Jeremiah 23:10

KJV

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force [is] not right.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the land {H776} is full {H4390} of adulterers {H5003}; for because {H6440} of swearing {H423} the land {H776} mourneth {H56}; the pleasant places {H4999} of the wilderness {H4057} are dried up {H3001}, and their course {H4794} is evil {H7451}, and their force {H1369} is not right.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the land is full of adulterers; because of a curse the land is in mourning - the desert pastures have dried up. Their course is evil, their power misused.

Berean Standard Bible

For the land is full of adulterers— because of the curse, the land mourns and the pastures of the wilderness have dried up— their course is evil and their power is misused.

American Standard Version

For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. And their course is evil, and their might is not right;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:10 offers a stark portrayal of Judah's profound moral and spiritual decay, directly attributing the land's desolation to the pervasive sin of its inhabitants, particularly the corrupt leadership. The verse condemns widespread spiritual adultery and the breaking of oaths, which have invoked divine judgment, manifesting as environmental barrenness and a perversion of justice and truth among those who should guide the nation. It serves as a lament over the consequences of unfaithfulness and a warning against the destructive path of rebellion against God's covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant section of Jeremiah's prophecy (Jeremiah 23:9-40) that primarily condemns the false prophets and corrupt religious leaders in Judah. Jeremiah's anguish over the nation's spiritual state is palpable, as he contrasts the deceitful messages of these false prophets with the true word of the Lord. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 23:1-8) introduce the theme of righteous leadership, promising a future "Righteous Branch" who will rule justly, setting a stark contrast with the current corrupt shepherds. Following Jeremiah 23:10, the prophet continues his indictment, detailing the specific ways these false prophets mislead the people, commit abominable acts, and fail to turn anyone from their evil ways, thus exacerbating the nation's sin and hastening divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings (Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) leading up to the Babylonian exile. The nation was caught between the declining Assyrian empire and the rising power of Babylon, facing immense political and military pressure. Culturally, Judah was increasingly influenced by surrounding pagan practices, including idolatry and syncretism, despite previous reforms under King Josiah. The "swearing" mentioned could refer to the breaking of covenant oaths with God, false vows made in His name, or even the widespread use of curses and blasphemy, all of which were serious transgressions in a covenantal society. The desolation of the land was often understood in ancient Israel as a direct consequence of covenant disobedience, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. **Covenant Unfaithfulness** is central, as "adultery" metaphorically represents Israel's betrayal of its divine covenant with Yahweh, paralleling the literal unfaithfulness prevalent in society (see [Jeremiah 3:8-9](/jeremiah/3-8 "Jeremiah 3:8-9 - Spiritual Adultery and its Consequences")). The **Consequences of Sin** are vividly illustrated through the land's mourning and drying up, demonstrating that spiritual and moral decay has tangible, devastating effects on the physical environment and national well-being, a theme echoed in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). Furthermore, the verse highlights the theme of **Corrupt Leadership**, particularly the false prophets whose "evil course" and "unjust force" lead the people astray, contrasting sharply with God's promise of a righteous king and true shepherds in [Jeremiah 23:5-6](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5-6 - The Righteous Branch").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adulterers (Hebrew, _nâʼaph'_):** This primitive root signifies to commit adultery, both literally and figuratively. In the context of Jeremiah, and throughout the Old Testament, it frequently carries the profound theological meaning of spiritual unfaithfulness—Israel's betrayal of its covenant relationship with Yahweh by worshipping other gods or engaging in practices contrary to His law. The land being "full" of such individuals underscores the pervasive nature of this covenant breach, indicating a deep-seated rebellion against God's exclusive claim on His people.
* **Swearing (Hebrew, _ʼâlâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to imprecate," this term refers to an imprecation, curse, oath, or swearing. In this context, it likely points to the widespread breaking of solemn vows, false oaths made in God's name, or even the casual use of curses and blasphemy. Such actions directly undermine the sanctity of God's name and the integrity of covenant relationships, thereby invoking divine judgment or a curse upon the land, leading to its "mourning."
* **Dried up (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This primitive root describes the act of drying up, withering, or becoming ashamed/confounded. When applied to the "pleasant places of the wilderness," it signifies a literal desiccation of the land, a loss of fertility and vitality. This physical manifestation of drought and barrenness is presented as a direct consequence of the people's sins, a tangible sign of God's judgment and the withdrawal of His blessing from a land defiled by unrighteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the land is full of adulterers;":** This clause immediately establishes the pervasive moral and spiritual corruption within Judah. "Adulterers" here primarily signifies not just sexual immorality, but the nation's profound spiritual unfaithfulness to God, breaking their covenant vows by pursuing idolatry and other forbidden practices. The phrase "full of" emphasizes the widespread nature of this spiritual harlotry, indicating that the sin is not isolated but has permeated every level of society.
* **"for because of swearing the land mourneth;":** This segment directly links the land's suffering to the sin of "swearing." This refers to the breaking of oaths, particularly those made in God's name, or the prevalence of false vows and blasphemy. Such actions desecrate God's holiness and undermine justice, leading to a divine curse. The **personification** of the land "mourning" vividly portrays its distress and desolation as a direct, empathetic response to the people's covenant violations and moral decay.
* **"the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up,":** This clause provides a concrete image of the land's "mourning." "Pleasant places of the wilderness" refers to pastures or fertile oases within otherwise arid regions, places typically associated with life and sustenance. Their being "dried up" signifies drought, barrenness, and a loss of natural vitality, illustrating the tangible, ecological consequences of the nation's sin. It is a visual metaphor for the spiritual and physical desolation brought about by God's judgment.
* **"and their course is evil,":** This phrase shifts focus to the actions and direction of the corrupt leaders, particularly the false prophets, who are the primary subject of this chapter. "Their course" refers to their way of life, their conduct, and the path they lead the people on. It is explicitly stated as "evil," indicating that their teachings and practices are morally perverse and contrary to God's righteous standards, leading the nation further into sin.
* **"and their force [is] not right.":** This final clause further condemns the corrupt leadership. "Their force" (Hebrew: *gᵉbûwrâh*) refers to their power, might, or influence. The declaration that it "is not right" means their authority, their actions, and the impact they exert are unjust, unrighteous, and misaligned with divine truth. They wield their influence for wicked purposes, leading to oppression, injustice, and the spiritual ruin of the people they are meant to guide.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:10 is rich with literary devices that amplify its powerful message. **Personification** is prominent, as "the land mourneth," attributing human emotion to the physical environment to underscore the depth of its suffering due to human sin. This device creates a vivid image of the earth itself groaning under the weight of injustice and unfaithfulness. **Metaphor** is central to the understanding of "adulterers," which extends beyond literal sexual infidelity to represent Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry against God, portraying the covenant as a marriage bond. The description of "the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up" serves as a potent **symbolism** for the loss of blessing, vitality, and prosperity, directly linking the nation's spiritual barrenness to its physical desolation. The entire verse functions as a **lament**, expressing Jeremiah's profound sorrow and anguish over the moral decay and its dire consequences, characteristic of prophetic literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:10 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that sin has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only individuals but also the entire community and even the created order. The widespread "adultery" signifies a profound breach of covenant, reminding us that God's relationship with His people is one of exclusive devotion. The land's "mourning" and desolation serve as a tangible manifestation of divine judgment, demonstrating God's active response to human unrighteousness and His commitment to justice. This passage underscores the critical importance of righteous leadership, as the "evil course" and "unjust force" of the false prophets directly contribute to the nation's spiritual and physical ruin, highlighting the profound responsibility of those who guide others.

