Jeremiah 23:18

KJV

For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard [it]?

KJV (with Strong's)

For who hath stood {H5975} in the counsel {H5475} of the LORD {H3068}, and hath perceived {H7200} and heard {H8085} his word {H1697}? who hath marked {H7181} his word {H1697}, and heard {H8085} it?

Complete Jewish Bible

But which of them has been present at the council of ADONAI to see and hear his word? Who has paid attention to his word enough to hear it?"

Berean Standard Bible

But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it?

American Standard Version

For who hath stood in the council of Jehovah, that he should perceive and hear his word? who hath marked my word, and heard it?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:18 presents a profound rhetorical challenge, serving as a critical litmus test for distinguishing authentic prophets from deceitful ones in ancient Judah. It interrogates the very source of prophetic authority, demanding whether those who claim to speak for God have truly gained intimate access to the divine counsel, genuinely perceived and heard His authoritative word, and attentively marked it. This verse underscores that true prophetic utterance stems from direct, privileged communion with the LORD, not from human imagination or self-proclaimed authority, thereby setting an enduring standard for divine revelation and calling God's people to discerning evaluation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Jeremiah's forceful denunciation of false prophets in [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - False Prophets and True Shepherds"). The preceding verses, particularly [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16-17 "Jeremiah 23:16-17 - Warnings Against False Prophets"), explicitly warn the people against listening to these deceivers who speak "visions of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." Jeremiah starkly contrasts their empty promises of peace and prosperity with the impending judgment and destruction that God has truly revealed. Verse 18 then functions as a direct, pointed challenge to the legitimacy of these false prophets, implying that their messages are not from God because they lack the foundational experience of standing in His intimate counsel. The subsequent verses, such as [Jeremiah 23:19-22](/jeremiah/23-19-22 "Jeremiah 23:19-22 - The Storm of the LORD"), further elaborate on the LORD's fierce anger against those who corrupt His word and mislead His people, reinforcing the immense gravity of the rhetorical question posed here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous and critical period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings from Josiah to Zedekiah, culminating in the Babylonian exile. The nation was deeply entrenched in idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy. In such times of national crisis and moral decline, there was a proliferation of prophets who often delivered comforting messages of peace and security, aligning with the people's desires rather than God's truth. These false prophets effectively served as a spiritual opiate, preventing genuine repentance and obscuring the true warnings of judgment from prophets like Jeremiah. The concept of a "counsel" (Hebrew: *sôwd*) was a familiar institution in ancient Near Eastern royal courts, where kings would consult with their most trusted and intimate advisors. Applying this imagery to God's "counsel" emphasizes the exclusive, privileged access required to genuinely represent the divine will, standing in sharp contrast to the unauthorized and self-generated pronouncements of the false prophets.
* **Key Themes:** [Jeremiah 23:18](/jeremiah/23-18 "Jeremiah 23:18 - The Counsel of the LORD") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader landscape of biblical prophecy. Foremost is the theme of **Authentic vs. False Prophecy**, which is central to [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - False Prophets and True Shepherds"). The verse establishes a clear, non-negotiable criterion for discerning true prophecy: direct, intimate access to God's own counsel and a faithful, unadulterated transmission of His word. This directly relates to the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, emphasizing that God's word is not a human invention or imagination but a divinely originated message. The phrase "counsel of the LORD" highlights the theme of **Divine Intimacy and Sovereignty**, portraying God as a sovereign King who deliberates and reveals His plans to His chosen messengers. Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **Discernment and Accountability** among God's people, urging them to critically evaluate the messages they receive and hold those claiming to speak for God to the highest standard of divine authorization and fidelity to the revealed word, a theme powerfully echoed in [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **counsel (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** From H5475, this term refers to a "session," "company of persons (in close deliberation)," "intimacy," "consultation," or "a secret." In the context of "counsel of the LORD," it signifies not merely an intellectual understanding of God's will, but a privileged, intimate participation in His confidential assembly or inner circle. It implies a profound level of communion and trust, where divine plans and decrees are revealed, much like a trusted advisor present at a king's private council. This intimate access is the hallmark of a genuine messenger, distinguishing them from those who merely speak from their own imagination.
* **stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, this primitive root means "to stand," "abide," "confirm," "establish," or "be present." Here, "stood in the counsel" denotes a sustained, authorized presence within God's intimate assembly. It is not a fleeting encounter but a position of enduring proximity and engagement, implying a deep, abiding relationship that grants one the right and capacity to receive and faithfully transmit divine revelation. This verb emphasizes the established, continuous nature of the true prophet's access to God's presence.
