Jeremiah 14:13

KJV

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} I, Ah {H162}, Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}! behold, the prophets {H5030} say {H559} unto them, Ye shall not see {H7200} the sword {H2719}, neither shall ye have famine {H7458}; but I will give {H5414} you assured {H571} peace {H7965} in this place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I said, "ADONAI, God! The prophets are telling them, 'You won't see war, and you won't have famine; but I will give you secure peace in this place.'"

Berean Standard Bible

“Ah, Lord GOD!” I replied, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword or suffer famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’”

American Standard Version

Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:13 encapsulates a poignant moment of profound lament and divine confrontation, where the prophet Jeremiah, deeply burdened by Judah's spiritual apostasy and the devastating drought, brings before the Lord the deceptive pronouncements of false prophets. These self-proclaimed messengers of God were actively contradicting divine truth, assuring the people they would be spared from the "sword" and "famine," and instead promising "assured peace" in their land. This verse starkly illuminates the perilous conflict between God's authentic word, faithfully delivered by Jeremiah, and the comforting, yet ultimately ruinous, falsehoods propagated by those who spoke from their own imaginations rather than from the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14:13 is situated within a deeply emotional and theological dialogue between Jeremiah and God, primarily initiated by a severe drought devastating Judah (Jeremiah 14:1-6). The chapter opens with a vivid portrayal of the land's desolation and the people's suffering, prompting Jeremiah to intercede on their behalf, appealing to God's covenant faithfulness (Jeremiah 14:7-9). God's initial response is a stern refusal to hear their cries due to their persistent iniquity and rebellion (Jeremiah 14:10-12), emphasizing that the drought is a direct consequence of their sin. It is against this backdrop of divine judgment and widespread human suffering that Jeremiah introduces the issue of the false prophets in verse 13, directly challenging their message of "peace" which stands in stark opposition to God's declared judgment of "sword" and "famine." The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 14:14-18) reveal God's furious and definitive response to these false prophets, promising that they, along with those who heed their lies, will perish by the very calamities they denied, thereby establishing a profound theological conflict between authentic and deceptive prophecy, a pervasive theme throughout the book of Jeremiah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophetic ministry of Jeremiah unfolded during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), a period characterized by intense political instability, pervasive spiritual apostasy, and the escalating threat of the Babylonian Empire. Judah found itself precariously positioned between formidable regional powers, frequently shifting its political allegiances and, more critically, demonstrating profound unfaithfulness to Yahweh. Idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals were rampant within society. In such an environment, prophets served a crucial role as divine spokespersons. However, a critical distinction existed between true prophets, who faithfully delivered God's often challenging and unpopular word (like Jeremiah), and false prophets, who typically proclaimed popular, comforting messages that aligned with the people's desires or political expediency, rather than divine truth. These false prophets often claimed divine inspiration for their messages of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*), prosperity, and security, even when God's true word indicated impending judgment. This cultural preference for pleasant deception over harsh reality created fertile ground for the false prophets to flourish, rendering Jeremiah's prophetic task incredibly difficult and often dangerous.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Foremost among these is the **peril of false prophecy** and the **necessity of spiritual discernment**. The verse clearly delineates the destructive nature of messages that directly contradict God's revealed will, leading people astray and preventing genuine repentance. This ties intrinsically into the broader theme of **truth versus deception**, where Jeremiah's authentic, often unpopular, word stands in stark contrast to the palatable lies propagated by the false prophets. The concept of **true peace versus superficial security** is also central; the "assured peace" promised by the false prophets was a dangerous illusion, meticulously crafted to avoid confronting the nation's deep-seated sin, whereas true *shalom* (wholeness, well-being, completeness) could only be realized through national repentance and a renewed commitment to covenant faithfulness, a genuine hope later articulated in God's future plans for His people, as seen in [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for Peace"). Finally, the verse powerfully underscores the theme of **divine judgment as an inevitable consequence of unfaithfulness**. The "sword" and "famine" are not arbitrary punishments but the just and inevitable outcomes of Judah's persistent rebellion against God, a reality the false prophets desperately sought to deny, thereby exacerbating the nation's spiritual blindness and accelerating its downfall, a consistent message throughout [Jeremiah's prophecies](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ah (Hebrew, _ʼăhâhh'_):** This exclamation (H162) is a primitive word expressing intense pain, lament, or profound distress. In Jeremiah 14:13, it conveys Jeremiah's deep anguish and exasperation as he presents the false prophets' deceptive words before the Lord. It signifies his overwhelming emotional turmoil, not merely over the people's physical suffering, but profoundly over the spiritual blindness and moral decay perpetuated by corrupt religious leadership.
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** This term (H5030) refers to a prophet or, more generally, an inspired person. Here, it specifically denotes those who claim to speak on behalf of God but are, in fact, delivering messages of their own invention, or perhaps influenced by other spirits. The profound irony lies in the fact that while they bear the esteemed title of "prophet," their message is utterly devoid of divine truth, highlighting the critical distinction between genuine and counterfeit divine revelation.
* **assured (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Derived from the root meaning stability or faithfulness, this word (H571) signifies certainty, truth, or trustworthiness. When applied to the "peace" promised by the false prophets, it creates a stark and tragic irony. They promise a peace that is "assured" or "true," yet it is built upon a foundation of lies and self-deception, rendering its "assurance" entirely deceptive and ultimately catastrophic for those who believe it.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** This rich and comprehensive Hebrew word (H7965) encompasses far more than merely the absence of conflict; it signifies holistic well-being, prosperity, health, completeness, and flourishing. The false prophets' promise of *shalom* was a counterfeit, offering superficial tranquility and an illusion of security while deliberately ignoring the deep spiritual and moral decay that was actively destroying the nation's true well-being. Their "peace" was a dangerous delusion, preventing the people from seeking the genuine *shalom* that comes only from repentance and reconciliation with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD!":** This opening phrase immediately establishes Jeremiah's desperate and anguished cry to God. The interjection "Ah" (H162) expresses profound sorrow, distress, and a plea for divine attention or understanding in the face of overwhelming spiritual deception. The address "Lord GOD" uses both `ʼĂdônây` (H136), an emphatic form signifying sovereign master, and `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069), a variation of the sacred covenant name YHWH, emphasizing Jeremiah's deep reverence and the immense gravity of his appeal to the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel.
