Jeremiah 14:15

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} concerning the prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} in my name {H8034}, and I sent {H7971} them not, yet they say {H559}, Sword {H2719} and famine {H7458} shall not be in this land {H776}; By sword {H2719} and famine {H7458} shall those prophets {H5030} be consumed {H8552}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore," ADONAI says, "concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name, whom I did not send, yet they say, 'There will be neither war nor famine in this land' - it will be war and famine that will destroy those prophets.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says about the prophets who prophesy in My name: I did not send them, yet they say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end!

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land: By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 14:15 delivers a severe divine pronouncement against false prophets in Judah who presumptuously claim to speak in the LORD's name without being genuinely commissioned by Him. These deceivers offer deceptive assurances of peace and prosperity, directly contradicting God's true message of impending judgment by sword and famine due to the nation's persistent sin. The verse declares a stark and ironic consequence: the very calamities they deny will befall the land are precisely what will consume these uncommissioned prophets, serving as a powerful testament to God's unwavering justice and the authenticity of His true word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 14 is a profound and somber lament, often referred to as "The Great Drought," vividly portraying a severe famine and drought afflicting the Kingdom of Judah. The chapter opens with poignant imagery of a parched land and suffering people, which prompts Jeremiah's heartfelt intercession on behalf of his nation. However, God responds with an unyielding declaration of judgment, emphasizing that Judah's persistent idolatry and rebellion have reached a point of no return. Amidst this national crisis, a dangerous spiritual deception emerges: false prophets offer comforting but deceitful messages of peace and safety, directly contradicting the dire reality and God's revealed will. Jeremiah 14:15 serves as God's direct, forceful, and ironic response to these unauthorized messengers, highlighting the severe consequences awaiting those who mislead His people. This verse is integral to the chapter's broader theme of divine judgment and the critical discernment between true and false prophecy, a recurring motif throughout the entire [Book of Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah - Prophecies of Judgment and Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry is the late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval for the Kingdom of Judah. The nation faced escalating external threats from rising empires like Babylon, alongside profound internal spiritual decay characterized by widespread idolatry, social injustice, and a general abandonment of the Mosaic covenant. In ancient Israelite society, prophets held a crucial role as God's designated spokespersons, delivering divine messages to the king, the priests, and the populace. However, there was a constant, challenging struggle to discern true prophets, who faithfully conveyed God's often unpopular word, from false ones, who frequently prophesied what the people desired to hear—messages of peace and prosperity, even in the face of rampant national sin. The prevailing cultural expectation was that God would always protect His chosen people, leading many to embrace comforting lies over challenging truths. Jeremiah 14:15 exposes this dangerous dynamic, underscoring the spiritual blindness and moral corruption prevalent in Judah, where even religious leaders contributed to the nation's impending downfall by offering false hope instead of calling for genuine repentance and obedience to God's authentic word.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 14:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Primarily, it underscores the critical theme of **Divine Authority and the Authenticity of Prophecy**. The phrase "I sent them not" is paramount, emphasizing that true prophecy originates solely from God's sovereign commission and divine inspiration, not from human imagination, self-will, or popular demand. This stands in stark contrast to the false prophets' presumptuous claims, highlighting the profound danger and spiritual offense of speaking in God's name without His explicit authorization, a warning echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Discerning True and False Prophets"). Secondly, the verse vividly illustrates **Divine Justice and Retribution**. God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous and fitting response to the false prophets' deception and their leading of His people astray. The striking irony that they will be consumed by the very "sword and famine" they denied would come upon the land serves as a stark example of God's unwavering commitment to His revealed word and His righteous judgment against those who pervert it. Finally, the passage reinforces the **Consequences of Spiritual Deception**. By condemning the false prophets, God underscores the severe spiritual and physical repercussions for both those who propagate lies in His name and those who choose to believe them over His revealed truth. This serves as a timeless call to discernment, urging God's people to cling to His authentic word, even when it is challenging, as seen in the broader prophetic message of [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** This term (H5030) refers to an inspired person, one who speaks for God. In this context, it highlights the sacred office these individuals claim to hold. However, the subsequent divine declaration "I sent them not" immediately disqualifies them from being true `nâbîyʼ`, revealing them as imposters who usurp a divine title without legitimate divine authorization. A true prophet speaks with the authority and message given directly by God, whereas these individuals speak from their own deceitful hearts and imaginations.
