Jeremiah 23:9

Jeremiah 23:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

As for the prophets: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble. I have become like a drunkard, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD, because of His holy words.

King James Version KJV

¶ Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

American Standard Version ASV

Concerning the prophets. My heart within me is broken, all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of Jehovah, and because of his holy words.

Bible in Basic English BBE

About the prophets. My heart is broken in me, all my bones are shaking; I am like a man full of strong drink, like a man overcome by wine; because of the Lord, and because of his holy words.

Free Bible Version FBV

When it comes to the prophets: I'm really disturbed—I'm shaking inside! I stagger like a drunk, like someone who's had too much wine, because of what the Lord is like, because of his holy words.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Mine heart breaketh within mee, because of the prophets, all my bones shake: I am like a drunken man (and like a man whome wine hath ouercome) for the presence of the Lord and for his holie wordes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

In reference to the prophets: Broken hath been my heart in my midst, Fluttered have all my bones, I have been as a man — a drunkard, And as a man — wine hath passed over him, Because of Jehovah, and of His holy words.

World English Bible WEB

Concerning the prophets: My heart within me is broken. All my bones shake. I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine has overcome, because of the LORD, and because of his holy words.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

My heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To the prophets: My heart is broken within me, all my bones tremble: I am become as a drunken man, and as a man full of wine, at the presence of the Lord, and at the presence of his holy words.

Translation for Translators T4T

I am very shocked because of the sacred message that Yahweh has spoken about what will happen to the false prophets; it is as though all my bones shake. I stagger like a man who is drunk after drinking a lot of wine.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 23:9

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 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לַ/נְּבִאִ֞ים נִשְׁבַּ֧ר לִבִּ֣/י בְ/קִרְבִּ֗/י רָֽחֲפוּ֙ כָּל עַצְמוֹתַ֔/י הָיִ֨יתִי֙ כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ שִׁכּ֔וֹר וּ/כְ/גֶ֖בֶר עֲבָ֣ר/וֹ יָ֑יִן מִ/פְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֖י דִּבְרֵ֥י קָדְשֽׁ/וֹ

לַ/נְּבִאִ֞ים nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Prep | N-mp

נִשְׁבַּ֧ר shâbar H7665 to break V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

לִבִּ֣/י lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

בְ/קִרְבִּ֗/י qereb H7130 entrails Prep | N-ms | Suff

רָֽחֲפוּ֙ râchaph H7363 be weak V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עַצְמוֹתַ֔/י ʻetsem H6106 bone N-fp | Suff

הָיִ֨יתִי֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-1cs

כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

שִׁכּ֔וֹר shikkôwr H7910 drunken Adj

וּ/כְ/גֶ֖בֶר geber H1397 great man Conj | Prep | N-ms

עֲבָ֣ר/וֹ ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

יָ֑יִן yayin H3196 wine N-ms

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וּ/מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Conj | Prep | N-cp

דִּבְרֵ֥י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp

קָדְשֽׁ/וֹ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 23:9

לַ/נְּבִאִ֞ים nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" 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.

נִשְׁבַּ֧ר shâbar H7665 "to break" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms

This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.

Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)

Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.

לִבִּ֣/י lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

בְ/קִרְבִּ֗/י qereb H7130 "entrails" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.

Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.

רָֽחֲפוּ֙ râchaph H7363 "be weak" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To hover or brood means to float or move gently in the air, like a bird protecting its young. The Bible uses this word to describe the act of fluttering or shaking, conveying a sense of gentle movement.

Definition: (Qal) to grow soft, relax, weak

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: flutter, move, shake. See also: Genesis 1:2; Deuteronomy 32:11; Jeremiah 23:9.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

עַצְמוֹתַ֔/י ʻetsem H6106 "bone" N-fp | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.

Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self

Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.

הָיִ֨יתִי֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | 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.

שִׁכּ֔וֹר shikkôwr H7910 "drunken" Adj

This Hebrew word describes being drunk, either as a one-time event or a habitual behavior. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who are intoxicated. The KJV translates it as 'drunk' or 'drunkard'.

