Jeremiah 29:23

Jeremiah 29:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”

King James Version KJV

Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

because they have wrought folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I commanded them not; and I am he that knoweth, and am witness, saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Because they have done shame in Israel, and have taken their neighbours' wives, and in my name have said false words, which I did not give them orders to say; and I myself am the witness, says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

They did outrageous things in Israel—they committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and told lies in my name. I didn't tell them to say anything. I am the one who knows what they did, and I can witness to it, declares the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Because they haue committed vilenie in Israel, and haue committed adulterie with their neighbours wiues, and haue spoken lying words in my Name, which I haue not commanded them, euen I knowe it, and testifie it, saith the Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Because that they have done folly in Israel, and commit adultery with the wives of their neighbours, and speak a word in My name falsely that I have not commanded them, and I [am] He who knoweth and a witness — an affirmation of Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

because they have done foolish things in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I didn’t command them. I am he who knows, and am witness,” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Because they have committed villainy in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbor's wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Because they have acted folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with the wives of their friends, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I commanded them not: I am the judge and the witness, saith the Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

They have done terrible things to my Israeli people. They have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and they have spoken lies, saying that they were messages [MTY] from me. They have said things that I did not tell them to say, and I, Yahweh, have heard them say those things.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 29:23

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 29:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB יַ֡עַן אֲשֶׁר֩ עָשׂ֨וּ נְבָלָ֜ה בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַ/יְנַֽאֲפוּ֙ אֶת נְשֵׁ֣י רֵֽעֵי/הֶ֔ם וַ/יְדַבְּר֨וּ דָבָ֤ר בִּ/שְׁמִ/י֙ שֶׁ֔קֶר אֲשֶׁ֖ר ל֣וֹא צִוִּיתִ֑/ם וְ/אָנֹכִ֛י הו ידע הַ/יּוֹדֵ֥עַ וָ/עֵ֖ד נְאֻם יְהוָֽה

יַ֡עַן yaʻan H3282 because Conj

אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 which Rel

עָשׂ֨וּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Perf-3cp

נְבָלָ֜ה nᵉbâlâh H5039 folly N-fs

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper

וַ/יְנַֽאֲפוּ֙ nâʼaph H5003 to commit adultery Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

נְשֵׁ֣י ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fp

רֵֽעֵי/הֶ֔ם rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-mp | Suff

וַ/יְדַבְּר֨וּ dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

דָבָ֤ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

בִּ/שְׁמִ/י֙ shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms | Suff

שֶׁ֔קֶר sheqer H8267 deception N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

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

וְ/אָנֹכִ֛י ʼânôkîy H595 I Conj | Pron

הו hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

ידע yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal

הַ/יּוֹדֵ֥עַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know Art | V-Qal

וָ/עֵ֖ד ʻêd H5707 witness Conj | N-ms

נְאֻם nᵉʼum H5002 utterance N-ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 29:23

יַ֡עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Conj

This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.

Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.

אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

עָשׂ֨וּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

נְבָלָ֜ה nᵉbâlâh H5039 "folly" N-fs

Folly or wickedness is the meaning of this Hebrew word, describing immoral or profane actions. It can also refer to punishment or a crime, emphasizing the negative consequences of foolish behavior.

Definition: 1) senselessness, folly 1a) disgraceful folly 1a1) of immorality, profane actions 1b) disgrace, contumely disgrace

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: folly, vile, villany. See also: Genesis 34:7; Judges 20:10; Isaiah 9:16.

בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וַ/יְנַֽאֲפוּ֙ nâʼaph H5003 "to commit adultery" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

This word means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, like in the story of David and Bathsheba. It can also mean to worship idols, which is a form of spiritual adultery. In the Bible, it is used to describe both physical and spiritual unfaithfulness.

Definition: 1) to commit adultery 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to commit adultery 1a1a) usually of man 1a1a1) always with wife of another 1a1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1a2) idolatrous worship (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to commit adultery 1b1a) of man 1b1b) adultery (of women) (participle) 1b2) idolatrous worship (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: adulterer(-ess), commit(-ing) adultery, woman that breaketh wedlock. See also: Exodus 20:14; Jeremiah 23:10; Psalms 50:18.

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.

נְשֵׁ֣י ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fp

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

רֵֽעֵי/הֶ֔ם rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-mp | 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.

