Jeremiah 5:31
Jeremiah 5:31 in Multiple Translations
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?
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
The prophets give false words and the priests give decisions by their direction; and my people are glad to have it so: and what will you do in the end?
The prophets give false prophecies; the priests rule as they please. My people love it like this, but what will you do when it all falls apart?
The Prophets prophesie lies, and ye Priests receiue giftes in their handes, and my people delite therein. What will ye then doe in the ende thereof?
The prophets have prophesied falsely, And the priests bear rule by their means, And My people have loved [it] so, And what do they at its latter end?
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority; and my people love to have it so. What will you do in the end of it?
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
The prophets prophesied falsehood, and the priests clapped their hands: and my people loved such things: what then shall be done in the end thereof?
Prophets speak only lies and priests rule by their own authority, and you people like that! But when you start to experience disasters, what will you do [RHQ]?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 5:31
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 5:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֞ים
נִבְּא֣וּ
בַ/שֶּׁ֗קֶר
וְ/הַ/כֹּהֲנִים֙
יִרְדּ֣וּ
עַל
יְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
וְ/עַמִּ֖/י
אָ֣הֲבוּ
כֵ֑ן
וּ/מַֽה
תַּעֲשׂ֖וּ
לְ/אַחֲרִיתָֽ/הּ
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֞ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
נִבְּא֣וּ
nâbâʼ
H5012
to prophesy
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בַ/שֶּׁ֗קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
Prep | N-ms
וְ/הַ/כֹּהֲנִים֙
kôhên
H3548
priest
Conj | Art | N-mp
יִרְדּ֣וּ
râdâh
H7287
to rule
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
וְ/עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אָ֣הֲבוּ
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כֵ֑ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
וּ/מַֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
תַּעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
לְ/אַחֲרִיתָֽ/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Prep | N-fs | Suff
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 5:31
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֞ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | 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.
נִבְּא֣וּ
nâbâʼ
H5012
"to prophesy"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
בַ/שֶּׁ֗קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
Prep | 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.
וְ/הַ/כֹּהֲנִים֙
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Conj | Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
יִרְדּ֣וּ
râdâh
H7287
"to rule"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to have power or control over someone or something. It can also mean to scrape or crumble something, like scraping out a bowl.
Definition: 1) to rule, have dominion, dominate, tread down 1a) (Qal) to have dominion, rule, subjugate 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to dominate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: (come to, make to) have dominion, prevail against, reign, (bear, make to) rule,(-r, over), take. See also: Genesis 1:26; 2 Chronicles 8:10; Psalms 49:15.
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.
יְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וְ/עַמִּ֖/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אָ֣הֲבוּ
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
כֵ֑ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וּ/מַֽה
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.
תַּעֲשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
לְ/אַחֲרִיתָֽ/הּ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
Study Notes — Jeremiah 5:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Jeremiah 5:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
- Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
- Sermons on Jeremiah 5:31
Context — Judgment Proclaimed
29Should I not punish them for these things?” declares the LORD. “Should I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?
30A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land.
31The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 13:6 | They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 14:14 | “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. |
| 3 | Micah 2:11 | If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people! |
| 4 | 2 Thessalonians 2:9–11 | The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, |
| 5 | 2 Timothy 4:3–4 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 | For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 32:29 | If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate. |
| 8 | Zephaniah 2:2–3 | before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you. Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness; seek humility. Perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD’s anger. |
| 9 | Isaiah 10:3 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? |
| 10 | 2 Peter 2:1–2 | Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. |
Jeremiah 5:31 Summary
[This verse is saying that the prophets and priests in Jeremiah's time were not following God's rules, but were instead making up their own and leading the people astray. The people were happy with this situation, but God is warning them that there will be consequences for their actions, as seen in Jeremiah 25:31. We can learn from this by being careful to follow God's teachings and seek the truth, rather than just following what is popular or easy, as encouraged in Matthew 7:13-14 and Proverbs 14:12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for prophets to prophesy falsely?
This means that the prophets are speaking lies and misleading God's people, rather than speaking the truth from God, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, where God warns against false prophets.
Why do the priests rule by their own authority?
The priests are supposed to rule according to God's law, but instead they are making their own rules and leading the people astray, which is a form of rebellion against God, similar to what is described in Judges 21:25.
What does it mean that 'My people love it so'?
This phrase suggests that the people are complicit in and even enjoying the false teachings and leadership, rather than seeking the truth and righteousness, as encouraged in Proverbs 12:1 and Matthew 5:6.
What is the significance of the question 'what will you do in the end'?
This question implies that God's judgment is coming, and the people will have to face the consequences of their actions, as warned in Revelation 20:12-15 and Jeremiah 25:31.
Reflection Questions
- How can I discern between true and false teachings in my own life, and what role should the Bible play in this process?
- In what ways am I potentially 'loving' or complicit in the false teachings and leadership in my own community, and how can I seek the truth instead?
- What are the potential consequences of following false prophets and leaders, and how can I prepare myself for the day of God's judgment?
- How can I seek to rule my own life according to God's authority, rather than my own desires or the influence of others?
