Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

I have seen {H7200} also in the prophets {H5030} of Jerusalem {H3389} an horrible thing {H8186}: they commit adultery {H5003}, and walk {H1980} in lies {H8267}: they strengthen {H2388} also the hands {H3027} of evildoers {H7489}, that none {H376} doth return {H7725} from his wickedness {H7451}: they are all of them unto me as Sodom {H5467}, and the inhabitants {H3427} thereof as Gomorrah {H6017}.

But in the prophets of Yerushalayim I have seen a horrible thing - they commit adultery, live in lies, so encouraging evildoers that none returns from his sin. For me they have all become like S'dom, its inhabitants like 'Amora.

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.”

In the prophets of Jerusalem also I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies; and they strengthen the hands of evil-doers, so that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them become unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Context of Jeremiah 23:14

Jeremiah 23 is a powerful chapter where the prophet Jeremiah delivers a scathing indictment against the false prophets and corrupt leaders of Judah during a critical period leading up to the Babylonian exile. These prophets, instead of guiding the people toward repentance and adherence to God's covenant, were leading them astray with deceptive messages of peace and prosperity. Verse 14 specifically targets the prophets in Jerusalem, exposing the depth of their moral and spiritual decay, which directly contributed to the nation's downfall. This denunciation sets the stage for God's promised judgment and eventual restoration of a righteous remnant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Corruption of Religious Leaders: The verse highlights the shocking depravity within the spiritual leadership in Jerusalem. Their actions are described as an "horrible thing," indicating an utterly appalling and disgusting moral state.
  • Spiritual and Moral Adultery: The charge "they commit adultery" extends beyond physical infidelity to encompass spiritual unfaithfulness to God. This includes idolatry, breaking the covenant, and pursuing worldly pleasures over divine truth.
  • Propagation of Lies: "They walk in lies" signifies their habitual deception and the dissemination of false prophecies that contradicted God's true message through Jeremiah. Instead of speaking truth, they spoke what was convenient or popular.
  • Strengthening Evildoers: By their corrupt example and false assurances, these prophets inadvertently "strengthen also the hands of evildoers." Their laxity and refusal to confront sin meant that "none doth return from his wickedness," hindering true repentance and emboldening sin.
  • Severe Judgment and Comparison to Sodom: The ultimate condemnation comes with the declaration, "they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah." This comparison to cities synonymous with extreme wickedness and divine judgment (see Genesis 19:24) underscores the severity of their sin and the certainty of God's impending wrath against them and the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "an horrible thing" translates the Hebrew word sha'arurah (שערורה), which carries the strong sense of something appalling, shocking, or utterly detestable. It emphasizes the outrageous nature of the prophets' conduct in God's eyes. The term "adultery" (na'aph) in this prophetic context often signifies Israel's spiritual harlotry and unfaithfulness to their covenant relationship with God, akin to a spouse betraying their vows.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 23:14 serves as a timeless warning about the dangers of corrupt leadership, especially within religious spheres. It reminds us of the importance of:

  • Discerning Truth: Believers must carefully examine the messages they receive, comparing them against the unchanging truth of God's Word (Acts 17:11).
  • Accountability in Leadership: Those in positions of spiritual authority bear a heavy responsibility to live righteously and speak truthfully, as their actions have profound impacts on the people they lead.
  • The Call to Repentance: True spiritual leadership facilitates genuine repentance and turning from sin, rather than enabling or excusing it.
  • God's Justice: The verse reaffirms God's unwavering standard of righteousness and His ultimate judgment against all forms of wickedness, especially when it originates from those who claim to represent Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 1:9

    Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, [and] we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

  • Isaiah 1:10

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 22:25

    [There is] a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

  • Deuteronomy 32:32

    For their vine [is] of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes [are] grapes of gall, their clusters [are] bitter:

  • Genesis 18:20

    And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;

  • Jeremiah 14:14

    Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

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