Jeremiah 23:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They say {H559} still {H559} unto them that despise {H5006} me, The LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696}, Ye shall have peace {H7965}; and they say {H559} unto every one that walketh {H1980} after the imagination {H8307} of his own heart {H3820}, No evil {H7451} shall come {H935} upon you.

Complete Jewish Bible

They keep reassuring those who despise me, 'ADONAI says you will be safe and secure,' and saying to all living by their own stubborn hearts, 'Nothing bad will happen to you.'

Berean Standard Bible

They keep saying to those who despise Me, ‘The LORD says that you will have peace,’ and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, ‘No harm will come to you.’

American Standard Version

They say continually unto them that despise me, Jehovah hath said, Ye shall have peace; and unto every one that walketh in the stubbornness of his own heart they say, No evil shall come upon you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:17 delivers a scathing indictment of false prophets in ancient Judah who, in direct opposition to God's true message, offered deceptive assurances of peace and safety to a rebellious people. These spiritual deceivers appeased those who scorned God and followed their own stubborn desires, promising them immunity from divine judgment even as the nation stood on the precipice of catastrophic consequences due to their persistent disobedience. The verse starkly contrasts God's impending wrath with the comforting lies peddled by those who spoke from their own imaginations rather than from the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a powerful and extended oracle in [Jeremiah chapter 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Prophecy Against False Shepherds and Prophets"), where the prophet Jeremiah passionately denounces the corrupt spiritual and political leadership of Judah. Specifically, from [Jeremiah 23:9](/jeremiah/23-9 "Jeremiah 23:9 - Jeremiah's Grief Over False Prophets") onwards, Jeremiah focuses his prophetic fire on the false prophets who claimed to speak for the Lord but were, in reality, leading the people astray with lies and self-serving messages. This particular verse highlights their primary deception: promising peace and prosperity when God was, in fact, announcing judgment and exile due to the people's pervasive sin and idolatry. The immediate narrative flow showcases Jeremiah as the solitary, often suffering, voice of truth against a chorus of popular, yet deceitful, religious figures. Jeremiah's lament in [Jeremiah 23:9-12](/jeremiah/23-9-12 "Jeremiah 23:9-12 - Jeremiah's Grief and God's Judgment") sets the stage for his condemnation of these false prophets, emphasizing their moral corruption and the severe consequences of their actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous late 7th and early 6th centuries BCE, a period leading up to the Babylonian exile. Judah was a vassal state, caught between the declining Assyrian Empire and the rising power of Babylon. Internally, the nation was plagued by idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to the covenant. In this volatile environment, people craved stability and reassurance. False prophets capitalized on this desire, offering comforting messages of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) and protection, often aligning with the prevailing political sentiments of resisting foreign powers, rather than calling the people to repentance and submission to God's will. Their messages resonated with a populace unwilling to confront their sin, creating a dangerous spiritual complacency that directly contradicted the true prophetic warnings of Jeremiah. This cultural inclination towards self-deception made the false prophets' words particularly appealing, even as the nation hurtled towards destruction.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **False Prophecy and Deception**, exposing the grave danger of religious leaders who speak from their own desires rather than from God's revealed word, thus giving a false sense of security to the unrighteous. Secondly, it highlights **Human Rebellion and Self-Will**, describing those who "despise" God and "walk after the imagination of his own heart," illustrating a deep-seated spiritual obstinacy where personal desires override divine instruction, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seems right to a man"). Thirdly, the verse addresses **Misplaced Assurance**, where the promise of "No evil shall come upon you" directly contradicts God's impending judgment for their covenant violations, as consistently warned by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 21:7](/jeremiah/21-7 "Jeremiah 21:7 - God's Judgment on Zedekiah")). This sets up a profound contrast with the **Uncompromising Truth of God's Word**, which, though often challenging and unpopular, is ultimately for the people's true welfare and restoration, as seen in Jeremiah's consistent call to repentance in passages like [Jeremiah 7:3-7](/jeremiah/7-3-7 "Jeremiah 7:3-7 - Call to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **despise (Hebrew, _nâʼats'_ H5006):** This verb signifies an active and intentional spurning, scorn, or contempt. It denotes not merely ignorance or apathy, but a deliberate rejection of God's authority, commands, and warnings. Those who "despise me" are not simply disobedient but hold God in low regard, actively devaluing His person and His word, often provoking His wrath.
* **imagination (Hebrew, _shᵉrîyrûwth'_ H8307):** This noun conveys the idea of stubbornness, obstinacy, or the persistence of one's own will. Derived from a root meaning "twisted" or "firm," it describes a rigid, unyielding resolve to follow one's own desires and understanding, irrespective of divine truth or correction. It speaks to a heart fixed on its own path, unwilling to yield to God's guidance.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_ H7451):** This comprehensive term refers to anything bad, harmful, or morally wrong. In the context of divine judgment, it encompasses adversity, calamity, distress, and the negative consequences that arise from sin and disobedience. The false prophets' promise that "No evil shall come upon you" was a direct denial of the just and inevitable judgment God would bring upon Judah for their wickedness, including the impending Babylonian invasion and exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace;"**: This clause exposes the audacious deception of the false prophets. They continue to speak, even persistently ("still"), to those who actively scorn and reject God. Their message is a false declaration of divine authority ("The LORD hath said"), promising "peace" (shalom)—a state of well-being, prosperity, and security—to those who are in open rebellion against the very God they claim to represent. This is a profound spiritual betrayal, offering comfort where God intends conviction and warning.
* **"and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you."**: The second part of the verse broadens the scope of the false prophets' audience and message. They extend their deceitful assurances to anyone whose life is characterized by stubborn self-will, individuals who follow their own desires and understanding rather than God's. To these self-directed individuals, the prophets guarantee immunity from any negative consequence or divine judgment ("No evil shall come upon you"), thereby reinforcing their sinful trajectory and preventing genuine repentance. This promise directly contradicts the reality of God's impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:17 is rich in **Irony**, as the false prophets audaciously claim divine authority ("The LORD hath said") while simultaneously delivering a message that directly contradicts God's actual word and will. This creates a stark **Contrast** between the true nature of God's impending judgment and the deceptive assurances of safety. The phrase "imagination of his own heart" employs **Metonymy**, where "imagination" (obstinacy) represents the deeper spiritual condition of self-will and rebellion that originates from the core of one's being. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "they say" emphasizes the persistent and pervasive nature of the false message, highlighting the **Repetition** as a rhetorical tool to underscore the prophets' relentless deception and the widespread acceptance of their lies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the nature of truth, sin, and divine judgment. It reveals the perilous consequences of spiritual deception, where a comforting lie is preferred over a challenging truth. The false prophets' message of "peace" to the unrepentant directly undermines the biblical understanding of *shalom*, which is rooted in right relationship with God and obedience to His covenant. True peace cannot exist apart from justice and righteousness. The verse also highlights God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, where disobedience inevitably leads to judgment, despite any human attempts to deny or circumvent it. It underscores the danger of a self-deceived heart, illustrating how human obstinacy can lead individuals to seek out and embrace messages that affirm their sin rather than call them to repentance. This passage serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and the allure of messages that promise ease without requiring transformation.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:10](/ezekiel/13-10 "Ezekiel 13:10 - Prophets Who Mislead with Peace")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:17 serves as a timeless warning, urging believers in every generation to cultivate discerning spirits and to critically examine the spiritual messages they receive. In a world saturated with voices, it is crucial to test every teaching against the unchanging standard of God's Word, rather than simply embracing what sounds pleasant or affirms our preconceived notions. This verse challenges us to honestly assess our own hearts: are we truly seeking God's will, even when it's uncomfortable, or are we, like those in Jeremiah's day, prone to "walk after the imagination of our own heart," desiring assurances that bypass genuine repentance and obedience? True spiritual health requires embracing the full counsel of God—His promises of grace and His warnings of judgment—recognizing that genuine peace is found not in the absence of trouble, but in reconciliation with God through humble submission and obedience to His truth, however challenging it may be. We must actively pursue wisdom and understanding, allowing God's Word to shape our desires rather than allowing our desires to dictate our interpretation of His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern genuine spiritual messages from those that merely affirm our desires or offer a false sense of security?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to "walk after the imagination of our own heart" rather than diligently seeking and submitting to God's revealed will?**
* **What are the dangers of seeking only comforting words and avoiding challenging truths in our spiritual journey, and how can we cultivate a hunger for God's complete message?**