וַ/יְדַבְּר֨וּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp

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.

דָבָ֤ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

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.

בִּ/שְׁמִ/י֙ shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

שֶׁ֔קֶר 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.

אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

ל֣וֹא 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.

צִוִּיתִ֑/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/אָנֹכִ֛י 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.

הו hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

ידע yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

הַ/יּוֹדֵ֥עַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Art | V-Qal

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

וָ/עֵ֖ד ʻêd H5707 "witness" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.

Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)

Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.

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 29:23

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Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:23
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:23
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Sermons on Jeremiah 29:23

Context — Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles

21This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying to you lies in My name: “I will deliver them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will kill them before your very eyes. 22Because of them, all the exiles of Judah who are in Babylon will use this curse: ‘May the LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire!’

23For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”

24You are to tell Shemaiah the Nehelamite that 25this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Jeremiah 23:14	And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
2	Hebrews 4:13	Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
3	Malachi 3:5	“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers and perjurers, against oppressors of the widowed and fatherless, and against those who defraud laborers of their wages and deny justice to the foreigner but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
4	Jeremiah 29:8–9	For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Do not be deceived by the prophets and diviners among you, and do not listen to the dreams you elicit from them. For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD.”
5	Jeremiah 29:21	This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying to you lies in My name: “I will deliver them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will kill them before your very eyes.
6	Proverbs 5:21	For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and the LORD examines all his paths.
7	Jeremiah 16:17	For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, and their guilt is not concealed from My eyes.
8	Jeremiah 23:21	I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.
9	Jeremiah 13:27	Your adulteries and lustful neighings, your shameless prostitution on the hills and in the fields— I have seen your detestable acts. Woe to you, O Jerusalem! How long will you remain unclean?”
10	Revelation 3:14	To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.

Jeremiah 29:23 Summary

[Jeremiah 29:23 tells us that God is deeply grieved by the sins of adultery and dishonesty, and He holds people accountable for their actions, as seen in the punishments given to the prophets Ahab and Zedekiah. This verse reminds us that God sees everything we do, and He wants us to live with integrity and honesty, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9 and Ephesians 4:25. By following God's commands and seeking His guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and live a life that honors Him.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of the outrage committed by the prophets in Jeremiah 29:23?

The prophets committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and spoke lies in God's name, which He did not command them to do, as seen in Jeremiah 29:23, and this is reminiscent of the sins condemned in Exodus 20:17 and Deuteronomy 5:21.

Why does God say He is a witness to these actions in Jeremiah 29:23?

God says He is a witness to emphasize His all-knowing and all-seeing nature, as stated in Psalm 139:1-6 and Hebrews 4:13, and to underscore the gravity of the prophets' sins.

How does Jeremiah 29:23 relate to the surrounding verses?

Jeremiah 29:23 is part of a larger passage condemning the false prophets Ahab and Zedekiah, who are punished for their lies and immorality, as seen in Jeremiah 29:21-22, and this verse provides a specific example of their wrongdoing.

What is the significance of God saying 'I did not command them to do' in Jeremiah 29:23?

God's statement emphasizes that the prophets' actions were not only sinful but also unauthorized, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20 and Jeremiah 14:14-15.

Reflection Questions

How can I ensure that my words and actions align with God's commands, rather than following my own desires or the influences of those around me?
In what ways can I be a faithful witness to God's truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in Jeremiah 29:23?
What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to 'speak lies in God's name' or compromise His truth, and how can I seek God's help to remain faithful?
How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's character, including His holiness, justice, and mercy, as revealed in Jeremiah 29:23 and other Bible verses?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 29:23

Because they have committed villany in Israel,.... Or "folly" (f); as the sins of adultery, and prophesying falsely, are afterwards mentioned.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 29:23

Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:23

The reason here given must not be understood as the reason of the king of Babylon’ s punishment of them, but why God gave them up into his hands, because they had committed villany or folly in Israel; which is expounded by the next words, they had committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives. All sin is folly, and so called in Scripture, uncleanness particularly, ; here it is called villany, to denote the heinousness of it, especially in those whose office it was to teach others that they ought not to do it, . Falsehood in discharge of a trust is ordinarily attended with debauchery of life, nor indeed can it be reasonably imagined that those who, to humour men, have debauched their consciences, and declared things as the will of God, which they know are not so, should be more true and honest in their conversation towards men. The second crime of these false prophets was, what gave them their denomination, teaching people what God never bid them speak. Now this, saith the Lord, I know, and am a witness to; their adulteries are in secret, but I am a witness to them; the poor people do not know that they teach them lies, but I know it. God will deal with men not according to what men like themselves know of them, and can prove against them, but according to what he knows and can witness against them.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:23