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesied falsely,.... That the people would have peace and prosperity, and not be carried captive into Babylon, as Jeremiah and other true prophets of the Lord had predicted: and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely; either spreading and dispersing abroad the lies of their idols, particularly Baal, , or venting their lies in the name of the true God, . The priests bear rule by their means; by this means it comes to pass that the princes and priests are encouraged to do all their mischiefs, whether it were in corrupting judgment by bribes, or countenancing fraud and oppression, and hardening themselves against God’ s threatenings, or whatever else; they were encouraged by the lies of the false prophets, they, and the priests, and the princes combining, and setting themselves against the true prophets of God, ; and thus the priests in effect take the management of all the affairs into their own hands; so the Heb. take into their hands, which intimates the authority they used in their ministry. My people love to have it so; they are very well pleased with the flatteries and lies of the false prophets, not being able to bear the truths that were delivered them from God, . What will ye do in the end thereof? q.d. Whither do you think these things will tend? You must look for nothing but utter ruin as the fruit and effect of such doings, ,12: when this city, which you look upon to be perpetuated, shall be overthrown, and you utterly perish in its ruin, how miserably will you find yourselves to be deluded by your false prophets, and disappointed in your hopes! A sad aposiopesis, concerning the exterminating of the people by the Chaldeans.
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?Ver. 31. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule.] The chief priests bearing rule in the causes and consciences of the people, had suborned their abettor’ s ambitious prophets, who applauded their greatness for preferment, teaching the people to doat on the titles of Moses’ chair, high priests, the temple of the Lord, &c., as if there were not many a goodly box in the apothecary’ s shop without one drachm of any drug therein. Such false prophets were those Pharisees, factors for the priests with their corban; and such also for the Pope are the Jesuits and seculars, which differ only as hot and cold poison, both destructive to the state. What will ye do?] Alas! what will become of you at last? Aposiopesis de extremo tam deploratae politiae exterminio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
(31) Prophesy falsely.—Literally, with a lie, so in Jeremiah 20:6; Jeremiah 29:9. Bear rule by their means.—Better, move at their hands, i.e., according to their direction (as in 1 Chronicles 25:2; 2 Chronicles 23:18. The Vulg. and LXX. translate The priests applauded with their hands. So taken, the words of Jeremiah make the priests follow the prophets, not the prophets the instruments of the priests. In Isaiah 9:15 the prophets are as “the tail,” the basest element in the nation. My people love to have it . . .—The words imply more than an acquiescence in evil, and describe an ethical condition like that of Rom 1:32. The final question implies that the people were running into a destruction which they would nave no power to avert.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
Verse 31. The prophets prophesy falsely] The false prophets predict favourable things, that they may please both the princes and the people. The priests bear rule by their means] The false prophets affording them all that their influence and power can procure, to enable them to keep their places, and feed on the riches of the Lord's house. And my people love to have it so] Are perfectly satisfied with this state of things, because they are permitted to continue in their sins without reproof or restraint. The prophets and the priests united to deceive and ruin the people. The prophets gave out false predictions; by their means the priests got the government of the people into their own hands; and so infatuated were the people that they willingly abandoned themselves to those blind guides, and would not hearken to the voice of any reformer. In my Old Bible the words stand thus: - Stonyng and mervailis ben made in the erthe, prophets prophecieden lesing; and prestis flappiden with joye with ther bondes, and my peple lovid siche thingis. False prophets and worldly priests have been in all ages the bane of religion, and the ruin of many souls. When profligate people stand up on behalf of profligate priests, corruption must then be at its height.
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 5:31
31. “When Amos and Isaiah attacked the priesthood of Judah, they still felt that there remained the Prophets on whom the nation could fall back. But when Jeremiah mourned for Israel, he felt that there was no reserve in Judah. And when the Priesthood closed in hostile array around him, he felt that, as far as Jerusalem was concerned, the Prophets were no supporters.” (Stanley, J. Ch., II. 441.) bear rule] possibly, reading a somewhat similar verbal form from the root whence Torah comes, teach, this being an important function of the priests. Cp. Jeremiah 13:18; Ezekiel 7:26; Haggai 2:11; Malachi 2:7. Du.’s rendering (from a rare root of the same consonants, meaning to scrape), “put money into their pockets,” is hardly to be accepted. by their means] as mg. at their hands, under their guidance, at their pleasure. So Gi. Cp. for this sense 1 Chronicles 25:3; 2 Chronicles 23:18; Ezra 3:10, “after the order of.”
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 5:31
31. Bear rule by their means — Rather, under their lead. The passage is not free from difficulty, as is shown by the various interpretations which have been given. One of the original words is ambiguous as to its root-form.
Sermons on Jeremiah 5:31
| Sermon | Description | |
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Self Denial and Discipline by Miles DeBenedictis | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the analogy of athletes preparing for the ancient games in Corinth. He emphasizes the rigorous training and discipline that these athletes und |
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Ivory Houses & Fat Cows: The Excessive Nonsense of the Modern Christian Church by Joseph LoSardo | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the decline of a nation that was once a leader in industry and ponders its future. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and His s |
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Fren-14 Fondements Apostoliques - Église Dans Les Desseins De Dieu by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his own concerns and anxieties about preaching to an audience. He emphasizes the need for God's guidance and grace in order to effe |
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Judges 17:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses the chaotic state of Israel during the time of the Judges, emphasizing the lack of leadership and direction that led the people to follow paths of moral relat |
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The Radical Kingdom of God: Conventional Christianity or Biblical Faith? by Art Katz | Art Katz passionately calls for the Church to awaken from its indifference and embrace its true identity as the radical Kingdom of God. He emphasizes that the Church has allowed th |
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Epistle 42 by George Fox | George Fox addresses all Friends scattered abroad, urging them to dwell in the light that comes from Christ, which enables them to see Him as their Savior and grow in Him. He empha |
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New Years' Address, January 1853 by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delivers a powerful sermon reflecting on the state of the church amidst worldly progress and material prosperity, questioning the lack of vital godliness and grace des |