Jeremiah 23:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:22 serves as a poignant hypothetical statement within God's indictment of the false prophets of Judah. It articulates the profound impact that faithful prophetic ministry could have had on the nation: if these prophets had truly stood in God's intimate counsel and accurately proclaimed His words, the people would have been turned from their wicked ways and evil deeds, thereby averting divine judgment. This verse underscores the critical link between divine revelation, prophetic integrity, and the transformative power of God's word to bring about genuine repentance and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23 is a scathing denunciation of the unfaithful shepherds and false prophets who have scattered God's flock and misled His people. The chapter opens with a promise of a righteous Branch (the Messiah) who will gather the remnant and rule justly, contrasting sharply with the current corrupt leadership. Verses 9-40 specifically target the prophets, exposing their lies, immorality, and self-serving prophecies. Jeremiah 23:22 stands as a rhetorical question or a conditional statement, highlighting the stark difference between what *was* happening (prophets speaking their own dreams) and what *could have* happened if they had been faithful. It immediately follows God's declaration that He did not send these prophets, nor did they profit the people at all (Jeremiah 23:21, Jeremiah 23:32). The verse functions as a lament over a missed opportunity for national repentance due to prophetic failure, setting the stage for the inevitable judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of several kings, from Josiah to Zedekiah, leading up to the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 1:1-3). The nation was steeped in idolatry, social injustice, and spiritual apostasy, despite repeated warnings from true prophets like Jeremiah. A significant cultural problem was the proliferation of false prophets who offered comforting, yet deceptive, messages of "peace, peace" when there was no peace (Jeremiah 6:14, Jeremiah 8:11). These prophets often mimicked true prophetic forms but lacked divine authorization and genuine concern for the people's spiritual well-being. They were popular because their messages aligned with the people's desire to avoid unpleasant truths about their sin and impending judgment. The concept of "standing in counsel" would have resonated with the ancient Near Eastern practice of royal courts, where trusted advisors had intimate access to the king's plans and secrets.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and prophetic literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the **authenticity and authority of God's word** (H1697, _dâbâr_), contrasting it sharply with human invention and deceit (Jeremiah 23:26). True prophecy originates from divine revelation, not human imagination. Secondly, the verse highlights the **purpose of prophecy as a call to repentance and transformation** (H7725, _shûwb_). God's word is not merely for prediction but for moral and spiritual change, leading people away from their "evil way" (H1870, _derek_) and "evil of their doings" (H4611, _maʻălâl_). This aligns with God's consistent call for His people to return to Him, as seen throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Let the wicked forsake his way")). Finally, it underscores the **accountability of spiritual leaders**. The failure of the false prophets to fulfill their divine mandate resulted in the people remaining in their sin, leading to severe consequences. This theme of leadership responsibility is central to Jeremiah's critique of Judah's rulers and religious elite (e.g., [Jeremiah 2:8](/jeremiah/2-8 "Jeremiah 2:8 - Priests and prophets transgressed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **counsel (Hebrew, _çôwd'_):** This word (H5475) signifies a "session," "company of persons (in close deliberation)," or, by implication, "intimacy," "consultation," or a "secret." In the context of God, it refers to His intimate, private council or inner circle. For a prophet to "stand in God's counsel" means to be privy to God's secret plans, intentions, and decrees, receiving direct, unmediated revelation. It implies a deep, personal relationship and authorization from God, contrasting sharply with those who speak from their own minds without divine access.
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew term (H1697) is broad, encompassing "a word," "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," "a decree," or "a message." In this prophetic context, it specifically refers to the divine utterances, commands, and messages given by God to His prophets for proclamation. It emphasizes the content and substance of the prophetic message, stressing that it must be God's actual communication, not human fabrication or interpretation. The integrity of the prophetic office rests on the faithful transmission of God's _dâbâr_.
* **turned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back (hence, away)," either transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively. It often carries the sense of repentance or conversion – a decisive change of direction from one way of living or thinking to another. In Jeremiah 23:22, it highlights the desired outcome of true prophetic ministry: people turning away from their "evil way" and "evil of their doings." This turning is not merely intellectual assent but a fundamental reorientation of life and behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if they had stood in my counsel,"**: This conditional clause sets the premise for true prophetic ministry. It posits that the false prophets' fundamental failure was their lack of intimate access to God's divine council. To "stand" (H5975, _ʻâmad_) implies a position of authority, presence, and readiness to serve, suggesting that true prophets were those who were present in God's inner deliberations, receiving direct instructions and understanding His will. Without this foundational connection, their message lacked divine authenticity and power.
* **"and had caused my people to hear my words,"**: This clause describes the faithful transmission of the divine message. Having stood in God's counsel, the true prophet's duty is to ensure that God's "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_) are not just spoken, but truly "heard" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_) by the people. "To hear" in biblical terms often implies not just auditory reception, but also attentive listening and obedient response. The false prophets failed here by speaking their own words, not God's, and thus the people did not hear what was necessary for their spiritual well-being.
* **"then they should have turned them from their evil way,"**: This is the first part of the desired outcome, emphasizing a change in the people's overall conduct and moral direction. "Evil way" (H7451, _raʻ_ + H1870, _derek_) refers to their characteristic path of life, which was morally corrupt and displeasing to God. The verb "turned" (H7725, _shûwb_) signifies repentance – a complete reversal of their course, moving away from sin and towards righteousness. This highlights the transformative power inherent in God's authentic word when faithfully proclaimed and truly received.
* **"and from the evil of their doings."**: This final clause specifies the practical outworking of the turning. "Doings" (H4611, _maʻălâl_) refers to their specific actions, deeds, or practices. "Evil" (H7455, _rôaʻ_) here denotes the badness or wickedness inherent in those actions. The verse implies that true repentance, prompted by God's word, would not only change the general direction of their lives but also manifest in a cessation of specific sinful behaviors. This demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the spiritual transformation God desires for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:22 employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Hypothetical Condition**, presented by the "if...then" structure. This allows God to starkly contrast the reality of the false prophets' failure with the potential for spiritual revival had they been faithful. It serves as a powerful rhetorical tool, highlighting the magnitude of their dereliction of duty. Another device is **Contrast**, as the verse implicitly contrasts the true prophetic office (standing in God's counsel, speaking His words, leading to repentance) with the false prophets' practices (speaking from their own hearts, leading people astray). There is also an element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** in "my counsel" and "my words," where "counsel" represents the entirety of God's divine plan and intimate presence, and "words" represent the full scope of His revelation and commands. Finally, the phrase "evil way, and from the evil of their doings" uses **Parallelism** (specifically, synonymous parallelism) to emphasize and reinforce the comprehensive nature of the people's sin and the thoroughness of the repentance God desired.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:22 is a profound statement on the nature of divine revelation, the responsibility of spiritual leadership, and the transformative power of God's word. It teaches us that true spiritual authority flows from intimate communion with God, enabling faithful proclamation of His unadulterated message. The ultimate goal of this divine communication is not merely information, but transformation – turning hearts and lives from sin to righteousness. The failure of the prophets to fulfill this sacred trust had devastating consequences for the people, underscoring that the integrity of the message directly impacts the spiritual health of the community. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that God's desire for His people is always their repentance and flourishing, and He uses His word as the primary means to achieve it.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18-22](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18-22 - The True Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 3:17-19](/ezekiel/3-17 "Ezekiel 3:17-19 - The Watchman's Responsibility")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:22 calls us to a deep and critical examination of both what we hear and what we proclaim as God's truth. For every believer, it emphasizes the necessity of discerning spiritual messages, ensuring they align with the revealed character and purposes of God found in Scripture, rather than human desires or popular trends. The verse reminds us that the ultimate test of any spiritual teaching is its capacity to lead us to genuine repentance and transformation, moving us away from "evil ways" and towards a life that honors God. It challenges us to not just intellectually assent to God's word, but to allow it to penetrate our hearts and reshape our actions. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, this passage serves as a sober and weighty reminder of the immense responsibility to stand in God's counsel – through prayer, diligent study of His word, and humble submission to His Spirit – and to faithfully deliver His message, knowing that the spiritual destiny of those they lead hinges on their integrity and obedience to this divine mandate.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that truly originate from God's "counsel" and those that are merely human opinions or desires?**
* **In what specific "evil ways" or "doings" in my life does God's word call me to "turn" from today?**
* **If I am in a position of spiritual influence, how can I ensure that I am faithfully proclaiming God's "words" and not my own, so that others may be truly transformed?**
* **What does "standing in God's counsel" look like for a believer in daily life, and how can I cultivate that intimacy?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "standing in my counsel" for prophets?**

