Jeremiah 23:21

KJV

I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

KJV (with Strong's)

I have not sent {H7971} these prophets {H5030}, yet they ran {H7323}: I have not spoken {H1696} to them, yet they prophesied {H5012}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I did not send these prophets; yet they ran. I did not speak to them; yet they prophesied

Berean Standard Bible

I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.

American Standard Version

I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:21 stands as a profound divine indictment against the false prophets in Judah during Jeremiah's ministry, unequivocally declaring that these individuals, despite their fervent activity and public claims, were neither genuinely commissioned by the Lord nor recipients of His direct revelation. This verse lays bare the profound spiritual danger inherent in self-appointed religious authority and messages originating from human initiative rather than divine truth, exposing the deceptive nature of those who presume to speak for God without His explicit sending or speaking.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23 is a pivotal chapter within the book, forming a severe condemnation of the corrupt leadership of Judah, particularly focusing on the false prophets and unfaithful shepherds. This chapter immediately follows Jeremiah's pronouncements of judgment against the kings and priests, setting the stage for a detailed exposé of those who mislead God's people. Verse 21 specifically amplifies the charge introduced earlier in the chapter, where the Lord warns against listening to these prophets who speak "a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord" (see [Jeremiah 23:16](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16 - False Prophets Speak Their Own Visions")). The subsequent verses further elaborate on the consequences of their deception and the true mark of a prophet sent by God, emphasizing that if they had truly stood in God's counsel, they would have turned the people from their evil ways (see [Jeremiah 23:22](/jeremiah/23-22 "Jeremiah 23:22 - If They Had Stood in My Counsel")). The entire chapter underscores the critical distinction between authentic divine revelation and human fabrication, a theme central to Jeremiah's prophetic message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (c. 627-586 BC), a period marked by profound political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. In this environment, numerous prophets emerged, often delivering popular messages of peace and prosperity, which sharply contrasted with Jeremiah's unpopular pronouncements of impending judgment and exile. These false prophets likely gained influence by appealing to the people's desire for comfort and security, often aligning with the prevailing political sentiments rather than God's challenging truth. Their activities were deeply embedded in the religious and social fabric of the time, making Jeremiah's task of conveying God's authentic message exceptionally difficult and dangerous, as he frequently faced opposition and persecution for speaking the unvarnished truth of God.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. It underscores the critical theme of **Divine Authority vs. Human Presumption**, emphasizing that true prophecy originates solely from God's initiative and revelation, not human ambition or self-will. This verse also highlights the theme of **Discernment**, calling God's people to distinguish between authentic divine messages and deceptive human fabrications, a vital skill for spiritual survival in a time of widespread apostasy. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty over His Word**, asserting that God alone controls who He sends and to whom He speaks, thereby safeguarding the integrity of His message against corruption. This distinction is vital for understanding the nature of true spiritual leadership and the dangers of spiritual deception, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the Mosaic law concerning prophets in [Deuteronomy 18](/deuteronomy/18 "Deuteronomy 18 - Laws Concerning Prophets") to the New Testament warnings against false teachers in [2 Peter 2](/2_peter/2 "2 Peter 2 - False Prophets and Teachers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This word (H7971) is a primitive root signifying a formal dispatching, commissioning, or delegating of authority. When God declares, "I have not sent," it means these prophets lacked any legitimate divine appointment or authorization. They were not divinely commissioned agents, and their mission was not God's mission, but rather a self-initiated endeavor.
* **ran (Hebrew, _rûwts'_):** The term (H7323) is a primitive root implying haste, eagerness, or rushing forward. In this context, it vividly portrays the self-initiated zeal of the false prophets. They "ran" to prophesy, not because God had dispatched them, but because they were driven by their own motives—perhaps ambition, desire for popularity, or financial gain—without waiting for or receiving a divine mandate. It depicts a frantic, self-propelled activity.
* **prophesied (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** This verb (H5012) is a primitive root describing the act of speaking under divine inspiration, often involving prediction or authoritative discourse. The profound irony here is that they performed the *act* of prophesying, mimicking the outward form of true prophecy, yet they did so without the essential divine inspiration or revelation. Their words were their own, not God's, rendering their "prophecy" a deceptive and empty performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I have not sent these prophets,"**: This opening clause establishes the fundamental charge against the false prophets: a complete absence of divine commission. God explicitly denies having initiated their ministry or given them any authority to speak on His behalf. Their claim to be "prophets" (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ_, H5030) is immediately undermined by the ultimate divine authority, revealing their lack of legitimate standing before God.
* **"yet they ran:"**: This phrase highlights the self-driven nature of their actions, presenting a stark contrast to the divine sending. Despite not being sent by God, they eagerly and hastily pursued their prophetic activities. The "running" suggests a human initiative, a personal ambition or desire to be heard, contrasting sharply with the divine sending that characterizes true prophets who wait for God's clear command.
* **"I have not spoken to them,"**: This second negation reinforces the first, clarifying the source of their messages. Not only were they not sent, but God also never communicated with them. Their "prophecies" were not the result of divine revelation (Hebrew, _dâbar_, H1696, "spoken"), dreams, visions, or direct encounters with the Lord. Their words were entirely self-generated, devoid of any divine input.
* **"yet they prophesied."**: This concluding clause underscores the deceptive performance. Despite the lack of divine communication, they continued to "prophesy" (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ_, H5012), delivering messages as if they were from God. This act, devoid of divine origin, was a profound act of spiritual fraud, misleading the people and undermining the true word of the Lord, exposing their ministry as a charade.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:21 is a masterclass in concise yet powerful communication, employing several literary devices to amplify its message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically an antithetical or contrasting parallelism. The verse is structured in two parallel clauses: "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran" and "I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied." Each part presents a divine negation ("I have not sent," "I have not spoken") followed by a human action that defies that divine reality ("yet they ran," "yet they prophesied"). This structure powerfully highlights the stark **Contrast** between God's truth and the prophets' deception, emphasizing the chasm between divine commission and human presumption. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** in the false prophets' actions. They perform the very act of "prophesying" (speaking for God) while explicitly lacking the divine prerequisites (being sent and spoken to). This ironic situation exposes the emptiness and fraudulence of their claims, making God's condemnation all the more potent and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:21 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of true prophecy and the dangers of spiritual deception. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over His word and His messengers, emphasizing that authentic spiritual authority flows solely from His divine initiative and revelation. The verse underscores that claims of divine inspiration must be verifiable by their source – God Himself – and not merely by human zeal or performance. It serves as a timeless warning against those who would leverage spiritual language for personal gain or influence, highlighting the critical importance of discerning the true voice of God from human fabrications. This discernment is not merely an intellectual exercise but a spiritual necessity for the health and purity of God's people, safeguarding them from spiritual harm.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "How to Test a Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "False Visions and Divination")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Beware of False Prophets and Their Fruits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:21 challenges believers in every age to cultivate a deep spiritual discernment, recognizing that not every voice claiming divine authority truly speaks for God. In a world saturated with information and diverse spiritual claims, this verse reminds us that the ultimate test of any message or messenger is its origin: does it genuinely come from the Lord, or is it a product of human ambition, desire, or deception? This requires a steadfast commitment to the unchanging truth of God's revealed Word, allowing Scripture to be the plumb line against which all teachings are measured. We are called to be vigilant, to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")), and to seek out leaders and ministries that are genuinely sent by God and faithfully proclaim His spoken truth, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural. Our spiritual well-being depends on our ability to distinguish the authentic voice of the Shepherd from the deceptive cries of the hirelings, ensuring we are nourished by truth and not misled by falsehood.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that genuinely originate from God and those that are merely human-derived, even if well-intentioned?**
* **What are the "fruits" or characteristics of a ministry or teaching that indicate it is truly "sent" by God and "spoken" by Him?**
* **In what ways might I, or others, be tempted to "run" or "prophesy" without truly being sent or spoken to by God, whether in ministry or daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the primary difference between a true prophet and a false prophet, according to Jeremiah 23:21?**