* [Hosea 4:1-3](/hosea/4-1 "Hosea 4:1-3 - God's Indictment Against Israel")
* [Isaiah 24:4-6](/isaiah/24-4 "Isaiah 24:4-6 - The Earth Mourns and Withers")
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:10 serves as a timeless mirror for societies and individuals, urging us to consider the profound ripple effects of our moral and spiritual choices. It challenges us to reflect on the nature of our own faithfulness to God—are we truly devoted to Him, or are there "adulteries" in our lives, subtle or overt, that pull us away from His exclusive claim? The land's lament reminds us that sin is not a private matter; it has communal and even ecological consequences, impacting the very fabric of creation. This verse also calls us to critically evaluate leadership, both spiritual and secular, asking whether their "course" is righteous and their "force" is aligned with God's truth and justice. True leadership, unlike that condemned here, leads to life, flourishing, and reconciliation with God, not desolation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "spiritual adultery" manifest in our lives or in the church today, pulling us away from exclusive devotion to God?**
* **How do our words and commitments (our "swearing") impact the spiritual atmosphere and well-being of our communities?**
* **What are the tangible "dried up pleasant places" in our world or personal lives that might be consequences of unaddressed sin or unrighteousness?**
* **How can we discern and support leadership whose "course is right" and whose "force" is used for God's glory and the good of others?**

### FAQ
**Does "adulterers" in Jeremiah 23:10 refer only to sexual sin?**

Answer: While literal sexual adultery was certainly prevalent and condemned in ancient Israel, in prophetic literature, especially when describing the nation's relationship with God, "adultery" (H5003, *nâʼaph*) often carries a profound metaphorical meaning. It primarily signifies spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry—Israel's betrayal of its covenant with Yahweh by worshipping other gods or adopting pagan practices. This spiritual "adultery" was seen as a breach of the exclusive "marriage" covenant God had established with His people, as described in passages like [Ezekiel 16](/ezekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - God's Unfaithful Bride"). Therefore, in Jeremiah 23:10, it encompasses both literal immorality and, more significantly, the nation's widespread apostasy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:10, with its lament over the land's desolation due to pervasive sin and corrupt leadership, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "adultery" and "swearing" that defiled the land point to humanity's deep-seated rebellion and covenant-breaking against God. Jesus, as the true and faithful Israel, perfectly fulfilled the covenant where Israel failed. He is the "Righteous Branch" promised just a few verses earlier in [Jeremiah 23:5](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - The Righteous Branch"), the one true Shepherd who contrasts sharply with the "evil course" and "unjust force" of the false prophets. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross atoned for the spiritual adultery and broken vows of humanity, taking upon Himself the curse that caused the land to mourn (see [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His resurrection, He inaugurates a new creation where the "pleasant places" are no longer dried up but flourish with the life of the Spirit (compare [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Ultimately, Christ's righteous rule, unlike the corrupt leaders of Jeremiah's day, brings true justice and peace, leading His people in a "course" that is always right and wielding a "force" that is always just, establishing a new covenant where sin is forgiven and righteousness reigns (as seen in [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Better Covenant")).

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

Hosea 4:2

By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood.

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Psalms 107:34

A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.

Jeremiah 9:10

For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the habitations of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none can pass through [them]; neither can [men] hear the voice of the cattle; both the fowl of the heavens and the beast are fled; they are gone.

Jeremiah 5:7

How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by [them that are] no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

Jeremiah 5:8

They were [as] fed horses in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbour's wife.

Jeremiah 9:2

Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they [be] all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men.