### FAQ

**Who are "they" in this verse, and what was their motivation?**

Answer: "They" refers to the false prophets in Judah during Jeremiah's time. Their motivation was often self-serving, driven by a desire for popularity, personal gain, or to maintain the favor of the ruling elite and the populace. They spoke what people wanted to hear—messages of peace and prosperity—rather than the challenging truth of God's impending judgment, which would have made them unpopular and potentially endangered their positions. They lacked a true divine commission, speaking "a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" ([Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets Speak Their Own Visions")). Their messages were designed to soothe rather than to save, leading the people further into spiritual delusion.

**What does it mean to "walk after the imagination of his own heart"?**

Answer: This phrase describes a profound spiritual condition of stubborn self-will and obstinacy. It means to live according to one's own desires, inclinations, and understanding, rather than submitting to God's revealed will and commands. The "imagination" (Hebrew: *shᵉrîyrûwth*) here implies a fixed, unyielding resolve to follow one's own path, even when it contradicts divine instruction. It is a state of spiritual autonomy that rejects God's authority and wisdom, leading to a path that "seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death" ([Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")). This is a heart that has become hardened and resistant to the Spirit's leading.

**Why was the message of "peace" from these prophets problematic?**

Answer: The message of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) was problematic because it was a false peace, offered without the prerequisite of repentance and obedience to God. In the biblical context, true *shalom* is holistic well-being, prosperity, and harmony, which flows from a right relationship with God, established through covenant faithfulness. The false prophets promised this peace to a people steeped in idolatry, injustice, and rebellion, thereby giving them a deceptive sense of security and preventing them from turning back to God. This was a dangerous lie that contradicted God's warnings of impending judgment for their sins, as clearly articulated by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - They Have Healed the Wound of My People Lightly")). Their deceptive assurances fostered a spiritual blindness that ultimately led to national catastrophe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:17 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who stands as the ultimate contrast to the false prophets. While the false prophets of Jeremiah's day offered a superficial peace that masked deep-seated sin and led to destruction, Jesus is the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah/9-6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")). His message, though often challenging and calling for radical repentance, was and is the only path to genuine peace and salvation. He did not promise "no evil shall come upon you" to those walking in the "imagination of his own heart"; rather, He called people to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him ([Matthew/16-24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). Jesus confronted sin directly, declaring that He came "not to bring peace, but a sword" in the sense of dividing those who follow Him from those who reject Him ([Matthew/10-34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Not Peace, But a Sword")). Yet, through His atoning sacrifice, He made true peace possible—peace with God for those who were once His enemies ([Romans/5-1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")). Unlike the prophets who spoke from their own hearts, Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father ([John/12-49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands")), embodying the true prophetic voice. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John/1-29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not a false assurance, but the reality of eternal life and reconciliation to God, purchased at the highest cost on the cross ([Colossians/1-20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through His Blood")).

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

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 13:10

This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

Amos 9:10

All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.

Deuteronomy 29:19

And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:

Jeremiah 9:14

But have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their fathers taught them:

Micah 3:5

Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

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: