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.

But if they had stood {H5975} in my counsel {H5475}, and had caused my people {H5971} to hear {H8085} my words {H1697}, then they should have turned {H7725} them from their evil {H7451} way {H1870}, and from the evil {H7455} of their doings {H4611}.

If they have been present at my council, they should let my people hear my words and turn them from their evil way and the evil of their actions.

But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”

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

Context of Jeremiah 23:22

Jeremiah 23 is a powerful indictment against the false prophets of Judah who misled the people with their own dreams and imaginations, rather than speaking God's true message. The nation was on the brink of exile due to widespread sin and spiritual corruption, and these prophets offered false hope and peace, preventing genuine repentance. In this chapter, God contrasts these deceitful leaders with what a true prophet, or indeed any spiritual leader, should be. Verse 22 specifically presents a hypothetical scenario, highlighting the missed opportunity for spiritual revival if these prophets had been faithful to their calling.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Authenticity of God's Word: The verse emphasizes that true spiritual leadership involves conveying God's actual words, not human opinions or fabricated prophecies. The phrase "stood in my counsel" implies a direct, intimate access to divine wisdom and revelation, a stark contrast to those who merely spoke "the deceit of their own heart" (Jeremiah 23:26).
  • The Purpose of Prophecy: God's intention behind sending His word through prophets is not merely to predict the future, but fundamentally to call people to repentance and transformation. The desired outcome — "then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings" — underscores the moral and ethical imperative of divine revelation. This aligns with the broader biblical message that God's word leads to life and righteousness, as seen in passages emphasizing turning from sin (Ezekiel 18:30).
  • Consequences of False Leadership: By implication, the verse highlights the tragic consequences of unfaithful spiritual guidance. Because the false prophets did not stand in God's counsel or speak His words, the people remained entrenched in their sin, leading to national judgment. This serves as a timeless warning about the profound impact of spiritual leaders on their communities.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "stood in my counsel" (Hebrew: ba-sod YHWH) is significant. The word sod (סוֹד) can mean 'council,' 'secret,' or 'intimate counsel.' It refers to being part of God's inner circle, privy to His plans and intentions. This isn't about human wisdom, but divine revelation. True prophets were those who literally "stood" in God's presence, receiving His direct instructions, similar to an advisor in a king's court. This contrasts sharply with prophets who ran without being sent and spoke visions from their own hearts, as described earlier in the chapter (Jeremiah 23:21).

Practical Application

Jeremiah 23:22 offers vital lessons for believers today. It challenges us to:

  • Discern True Teaching: We must critically evaluate all spiritual messages, comparing them against the unchanging standard of God's written word. Does the teaching truly reflect God's character and purposes, or does it cater to human desires or cultural trends?
  • Embrace God's Transformative Power: The ultimate goal of hearing God's word is not just intellectual understanding, but life transformation. If we truly "hear" God's words, they should lead us to repentance from evil ways and a renewed commitment to righteous living.
  • Responsibility of Spiritual Leaders: For those in positions of spiritual influence, this verse serves as a sober reminder of their immense responsibility. Their primary calling is to faithfully deliver God's message, ensuring that it is heard clearly and in a way that facilitates genuine spiritual change in the lives of their hearers.

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.

  • Jeremiah 23:18

    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]?

  • Jeremiah 25:5

    They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

  • Zechariah 1:4

    Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 35:15

    I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

  • Ezekiel 13:22

    Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:

  • Acts 20:27

    For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:6

    ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

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