* **"behold, the prophets say unto them,":** Jeremiah directs God's attention to the specific and insidious source of the problem: "the prophets" (H5030). This phrase underscores the direct contradiction between God's authentic word, faithfully delivered through Jeremiah, and the words of these other religious leaders who claimed divine authority but spoke falsehoods. The phrase "unto them" refers to the people of Judah, indicating the widespread nature of this deception and its devastating impact on the entire nation.
* **"Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine;":** This clause presents the core of the false prophets' deceitful message. They directly contradict God's clear warnings of impending judgment, promising the people immunity from the very calamities—specifically the "sword" (H2719), symbolizing war and invasion, and "famine" (H7458), representing starvation and economic collapse—that Jeremiah had been consistently prophesying and that were already beginning to manifest (e.g., the severe drought described in Jeremiah 14:1-6). This promise was strategically designed to alleviate public fear and maintain popular favor, rather than to call the people to genuine repentance.
* **"but I will give you assured peace in this place.":** This final clause articulates the false promise of "assured peace" (H571, H7965). The "I" here, though grammatically ambiguous, implies that the false prophets are claiming divine authority, as if God Himself would "give" (H5414) this peace. The phrase "in this place" (H4725) emphasizes a localized, immediate, and seemingly secure future for Jerusalem and Judah, contrasting sharply with the broader, long-term judgment and exile God had unequivocally declared for the nation. This was a message of dangerous, false hope, meticulously crafted to prevent the people from acknowledging their profound sin and seeking true reconciliation with God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:13 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to underscore its critical message. **Irony** is paramount, as the "assured peace" (H571, H7965) promised by the false prophets is anything but assured; it is a perilous delusion that will inevitably lead to destruction. The very words intended to convey security become a vehicle for profound deception, highlighting the tragic disconnect between appearance and reality. There is also a strong **Contrast** established between the true word of God, delivered by Jeremiah (which speaks of impending "sword" and "famine"), and the false word of the prophets (which promises deceptive "peace"). This stark opposition powerfully emphasizes the spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of the people. Furthermore, the mention of "sword" and "famine" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy**, where these specific instruments and conditions stand in for the broader and more devastating concept of divine judgment and its dire consequences. The prophet's opening exclamation, "Ah, Lord GOD!", serves as a powerful **Exclamation** and **Apostrophe**, directly addressing God in a moment of profound distress and lament, drawing the reader into Jeremiah's intense emotional state and the immense gravity of the spiritual situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:13 serves as a timeless theological warning about the fundamental nature of truth, authority, and discernment within the community of faith. It profoundly reveals that God's word, even when difficult, painful, or unpopular, is always ultimately for the people's true good, designed to lead to genuine repentance, spiritual healing, and ultimate restoration. Conversely, human-centered messages, however comforting or appealing to popular sentiment, that directly contradict divine truth are ultimately destructive and lead to spiritual ruin. The verse underscores God's exclusive prerogative to declare both judgment and peace, and highlights the grave error of those who usurp this divine authority or distort God's message for their own self-serving ends or to appease human desires. It challenges believers across all generations to critically evaluate all spiritual claims and teachings, ensuring they align precisely with the revealed character, nature, and will of God, rather than merely catering to human desires for comfort, prosperity, or an easy path. This spiritual discernment is absolutely crucial for maintaining spiritual health and for avoiding the perilous pitfalls of self-deception and false security.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:10-16](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10-16 - Woe to False Prophets")
* [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People Will Seek Teachers Who Tickle Their Ears")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:13 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a powerful and urgent call to spiritual discernment and a solemn warning against the pervasive allure of comfortable lies. In an age saturated with an overwhelming influx of information and diverse voices, the temptation to seek out messages that merely affirm our existing biases or promise an easy, unchallenging path, rather than those that courageously challenge us to confront sin and embrace difficult truths, is ever-present. This verse compels us to cultivate a deep and abiding love for God's unvarnished word, even when it exposes our shortcomings, calls us to radical repentance, or leads us down challenging paths. True peace and genuine security are found not in avoiding harsh realities or ignoring divine warnings, but in humble submission to God's sovereign will and faithful obedience to His commands. It powerfully reminds us that authentic spiritual leaders are those who faithfully and uncompromisingly proclaim the whole counsel of God, even when it is unpopular or costly, prioritizing divine truth above all human applause or personal gain. Our ultimate well-being, both temporal and eternal, depends entirely on our willingness to diligently hear and heed God's voice, distinguishing it from the myriad of deceptive voices that promise a false and fleeting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that offer genuine hope rooted in truth and those that offer false comfort or superficial security in my own life and in the broader world?**
* **Am I more inclined to seek out spiritual messages that affirm my desires and preferences, or those that challenge me to grow, repent, and conform to Christ's likeness?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be seeking "assured peace" or security from sources other than God's revealed truth and His faithful provision?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my understanding of God's Word and cultivate spiritual discernment so that I can more effectively identify and reject false teachings?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific message of the false prophets in Jeremiah 14:13?**