Jeremiah 29:23 Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD. Ver. 23. Because they have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives.] As did Eli’ s sons, those false prophets also at Jerusalem, Hetser, the great Anabaptist in Germany, who yet died penitently, and as do still the Imailers, an order of religious men among the Turks, who call them the religious brothers of love, and the Brahmins, successors to the Brachmanni, among the Indians, who are extremely impure and libidinous, claiming the first night’ s lodging of every bride, &c., having nothing of a man but the voice and shape, and yet these are their priests. Even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord.] Let them carry their villany never so cleanly and closely, with their si non caste, saltem caute, yet I know all, am now an eyewitness, and will be one day a swift witness against them. Utinam animadverterent haec principes, et ille qui non in sede Petri sed in prostibulo Priapi Lampsaceni sedens fornieationes tegit, sancta coniuga vetat, mera sorenia vendit, et Dei oculos claudit, saith one. Scultet. Annal. Turk. Hist., 477. Heyl., Cosmog.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:23

(23) Because they have committed villany . . .—The Hebrew noun is almost always used for sins of impurity. It is more commonly rendered “folly” (comp. Genesis 34:7; Deuteronomy 22:21; Judges 19:23-24). The English word “villainy” is used definitely with this meaning by Bishop Hall (Sat. i. 9). Even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord.—The words find an echo in Malachi 3:5. We are left to conjecture whether the prophet refers his own knowledge of the facts to a direct supernatural source, or had received private information from his friends at Babylon. The special stress laid on the Lord’s knowledge of their guilt suggests the thought that the false prophets with their restricted ideas of God had persuaded themselves that Jehovah the God of Israel hardly exercised his attributes of power in a distant place like Babylon. There they might sin without fear of detection or of punishment. They thought of him as a God not nigh at hand, but far off (Jeremiah 23:23).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 29:23

Verse 23. Have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives] This is supposed to refer to the case of Susanna. See above.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 29:23

23. folly] The Hebrew denotes more than this, viz. “a state of mind or an action, marked by utter disregard of moral or spiritual feeling.” Dr. who illustrates the kind of immorality here referred to in the word by its use in Genesis 34:7; 2 Samuel 13:12. See further in his Parallel Psalter, p. 457. The punishment inflicted, while really the penalty for transgressions against Jehovah, was doubtless ostensibly for breaches of the religious or civil law of Babylon. falsely] not in LXX, and probably introduced from Jeremiah 29:21. he that knoweth, and am witness] The Hebrew as it stands is awkward. Probably “he that knoweth” (absent from LXX) is a gloss.

Barnes' Notes on Jeremiah 29:23

Villany - Elsewhere folly, in the sense of lewdness Judges 20:6, unchastity.

Sermons on Jeremiah 29:23

	Sermon	Description
	Beware of False Prophets by Sandeep Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the problem of sin in all individuals, both Christians and non-Christians. It highlights Jesus as the solution to the problem o
	Jeremiahs Nuclear Nightmare by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of sudden destruction as mentioned in various biblical passages. He emphasizes that all the prophets spoke about this impending des
	The Invitation of the Cross by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound invitation of the cross, calling all who are burdened by sin and despair to come to Jesus for rest and liberation. He highlights that Jesus'
	2 Corinthians Teaching - God Who Raises the Dead by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan discusses the profound motivations behind Christian ministry as illustrated in 2 Corinthians, emphasizing the duality of the fear of the Lord and the love of Christ.
	Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omniscience of God by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a cracked piece of glass being transformed into a beautiful piece of art to illustrate how God can turn our brokenness into somethi
	(1 John #26) the Love That Casts Out Fear by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 John chapter 4 verses 17 and 18. He emphasizes that our love is made perfect through our relationship with God. He explains that because G
	The Deceitfulness of the Heart by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the deceptive nature of sin and the false promises it offers. He warns against being deceived by the temporary pleasures and illusions of si