Jeremiah 23:15

KJV

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} concerning the prophets {H5030}; Behold, I will feed {H398} them with wormwood {H3939}, and make them drink {H8248} the water {H4325} of gall {H7219}: for from the prophets {H5030} of Jerusalem {H3389} is profaneness {H2613} gone forth {H3318} into all the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, this is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot says concerning the prophets: "I will feed them bitter wormwood and make them drink poisonous water, for ungodliness has spread through all the land from the prophets of Yerushalayim."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem is ungodliness gone forth into all the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:15 delivers a severe divine indictment against the false prophets in Jerusalem, declaring God's impending judgment upon them for their spiritual corruption and deceit. The Lord, as the sovereign Judge, promises to inflict upon them a bitter and poisonous fate, symbolized by "wormwood" and "gall," as a direct consequence of their widespread profaneness that has infected the entire land of Judah. This verse underscores the gravity of misleading God's people and the inevitable, bitter harvest of spiritual apostasy originating from those in positions of religious authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23 stands as a powerful denunciation of the corrupt leadership of Judah, particularly focusing on the false prophets who contradicted Jeremiah's true prophecies of impending judgment. Chapters 21-24 deal with various judgments against the kings and prophets of Judah. Immediately preceding this verse, Jeremiah 23:9-14 describes the Lord's horror at the prophets' profanity, adultery, and support of evildoers, comparing Jerusalem's spiritual state to Sodom and Gomorrah. Verse 15, therefore, serves as a direct consequence and specific pronouncement of judgment against these very prophets, detailing the bitter recompense they will receive for their destructive influence. The subsequent verses (Jeremiah 23:16-22) continue to expose the deceptive nature of these false prophets, contrasting their lies with the true word of the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah's ministry (late 7th to early 6th century BCE) occurred during a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah, marked by political instability, shifting alliances with regional powers (Egypt, Babylon), and profound spiritual decline. Despite Josiah's reforms, idolatry and syncretism remained pervasive. In this environment, prophets held significant social and religious influence, acting as intermediaries between God and the people. However, many "prophets" were mere charlatans or self-appointed speakers who delivered popular messages of peace and prosperity, often to curry favor with the kings or the populace, rather than proclaiming God's true, often uncomfortable, word. These false prophets directly undermined Jeremiah's warnings of impending Babylonian invasion and exile, contributing to the people's complacency and spiritual blindness. Their actions fostered a culture where truth was disregarded, and moral boundaries blurred, making the Lord's judgment in Jeremiah 23:15 a necessary response to profound societal and spiritual decay.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment** of [the LORD of hosts](/jeremiah/7-3 "Jeremiah 7:3 - The Lord of Hosts"), emphasizing that God is not indifferent to the spiritual state of His people or the actions of those who claim to speak for Him. His judgment is righteous and inevitable for those who corrupt His truth. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Nature and Consequences of False Prophecy**. It vividly portrays how deceitful spiritual leadership leads to widespread moral decay ("profaneness") and ultimately brings severe, bitter consequences upon the deceivers themselves. This contrasts sharply with the true prophet's role, which is to faithfully declare God's word, even when it is unpopular, as seen in Jeremiah's own ministry (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:7-10](/jeremiah/1-7 "Jeremiah 1:7-10 - Jeremiah's Call and Commission")). Lastly, it speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Accountability**, particularly for those in positions of authority. The verse makes it clear that those entrusted with spiritual leadership bear a heavy responsibility, and their failure to uphold God's standards results in devastating repercussions for both themselves and the entire community, echoing warnings found in other prophetic books like [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - The Shepherds of Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yᵉhôvâh (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. Its presence here, in the phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," underscores the divine authority and unchangeable nature of the pronouncement. It signifies that the judgment is not a human opinion but the absolute decree of the self-existent, eternal God who is sovereign over all creation and specifically, over the armies of heaven and earth ("of hosts"). This emphasizes the certainty and power behind the impending judgment.
* **laʻănâh (Hebrew, _laʻănâh'_):** Translated as "wormwood," this word refers to a bitter, often poisonous, plant. In biblical imagery, wormwood consistently symbolizes intense bitterness, sorrow, and divine judgment, often as the fruit of sin or disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood")). Here, it represents the severe, unpalatable consequences that the false prophets will be forced to endure, a direct taste of the spiritual poison they themselves disseminated.
* **chănuphâh (Hebrew, _chănuphâh'_):** Rendered as "profaneness" or "ungodliness," this term denotes spiritual impurity, moral corruption, and hypocrisy. It describes a state of defilement or a disregard for sacred things and divine standards. The verse explicitly states that this "profaneness" originated from the prophets of Jerusalem and spread throughout the land, highlighting their culpability in corrupting the nation's spiritual and moral fabric. It's not merely a lack of godliness, but an active defilement that pollutes the land and its people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets;":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's omnipotence and His role as the commander of heavenly armies, indicating a judgment that is both powerful and just. The specific target of this pronouncement is "the prophets," distinguishing them from true prophets and highlighting their unique culpability due to their sacred office.
* **"Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall:":** This is a vivid metaphorical declaration of judgment. "Wormwood" (laʻănâh) and "gall" (roʼsh) are bitter, poisonous substances. To "feed them" and "make them drink" implies a forced consumption, a bitter draught of divine retribution. This imagery signifies that the false prophets will experience the very bitterness, suffering, and spiritual decay they inflicted upon others through their deceptive messages. Their spiritual poison will become their literal sustenance.
* **"for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for the severe judgment. The "profaneness" (chănuphâh)—meaning ungodliness, moral corruption, and spiritual defilement—originated from the very spiritual leaders in Jerusalem, the supposed center of true worship. This corruption "gone forth" (yâtsâʼ) implies a widespread dissemination, infecting the entire nation ("all the land"). The judgment is a direct, proportional response to their betrayal of trust and their role in leading the people astray into spiritual apostasy.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:15 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The most prominent is the imagery of being "fed with wormwood" and "made to drink the water of gall." These are not literal substances but powerful metaphors for the bitter, poisonous consequences of the false prophets' actions. **Wormwood** and **gall** symbolize intense suffering, sorrow, and divine punishment, directly reflecting the spiritual poison (profaneness) that these prophets spread. There is also a strong element of **Cause and Effect** or **Retribution**, where the punishment directly mirrors the crime: the spiritual defilement they propagated returns to them as a bitter draught. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" functions as an **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and certainty to the pronouncement, emphasizing the divine origin of the judgment. The contrast between the expected role of prophets (to bring truth and holiness) and their actual actions (spreading "profaneness") creates a powerful **Irony**, underscoring their profound betrayal of their sacred calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the theological truth of divine justice and the sanctity of God's word. It reveals God's intolerance for spiritual deception and the severe consequences awaiting those who corrupt the truth for personal gain or popularity. The "wormwood and gall" imagery connects to broader biblical themes of the bitter fruit of sin and rebellion, where the very choices one makes become the source of one's suffering. This judgment on false prophets highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His determination to purify them, even through severe discipline. It also underscores the immense responsibility of spiritual leadership, affirming that those who speak on God's behalf are held to a higher standard and their unfaithfulness has far-reaching, devastating effects on the entire community.

