the Lord answered thee? and what hath the Lord spoken?
Thus dost thou say unto the prophet What hath Jehovah answered thee? And what hath Jehovah spoken?
You will say to the prophet, ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and, ‘What has the LORD spoken?’
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet: What hath the Lord answered thee? and what hath the Lord spoken?
This is what you should ask each prophet: ‘What did Yahweh reply when you talked to him? What is he saying to us?’
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:37
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 23:37 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֥ה
תֹאמַ֖ר
אֶל
הַ/נָּבִ֑יא
מֶה
עָנָ֣/ךְ
יְהוָ֔ה
וּ/מַה
דִּבֶּ֖ר
יְהוָֽה
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
תֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/נָּבִ֑יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-ms
מֶה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
עָנָ֣/ךְ
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:37
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.
תֹאמַ֖ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
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.
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.
הַ/נָּבִ֑יא
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | 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.
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.
עָנָ֣/ךְ
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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
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.
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 23:37
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Jeremiah 23:37 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:37
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:37
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:37
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:37
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:37
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:37
Context — False Prophecies
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?’
38But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim, 39therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers.Jeremiah 23:37 Summary
Jeremiah 23:37 teaches us to ask prophets what the Lord has said, to make sure they are speaking God's words, not their own. This is important because, as seen in Jeremiah 23:36, people can easily speak their own words and claim they are from God. By asking what the Lord has spoken, we can know if the prophet is truly speaking for God, and we can follow their guidance with confidence, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 119:105, who found guidance in God's word. This helps us to trust in God's plan and follow His will, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Jeremiah 23:37?
The main point of Jeremiah 23:37 is to instruct the people on how to address a prophet, asking them what the Lord has answered or spoken, emphasizing the importance of seeking a true word from God, as seen in Jeremiah 23:35-36.
Why is it significant to ask a prophet what the Lord has spoken?
Asking a prophet what the Lord has spoken is significant because it helps to discern whether the prophet is speaking on behalf of God or not, as warned in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, where false prophets are condemned for speaking in the Lord's name without being sent by Him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of false prophecy?
Jeremiah 23:37 relates to the concept of false prophecy by implying that not all prophets speak on behalf of the Lord, and that their words should be tested, as advised in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, to distinguish between true and false prophecies.
What is the purpose of seeking the Lord's answer through a prophet?
The purpose of seeking the Lord's answer through a prophet is to receive guidance, wisdom, and direction from God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where trusting in the Lord with all our heart and leaning not on our own understanding is encouraged.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of seeking the Lord's answer in my daily life, especially when faced with difficult decisions?
- How can I discern whether a prophet or spiritual leader is speaking on behalf of God or not?
- What are some potential consequences of following false prophecy, and how can I protect myself from being misled?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper desire to hear from God and seek His guidance in my life, as encouraged in Psalm 119:33-40?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:37
Thus shall thou say to the prophet,.... To Jeremiah, or any true prophet of the Lord; after the following manner should everyone address him, that made any inquiry of the will of the Lord by him: what hath the Lord answered thee?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:37
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:37
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet; to my true prophet. You shall speak to them reverently, and as becometh you.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:37
Jeremiah 23:37 Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?Ver. 37. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet.] See on Jeremiah 23:35.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:37
(37) Thus shalt thou say to the prophet . . .—The verse repeats Jeremiah 23:35, with the one difference that men are to use this, the simpler form of language, when they come to the prophet, as well as when they are speaking one to another. The affectation of big words was equally out of place in either case. In modern phraseology, the whole passage is a protest against the hypocrisy which shows itself in cant—i.e., in the use of solemn words that have become hollow and unmeaning.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:37
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.