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** The verb "sent" (H7971) is crucial, denoting divine commission, authorization, and dispatch. When God "sends" a prophet, it signifies that the prophet's message is God's own, carrying absolute divine authority and truth. The emphatic negation "I sent them not" unequivocally declares that these prophets lack any legitimate divine backing or endorsement. Their message is therefore not from God but from their own fabrication, rendering their claims fraudulent and their words dangerous. This absence of divine sending is the fundamental flaw that renders their prophecies false and deserving of severe judgment.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _tâmam'_):** This verb (H8552) means "to complete," "to come to an end," "to be wasted," or "to be utterly destroyed." In this context, it signifies utter destruction, annihilation, and a complete cessation of existence through the very means of judgment. The false prophets will not merely suffer from the sword and famine; they will be "consumed" by them, indicating a complete and devastating end. This word underscores the severity and finality of God's judgment, demonstrating that their deception will lead directly to their own demise by the very calamities they falsely promised would not come.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the pronouncement ("thus saith the LORD"), underscoring its absolute authority. It immediately identifies the target: individuals who claim divine authority by speaking "in my name" but fundamentally lack genuine commission ("I sent them not"). This highlights the core issue of false prophecy—presumptuously speaking for God without His authentic authorization.
* **"yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land;"**: This clause reveals the specific content of the false prophets' deceptive message. In direct contradiction to God's true word conveyed through Jeremiah, they offer comforting but ultimately false assurances of peace and security. They deny the impending judgments of warfare ("sword") and scarcity ("famine") that God has definitively decreed for the land of Judah due to its persistent idolatry and rebellion.
* **"By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed."**: This concluding clause declares God's righteous and fitting judgment. It reveals a striking and chilling irony: the very calamities that the false prophets denied would come upon the land are precisely the means by which they themselves will be utterly destroyed. This serves as a powerful demonstration of divine justice, where the punishment perfectly reflects the nature of their deception and the severity of their offense against God's truth.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 14:15 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message with impactful clarity. The most prominent device is **Irony**, specifically **Situational Irony**. The false prophets declare a message of false comfort, asserting that "Sword and famine shall not be in this land," yet God declares that "By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed." The very instruments of judgment they deny will come upon the land are the precise instruments of their own demise, creating a powerful and chilling reversal of expectations. This highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to turn the deceptions of the wicked back upon themselves. Another significant device is **Contrast**, starkly drawn between the true word of the LORD, conveyed through His authentic prophet Jeremiah, and the false words of the unauthorized prophets. The divine declaration "I sent them not" stands in direct opposition to their presumptuous claim of speaking "in my name." This contrast emphasizes the absolute distinction between divine truth and human deception. Furthermore, there is a strong sense of **Retribution**, where the punishment perfectly fits the crime. The false comfort offered by the prophets is met with the very discomfort and destruction they sought to deny, underscoring the principle that God's justice is precise, inescapable, and perfectly calibrated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 14:15 profoundly underscores the sanctity of God's name and the immense gravity of speaking on His behalf without genuine divine authorization. It reveals a God who is utterly committed to the integrity of His word and will not tolerate deception, especially when it leads His people astray from truth and repentance. Theologically, this verse reinforces the concept of divine judgment not as arbitrary wrath, but as a righteous and just response to sin and rebellion, directed not only against the people's idolatry but specifically against those who corrupt spiritual leadership and mislead the flock. It highlights the eternal truth that God's word, whether of blessing or judgment, will always come to pass, and those who contradict or pervert it will face severe, fitting consequences. This passage serves as a timeless warning against spiritual presumption and a fervent call to discernment, reminding believers that true spiritual authority flows solely from God's authentic commission and His unchanging truth, which demands faithful proclamation and humble reception.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Discerning True and False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 13:3-8](/ezekiel/13-3-8 "Ezekiel 13:3-8 - Woe to Foolish Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 14:15 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of the critical importance of discerning truth from falsehood, particularly in spiritual matters. In an age saturated with information, diverse voices, and a myriad of self-proclaimed authorities, the temptation to embrace comforting narratives over challenging truths remains powerfully potent. This verse calls us to a rigorous and prayerful examination of every message, ensuring its alignment with the unchanging character and revealed word of God. It compels us to cultivate a deep familiarity with Scripture, enabling us to recognize when a message deviates from divine truth, regardless of how appealing, popular, or emotionally resonant it may be. Furthermore, it challenges those who teach, preach, or lead to tremble at the thought of speaking presumptuously in God's name, emphasizing the profound responsibility and accountability inherent in conveying His sacred message. Our spiritual well-being, and indeed that of the community of faith, hinges on our unwavering commitment to seeking and upholding God's authentic word, even when it demands repentance, confronts uncomfortable realities, or calls for difficult obedience, rather than succumbing to the deceptive allure of false assurances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between a message that truly comes from God and one that is merely comforting but potentially false or self-serving?**
* **What are the potential dangers of seeking out or preferring spiritual messages that only affirm my desires, rather than challenging me to grow, repent, or conform to Christ's likeness?**
* **In what ways might I, or the spiritual leaders I follow, be tempted to speak or act presumptuously in God's name without His true commission or genuine alignment with His revealed will?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "I sent them not" in Jeremiah 14:15?**