Definition: 1) drunken 1a) drunken 1b) drunkard, drunken one (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: drunk(-ard, -en, -en man). See also: 1 Samuel 1:13; Proverbs 26:9; Psalms 107:27.

וּ/כְ/גֶ֖בֶר geber H1397 "great man" Conj | Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.

Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.

עֲבָ֣ר/וֹ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

יָ֑יִן yayin H3196 "wine" N-ms

The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.

Definition: wine

Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.

מִ/פְּנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

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/מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Conj | Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

דִּבְרֵ֥י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

קָדְשֽׁ/וֹ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" N-ms | Suff

The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.

Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)

Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 23:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 23:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:9
Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 23:9
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9
Sermons on Jeremiah 23:9

Context — Lying Prophets

7So behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when they will no longer say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of Egypt.’ 8Instead they will say, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, who brought and led the descendants of the house of Israel up out of the land of the north and all the other lands to which He had banished them.’ Then they will dwell once more in their own land.”

9As for the prophets: My heart is broken within me, and all my bones tremble. I have become like a drunkard, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD, because of His holy words.

10For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused. 11“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Habakkuk 3:16	I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us.
2	Lamentations 3:15	He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood.
3	Psalms 60:3	You have shown Your people hardship; we are staggered from the wine You made us drink.
4	Isaiah 51:21	Therefore now hear this, you afflicted one, drunken, but not with wine.
5	Daniel 8:27	I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was confounded by the vision; it was beyond understanding.
6	Ezekiel 9:4	“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”
7	Jeremiah 5:31	The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
8	Romans 7:9	Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.
9	Isaiah 28:1	Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine.
10	Jeremiah 9:1	Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.

Jeremiah 23:9 Summary

In Jeremiah 23:9, the prophet Jeremiah is expressing a deep sense of emotional and spiritual distress because of the powerful and holy words of the Lord. He's comparing himself to a drunkard, not because he's intoxicated with wine, but because the words of God have overwhelmed him, much like the experience of the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-5. This verse shows us that when we truly encounter God's words, it can be a powerful and even overwhelming experience, as seen in (Psalms 119:120), where the Psalmist trembles at God's word. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves if we're truly allowing God's words to penetrate our hearts and minds, and if we're responding with the same sense of awe and reverence as Jeremiah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be 'broken' and have your 'bones tremble' as described in Jeremiah 23:9?

This phrase is an expression of intense emotional and spiritual distress, similar to what the Psalmist experienced in Psalms 6:2 and Psalms 38:3, where the weight of God's words and the reality of sin brought about a deep sense of sorrow and trembling.

Why does Jeremiah compare himself to a 'drunkard, like a man overcome by wine' in this verse?

Jeremiah is using this comparison to convey the overwhelming and intoxicating effect of God's holy words on his soul, much like the way wine can overwhelm a person's senses, as seen in Isaiah 28:7, where the priests and prophets stumble and err due to wine, but in Jeremiah's case, it's the power of God's words that leaves him reeling.

Is Jeremiah expressing a negative emotion in Jeremiah 23:9, or is there something more going on?

While Jeremiah's heart is broken and he's trembling, this is not just a negative emotion; it's a response to the holy and powerful words of the Lord, similar to what the prophet Isaiah experienced in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the encounter with God's holiness brought about a deep sense of awe, fear, and repentance.

How does Jeremiah's experience in Jeremiah 23:9 relate to the rest of the chapter?