Answer: The false prophets declared to the people of Judah that they would "not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine," and that God would "give you assured peace in this place." This message directly contradicted the warnings of impending judgment—specifically war and starvation—that Jeremiah, the true prophet, had been consistently delivering from the Lord. Their message was one of unmerited comfort and security, promising deliverance from the very calamities that were already at Judah's doorstep due to their persistent sin and rebellion against God.

**Why was the promise of "assured peace" so dangerous?**

Answer: The promise of "assured peace" (Hebrew: *shalom emeth*) was dangerous precisely because it was a profound lie, a deceptive balm that prevented the people from acknowledging their deep-seated sin and repenting. True peace (*shalom*) in the biblical sense is holistic well-being, which fundamentally depends on a right relationship with God and adherence to His covenant. By promising peace without requiring repentance or acknowledging the consequences of disobedience, the false prophets fostered a false sense of security, encouraging continued spiritual complacency and disobedience. This dangerous delusion not only misled the people into a false sense of security but also hardened their hearts against God's true call to repentance, ultimately leading them further down the path of judgment and destruction, as detailed in [Jeremiah 14:14-16](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14-16 - God's Judgment on False Prophets").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:13, with its stark contrast between the destructive nature of false prophecy and the life-giving power of divine truth, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus. While the false prophets of Jeremiah's day offered a superficial and ultimately ruinous "assured peace" that denied reality, Jesus Christ is the true "Prince of Peace" (cf. [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")) who offers a peace that transcends earthly circumstances and the world's fleeting promises (cf. [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). He is the ultimate Prophet, who spoke only the words of the Father, never compromising divine truth for popular appeal or human comfort (cf. [John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). Unlike the false prophets who denied impending judgment for sin, Jesus faithfully warned of the eternal consequences of unrighteousness (cf. [Matthew 25:41-46](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")) while simultaneously offering the only path to true reconciliation and eternal life. His sacrificial death on the cross secured genuine and lasting peace with God for all who believe (cf. [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justified by Faith, We Have Peace with God")), not a temporary reprieve from earthly calamities, but a profound spiritual security that transcends all circumstances and offers true *shalom*. Thus, Jesus embodies the "assured peace" that is truly faithful and trustworthy, fulfilling the deepest longing for holistic well-being that the false prophets could only mimic and distort, ultimately bringing the divine solution to humanity's sin and alienation from God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 6:14

They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Jeremiah 4:10

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

2 Peter 2:1

¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Micah 3:11

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, [Is] not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

Jeremiah 23:17

They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

Jeremiah 8:11

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Jeremiah 1:6

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.