* **marked (Hebrew, _qâshab'_):** From H7181, this root means "to prick up the ears," "hearken," "attend," "give heed," or "incline." The phrase "who hath marked his word" emphasizes an active, intentional, and discerning reception of God's message. It goes beyond passive hearing to imply a careful, attentive listening that leads to deep understanding, internalization, and a readiness to obey. This attentive "marking" is crucial for accurately perceiving and transmitting the divine word, ensuring fidelity to its original meaning and intent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD,"**: This opening clause establishes the ultimate and exclusive source of true prophetic authority. It challenges the false prophets by questioning their fundamental qualification: intimate, authorized access to God's inner circle. The "counsel of the LORD" represents the divine realm where God's plans and decrees are formed and revealed, implying that only those invited into this sacred, confidential space can truly know and speak His mind.
* **"and hath perceived and heard his word?"**: This continues the rhetorical question, focusing on the sensory and cognitive aspects of receiving revelation. "Perceived" (Hebrew: *râʼâh*, to see/discern) suggests a spiritual insight or understanding, while "heard" (Hebrew: *shâmaʻ*, to hear intelligently) indicates an auditory reception. Together, they emphasize a comprehensive and intelligent grasp of God's message, not a superficial or imagined one. True prophets not only hear but also discern and understand the divine word with spiritual clarity.
* **"who hath marked his word, and heard [it]?"**: This second part of the rhetorical question reiterates and intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the active and intentional nature of receiving God's word. "Marked" (Hebrew: *qâshab*, to give heed/incline the ear) implies an attentive, discerning, and internalizing process. The repetition of "heard" (Hebrew: *shâmaʻ*) underscores the critical importance of not just hearing, but truly heeding, obeying, and internalizing the divine message. This double emphasis highlights the profound engagement required for authentic prophecy and faithful transmission.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:18 is masterfully crafted using several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, which structures the entire verse. By posing a question to which the implied answer is a resounding "no one among the false prophets," Jeremiah forcefully asserts that the deceivers lack the fundamental qualification for true prophecy: intimate, authorized access to God's counsel. This device powerfully engages the audience, prompting them to consider the profound implications of the challenge. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second half of the question ("who hath marked his word, and heard [it]?") echoes and intensifies the first ("who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word?"). This repetition reinforces the core idea of genuine reception of God's word, emphasizing both the source (counsel) and the active engagement (perceiving, hearing, marking). The deliberate **Repetition** of "his word" and "heard" also serves to underscore the centrality and absolute authority of God's message, highlighting that true prophecy is about faithfully transmitting *His* word, not human invention or personal opinion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:18 serves as a timeless theological benchmark for authentic revelation, asserting that true spiritual insight and prophetic authority originate solely from direct, intimate communion with God. It establishes a divine standard that transcends human wisdom, self-proclaimed spiritual gifts, or popular opinion, emphasizing that God's word is not to be manipulated, diluted, or fabricated by human agendas. This verse underscores the absolute sovereignty of God as the singular source of all truth and the necessity for His messengers to be utterly dependent on His revelation. It also highlights the profound responsibility of God's people to exercise rigorous discernment, testing all claims of divine utterance against the immutable character of God and the consistency of His revealed truth.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:18 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to cultivate a deep and discerning relationship with God's word and to critically evaluate all teachings and spiritual claims. In an age saturated with information, diverse voices, and competing truth claims, the call to "stand in the counsel of the LORD" translates into a commitment to prioritize intimate communion with God through consistent prayer, diligent study of His written Word, and attentive listening to the Holy Spirit. This verse reminds us that true spiritual authority and wisdom do not come from charismatic personalities, popular trends, human ingenuity, or academic credentials alone, but from a life steeped in divine presence and obedient reception of God's truth. We are called not merely to hear, but to "mark" His word—to internalize it, allow it to transform our hearts and minds, and to live in accordance with its precepts, becoming discerning recipients and faithful stewards of God's unchanging truth in a world desperately needing it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I personally seek to "stand in the counsel of the LORD" in my daily life? What practices help me cultivate this intimate communion and hear His voice?**
* **In what ways am I challenged to "perceive and hear" God's word more deeply, moving beyond superficial understanding to genuine, transformative insight?**
* **What does it mean for me to "mark" God's word, and how can I more intentionally apply what I hear and learn from Scripture to my decisions and daily living?**
* **How can I better exercise discernment regarding spiritual teachings and leaders, ensuring that what I receive and promote aligns with God's revealed truth in the Bible?**