Jeremiah's emotional and spiritual response in verse 9 is closely tied to the condemnation of the false prophets in the surrounding verses, such as Jeremiah 23:11, where both prophets and priests are called out for their ungodliness, highlighting the stark contrast between the true prophet's experience of being overwhelmed by God's words and the false prophets' corruption and wickedness.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'holy words' of the Lord that have such a profound impact on Jeremiah, and how can I experience a similar sense of awe and reverence in my own life?
How do I respond when confronted with the reality of sin and the power of God's words, and what can I learn from Jeremiah's example in this verse?
In what ways can I, like Jeremiah, allow the words of the Lord to 'break' me and bring about a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God?
What are some ways that I can cultivate a greater sense of reverence and fear of the Lord, as seen in Jeremiah's experience in this verse?
How can I distinguish between a genuine, Spirit-led response to God's words and a superficial or emotional reaction, as I reflect on Jeremiah's experience in Jeremiah 23:9?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 23:9

Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets,.... The false prophets, as the Targum rightly interprets it.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 23:9

Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9

The prophet having denounced the wrath of God against the wicked rulers of Judah under the notion of pastors, cometh here to discharge the like trust with reference to those orders of persons amongst the Jews, whose office it was, or at least who took upon them, to reveal the mind and will of God to people, and who were upon that account called prophets: for these he declares a great passion and trouble; either for their sake, in prospect of that vengeance of God which he saw was like to be poured out upon them; or for the people’ s sake, who had been deceived by their unfaithful revelations of the Divine will, and led into wickedness by their vile examples. For this he saith his heart was broken, his bones shaked. And he was even astonished and stupified, and like a drunken man he knew not what he did; he was so stricken at the apprehensions of the wrath of the Lord ready to be revealed against them; and to consider what words the holy God had put into his mouth to speak against them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9

Jeremiah 23:9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.Ver. 9. My heart within me is broken.] Utitur exordiolo pathetico et tragico prorsus. Being to inveigh against the priests and false prophets, those great corrupters of the people, he useth this pathetic preface, Cordicitus et medullitus doles, I am grieved to the very heart, &c. All my bones shake.] Heb., Hover or flutter, as birds do, They shake and shudder with extreme fear and horror. Totus contremisco. I am like a drunken man.] Totus perturbatus sum, I am not myself, not able to stand high alone. Because of the Lord.] Through zeal of his glory. And because of the words of his holiness.] His holy words so shamefully slighted, his dreadful threats especially.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9

(9) Mine heart within me is broken . . .—The abrupt transition shows that we are entering on an entirely new section. In the Hebrew order and punctuation of the words this is shown still more clearly—Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me—the first words being the superscription and title of what follows. The four clauses describe the varied phenomena of horror and amazement, and then comes the cause of the horror—the contrast between the words of Jehovah and His holiness on the one side, and the wickedness of priests and prophets on the other. The whole section is the complement of that which denounced the wickedness of the pastors—i.e., of the civil rulers—in Jeremiah 23:1-4.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9

Verse 9. Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets] The first word of this clause is לנבאים lannebiim, which we incorporate with the whole clause, and translate, "Because of the prophets." But as a new prophecy begins here, it is evident that the word is the title to this prophecy; and is thus distinguished both by Blayney and Dahler, CONCERNING THE PROPHETS. This discourse was delivered probably in the reign of Jehoiakim. All my bones shake] He was terrified even by his own message, and shocked at the profanity of the false prophets.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 23:9

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 23:9

Because of the prophets - Rather, concerning “the prophets.” These words should come first, as being the title of this portion of the prophecy Jer. 23:9-40.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 23:9

THE FALSE , Jeremiah 23:9-40.9. This verse is tamely rendered in the Authorized Version. Its opening sentences stand: Concerning the prophets, broken is my heart within me; all my bones shake.

Sermons on Jeremiah 23:9

	Sermon	Description
	True and False Prophets - Part 2 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker addresses a controversy within their fellowship involving a charismatic believer who had different expectations. The speaker emphasizes the importance o
	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
	Gods People Are Hurting by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal struggles and the feeling of being overwhelmed. They mention the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he experie
	The Greatness of God (Isaiah 6) - Part 3 by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Christ and the impending judgment day. He describes a scene where the greatest creatures in e
	If Revival Doesn't Come by Ronald Glass	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the prophet Habakkuk and his reaction to God's revelation of judgment. Habakkuk expresses his fear and physical distress upon understanding t
	That They Have Great Effects on the Body, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards	Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connectio
	Fear and Awe by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anx