* [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood")
* [Lamentations 3:19-20](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19-20 - Remembrance of Affliction and Bitterness")
* [Ezekiel 13:1-9](/ezekiel/13-1 "Ezekiel 13:1-9 - Prophecy Against False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:15 serves as an enduring call to discernment for all believers and a sobering warning for those in spiritual leadership. In an age saturated with diverse voices claiming spiritual authority, this verse compels us to critically evaluate the messages we receive, ensuring they align with the unchanging truth of God's Word and promote genuine godliness rather than compromise or self-serving narratives. For leaders, it is a stark reminder of the immense weight of their calling: to faithfully steward God's message, to live lives of integrity, and to prioritize the spiritual well-being of the flock over personal gain or popularity. The "profaneness" that spread from Jerusalem's prophets reminds us that spiritual decay often begins at the top and can quickly infect an entire community. Therefore, we are called to pray for our leaders, to hold them accountable to biblical standards, and to cultivate personal holiness that resists the "wormwood and gall" of worldly compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my discernment regarding spiritual messages and leaders in my own context?**
* **In what ways might "profaneness" manifest in contemporary Christian communities, and what role do leaders play in either fostering or combating it?**
* **What personal "wormwood and gall" might I be consuming or propagating if I am not rooted in God's truth and holiness?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ_) emphasizes God's supreme authority, power, and sovereignty. "Hosts" can refer to heavenly armies, celestial bodies, or even the armies of Israel. In this context, it underscores that the judgment against the false prophets is not a mere human opinion or a weak threat, but an absolute decree from the omnipotent God who commands all forces, both spiritual and physical. It highlights the certainty and severity of the impending divine retribution, as the one who speaks is the ultimate Judge and Warrior.