### FAQ
**What does "standing in the counsel of the LORD" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, "standing in the counsel of the LORD" signifies cultivating an intimate, abiding relationship with God that grants spiritual insight and understanding of His will. While we do not receive new, propositional revelation in the same way Old Testament prophets did, we are invited into God's presence through Christ and the Holy Spirit. This involves consistent prayer, deep engagement with God's written Word (the Bible), and listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance. It means aligning our thoughts and desires with God's truth and purpose, allowing His counsel to shape our lives and discernment, as encouraged in [Psalm 1:2](/psalm/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the LORD") and [John 15:7](/john/15-7 "John 15:7 - Abiding in Christ").

**How can we discern true spiritual messages from false ones in our contemporary context?**

Answer: Discerning true spiritual messages from false ones requires a multi-faceted approach rooted in biblical principles. First, compare all messages with the established truth of God's written Word, the Bible, which is our ultimate standard ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Second, examine the character and fruit of those delivering the message; do their lives align with biblical righteousness and humility ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Recognize Them by Their Fruits"))? Third, consider if the message glorifies Christ and aligns with the core tenets of the Gospel, especially His deity and saving work ([1 John 4:2-3](/1_john/4-2-3 "1 John 4:2-3 - Every Spirit That Acknowledges Jesus Christ")). Finally, rely on the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and guides them into all truth and discernment ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:18, with its profound inquiry into who truly stands in the "counsel of the LORD" and hears His word, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent one who not only "stood in the counsel of the LORD" but was eternally *in* the counsel of the Father, being the very Word (Logos) incarnate, through whom all things were made ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus perfectly perceived, heard, and marked God's word because He *is* God's Word, the full and final revelation of the Father's heart and mind ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). Unlike the false prophets of Jeremiah's day who spoke from their own imagination, Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father, faithfully declaring His will and truth ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks What the Father Commands"), [John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Me Does His Works")). He is the ultimate Prophet, greater than Moses, through whom God speaks His final and complete message to humanity ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses"), [Acts 3:22](/acts/3-22 "Acts 3:22 - Peter Preaches About Jesus the Prophet")). Through His atoning work and resurrection, Christ has opened the way for believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to also enter into a relationship with God where we can hear and understand His word, no longer separated but brought near to the very "counsel of God" through our Great High Priest ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ"), [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, the challenge of Jeremiah 23:18 is met and surpassed in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the one true Word of God and the perfect revealer of the Father.

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 23:22

But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Isaiah 40:13

Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?

Isaiah 40:14

With whom took he counsel, and [who] instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?

1 Corinthians 2:16

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

2 Chronicles 18:23

Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

John 15:15

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.