Answer: The primary difference, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 23:21](/jeremiah/23-21 "Jeremiah 23:21 - God's Condemnation of False Prophets"), lies in divine authorization and revelation. True prophets are genuinely "sent" by God and have been "spoken to" by Him, meaning their message originates from His direct commission and communication. False prophets, however, operate without this divine mandate; they "ran" on their own initiative and "prophesied" without God having "spoken" to them, making their messages products of human fabrication rather than divine truth.

**Why is it dangerous for prophets to "run" without being "sent" by God?**

Answer: When prophets "run" without being "sent" by God, it signifies that their ministry is driven by self-will, personal ambition, or a desire for human approval, rather than divine purpose. This leads to messages that are not God's word but rather reflect their own desires or the desires of the people. Such messages are inherently deceptive, as they mislead the audience into believing they are hearing from God when they are not. This can lead people astray, give false hope, or prevent them from hearing the true, often challenging, word of the Lord, as seen throughout [Jeremiah's ministry](/jeremiah/28 "Jeremiah 28 - Jeremiah and Hananiah").

**Does this verse apply only to ancient prophets, or does it have relevance for today's spiritual leaders?**

Answer: While [Jeremiah 23:21](/jeremiah/23-21 "Jeremiah 23:21 - God's Condemnation of False Prophets") was spoken to a specific historical context, its principles are timeless and profoundly relevant for today's spiritual leaders, teachers, and communicators. The core message is about the authenticity of spiritual authority and the source of spiritual messages. Anyone who claims to speak on behalf of God, whether from a pulpit, in a book, or through media, must genuinely be "sent" by God (commissioned by His Spirit and Word) and have been "spoken to" by Him (their message must align with and derive from His revealed truth in Scripture). The danger of self-appointed or uninspired spiritual leadership remains a constant threat to the purity of the church and the integrity of God's message, as warned by [Paul in Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Paul's Warning About Wolves").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and counterpoint in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Unlike the false prophets who "ran" without being "sent" and "prophesied" without God having "spoken" to them, Jesus is the quintessential True Prophet, perfectly sent by the Father and embodying the very Word of God. He consistently affirmed, "I have not come of My own accord, but He who sent Me is true" ([John 7:28](/john/7-28 "John 7:28 - Jesus Sent by the Father")). His words were not His own, but those of the Father who sent Him, as He declared, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment as to what I should say and what I should speak" ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). Jesus is the living embodiment of God's spoken word, the [Logos made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly revealed the Father. His entire ministry was a demonstration of divine commission and revelation, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and His resurrection, validating Him as the one truly "sent" to deliver humanity from sin. Through Christ, God's people receive the authentic, life-giving word, safeguarded from the deception of those who speak from themselves.

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 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.

Jeremiah 27:15

For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

Jeremiah 23:32

Behold, I [am] against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:9

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:31

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

Jeremiah 28:15

Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.