Answer: "Standing in my counsel" (Hebrew: _çôwd_) is highly significant because it denotes intimate access to God's private deliberations, secrets, and plans. In ancient Near Eastern courts, only the most trusted advisors were privy to the king's inner council. For a prophet, this phrase means they were not merely guessing or speaking from their own wisdom, but had received direct, unmediated revelation from God Himself. It signifies divine authorization and a deep, personal relationship with the Almighty, making their message truly God's own, in stark contrast to the false prophets who spoke from "the deceit of their own heart" (Jeremiah 23:26).

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of false prophecy in Jeremiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah 23:22 is a cornerstone in Jeremiah's extensive critique of false prophecy. Throughout the chapter, Jeremiah exposes the false prophets' lies, their lack of divine sending, their immoral lives, and their comforting but ultimately destructive messages of "peace" (Jeremiah 6:14). This verse acts as a counter-factual, showing what true prophecy *should* have achieved: genuine repentance and a turning from sin. By highlighting the missed opportunity, it implicitly condemns the false prophets for preventing the people's spiritual recovery and thus contributing to Judah's downfall and exile. It underscores that the core issue was not just that they spoke falsely, but that they failed to deliver the transformative truth that would have saved the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:22, while an indictment of Old Testament prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect counterpoint in Jesus Christ. He is the Prophet par excellence, the one who truly "stood in God's counsel" in an unparalleled way, being eternally one with the Father (John 1:1, John 10:30). Unlike the unfaithful prophets who spoke their own words, Jesus declared, "For I have not spoken on my own authority; but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak" (John 12:49). His words were not merely human utterances but the very "words of eternal life" (John 6:68), perfectly conveying the Father's will and truth. Furthermore, the desired outcome of true prophecy—that people "should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings"—is powerfully realized through Christ's ministry. He came to "call sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32) and to "turn every one of you from your evil ways" (Acts 3:26). Through His atoning sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit, He enables a radical transformation of heart and life, granting the grace to turn from sin and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Thus, Jesus embodies the perfect Prophet, faithfully delivering God's words and effectively turning His people to Himself, becoming the "righteous Branch" promised earlier in Jeremiah 23:5-6, who truly brings salvation and righteousness.

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 23:18

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.