Answer: The phrase "I sent them not" (Hebrew: `lō sh'lachtim`) is profoundly significant because it highlights the fundamental criterion for legitimate prophecy: divine commission. True prophets are those whom God has specifically chosen, authorized, and sent to deliver His message. The false prophets in Jeremiah 14:15 claimed to speak "in my name" (God's name), but God explicitly denies having authorized them. This means their messages were not divinely inspired but originated from their own imaginations, desires, or perhaps even demonic influence. This lack of divine sending is what makes their prophecies deceitful and worthy of judgment, directly contrasting with the genuine commission of prophets like [Jeremiah](/jeremiah/1 "The Book of Jeremiah") himself, who was called by God from his youth.

**Why are "sword and famine" used as the instruments of judgment against the false prophets?**

Answer: "Sword and famine" (Hebrew: `chereb v'ra'av`) are frequently paired throughout the Old Testament as classic symbols of God's severe judgment, representing warfare and scarcity, often as consequences for covenant disobedience. In Jeremiah 14:15, their use is particularly potent due to the stark irony involved. The false prophets promised that "Sword and famine shall not be in this land," directly contradicting God's declared judgment upon Judah. God's declaration that "By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed" is a perfect example of divine retribution, where the punishment fittingly reflects the nature of their sin. They denied the very calamities that God had decreed, and those same calamities become the means of their own utter destruction, demonstrating God's unwavering justice and the inescapable reality of His word. This powerful reversal underscores the futility and danger of speaking falsely in God's name.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 14:15, with its stark warning against false prophets and its emphasis on the absolute necessity of divine commission, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets served as God's spokespersons, Jesus is the ultimate and perfect Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He did not merely speak God's word; He *is* God's word, fully authorized and eternally sent by the Father, as He Himself repeatedly declared: "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me" ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Unlike the false prophets who spoke from their own imaginations, Jesus spoke with unparalleled divine authority, confirming His heavenly commission through His miraculous signs, profound teachings, and ultimately, His victorious resurrection (cf. [Acts 2:22-24](/acts/2-22-24 "Acts 2:22-24 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). The judgment pronounced against false prophets in Jeremiah foreshadows the ultimate judgment against all who speak falsely or lead others astray, a judgment fully administered by Christ, who will judge the living and the dead (cf. [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")). Furthermore, the "sword and famine" of judgment in Jeremiah point to the spiritual realities of sin and death, from which Christ alone delivers His people. He is the true bread of life (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")) who overcomes spiritual famine, and His atoning sacrifice on the cross disarms the spiritual "sword" of God's righteous wrath against sin, offering true peace and reconciliation to all who believe (cf. [Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, Jesus stands as the authentic, divinely commissioned voice of God, fulfilling all true prophecy and delivering humanity from the very judgments that false prophets denied.

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 5:12

They have belied the LORD, and said, [It is] not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

Jeremiah 5:13

And the prophets shall become wind, and the word [is] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.

Ezekiel 14:10

And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh [unto him];

Jeremiah 28:15

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

Jeremiah 20:6

And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.

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.