**Why are "wormwood" and "gall" used as metaphors for judgment?**

Answer: "Wormwood" (_laʻănâh_) and "gall" (_rôʼsh_) are both bitter and often poisonous plants or substances in the ancient world. They are consistently used in Scripture to symbolize intense suffering, sorrow, calamity, and the bitter consequences of sin and disobedience. For instance, [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - A Root Bearing Gall and Wormwood") speaks of a root that bears "gall and wormwood" as a symbol of apostasy. In Jeremiah 23:15, these metaphors vividly convey the harsh, unpalatable, and destructive fate awaiting the false prophets. It signifies that the very spiritual poison (profaneness) they spread will become their own bitter sustenance, a direct and fitting retribution for their deceptive practices.

**What does "profaneness" mean in this context, and why is it so significant?**

Answer: "Profaneness" (Hebrew: _chănuphâh_) refers to ungodliness, moral corruption, spiritual impurity, and hypocrisy. It describes a state where sacred things are treated as common, and God's holy standards are disregarded or actively violated. Its significance in Jeremiah 23:15 is profound because it states that this corruption originated from "the prophets of Jerusalem." These were the very individuals who should have been guardians of truth and holiness, yet they became conduits for spiritual decay. Their "profaneness" spread "into all the land," indicating that their personal corruption and false teachings had a pervasive, defiling effect on the entire nation, justifying God's severe judgment upon them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:15, with its stark condemnation of false prophets and their corrupting influence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets often warned of bitter judgment, Jesus, the true Prophet par excellence, came not only to warn but also to embody and bring forth the true Word of God. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly declared the Father's will, unlike the false prophets who spoke from their own hearts (e.g., [John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands")). Furthermore, Jesus directly confronted the "profaneness" and hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day, calling them "blind guides" and "whitewashed tombs" (e.g., [Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He exposed their spiritual corruption, which, like that of the prophets in Jeremiah's time, had led the people astray. Most profoundly, while the false prophets were condemned to drink "wormwood and gall," Jesus voluntarily tasted the bitter cup of God's wrath against sin on the cross (e.g., [Matthew 27:34](/matthew/27-34 "Matthew 27:34 - Jesus Offered Sour Wine and Gall")). He absorbed the "gall" of humanity's sin and rebellion, transforming the bitter judgment that we deserved into the sweet salvation offered through His sacrifice. Thus, Christ stands as the antithesis to the false prophets: the source of living water instead of bitter gall, the embodiment of truth instead of profaneness, and the one who bore the ultimate judgment so that His followers might receive eternal life.

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 8:14

Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD.

Jeremiah 9:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Lamentations 3:5

He hath builded against me, and compassed [me] with gall and travail.

Psalms 69:21

They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

Lamentations 3:15

He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.

Lamentations 3:19

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

Revelation 8:11

And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.