Jeremiah 23:26

KJV

How long shall [this] be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, [they are] prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

KJV (with Strong's)

How long shall this be {H3426} in the heart {H3820} of the prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} lies {H8267}? yea, they are prophets {H5030} of the deceit {H8649} of their own heart {H3820};

Complete Jewish Bible

How long will this go on? Is [my word] in the hearts of prophets who are prophesying lies, who are prophesying the deceit of their own minds?

Berean Standard Bible

How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?

American Standard Version

How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:26 encapsulates God's profound indignation and sorrow over the false prophets in Judah who, rather than speaking divine truth, propagated self-generated deceptions and falsehoods. This verse highlights the severe spiritual danger posed by those who claim divine authority but whose messages originate from their own corrupt hearts, leading the people astray from the true word of the Lord and inviting divine judgment upon themselves and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a larger prophetic discourse in Jeremiah 23 (specifically [Jeremiah 23:9-40](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Prophecy Against False Prophets")) where the Lord, through Jeremiah, delivers a scathing indictment against the false prophets of Judah. The preceding verses (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:21-22](/jeremiah/23-21 "Jeremiah 23:21-22 - God Did Not Send Them")) explicitly state that God did not send these prophets, yet they ran and spoke in His name. Jeremiah 23:26 serves as a climactic rhetorical question, expressing divine exasperation at the persistence of their deceit, immediately preceding God's declaration that He is "against" these prophets who steal His words and speak false dreams ([Jeremiah 23:30-32](/jeremiah/23-30 "Jeremiah 23:30-32 - God Against False Prophets")). The passage contrasts their empty, self-serving words with the power and truth of God's authentic message, which is likened to a fire and a hammer ([Jeremiah 23:29](/jeremiah/23-29 "Jeremiah 23:29 - God's Word as Fire and Hammer")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during the tumultuous final decades of the Kingdom of Judah (late 7th to early 6th century BCE), a period marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion. Kings like Jehoiakim and Zedekiah, along with the populace, largely rejected Jeremiah's unpopular messages of impending judgment and exile, preferring the comforting, yet deceptive, assurances of peace and prosperity offered by numerous false prophets. These false prophets often held positions of influence, aligning their messages with popular sentiment or the king's desires, thereby gaining favor and undermining Jeremiah's divinely appointed, but harsh, prophecies. The cultural expectation was that a prophet spoke for God, and discerning true from false prophecy was a critical, often life-or-death, matter for the nation's spiritual and physical well-being. This verse underscores the pervasive nature of spiritual deception within the religious leadership of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:26 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Nature of True vs. False Prophecy**, emphasizing that authentic prophecy originates from God, while false prophecy stems from human deceit and imagination. Secondly, it underscores the **Deceitfulness of the Human Heart**, a pervasive theme in Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")), revealing that the source of spiritual error often lies within unregenerate human desires and self-deception rather than external divine revelation. Thirdly, the rhetorical question "How long shall this be?" conveys **Divine Impatience and Impending Judgment**, signaling that God's tolerance for such spiritual corruption has reached its limit and that severe consequences are imminent for those who mislead His people and profane His name. This passage serves as a stark warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of embracing comforting lies over challenging truths.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** (H3820) This word, often translated as "heart," extends far beyond a mere physical organ. As per the Strong's data, it figuratively encompasses the deepest parts of human experience: feelings, will, intellect, and even the "center of anything." In Jeremiah 23:26, "heart" refers to the core of the false prophets' being – their inner thoughts, desires, motivations, and understanding. The deceit originates not from an external source or a misunderstanding of God, but from their very essence, implying a profound internal corruption that shapes their "prophecies."
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîy'_):** (H5030) Derived from the root "to prophesy" (_nâbâʼ_ H5012), a _nâbîyʼ_ is defined as "a prophet or (generally) inspired man." This term carries significant weight, designating someone who speaks under divine inspiration. The irony and tragedy of Jeremiah 23:26 lie in the application of this sacred title to individuals who are explicitly stated to be speaking lies and deceit from their own hearts, thereby profaning the very office they claim to hold.
* **lies (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** (H8267) This term denotes "an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)." It encompasses falsehood, deceit, and anything vain or wrongfully presented. The use of _sheqer_ here is not merely about mistaken information but implies deliberate fabrication or a profound self-deception that results in misleading others. When coupled with "prophesy," it highlights the grave offense of presenting human invention as divine revelation, which is a direct assault on God's truth and character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How long shall [this] be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies?"**: This opening clause is a rhetorical question that conveys God's deep anguish, frustration, and impatience. It signifies that the situation of pervasive false prophecy has persisted for too long and is intolerable to the divine will. The phrase "in the heart" points to the internal origin of these false messages, emphasizing that the problem is not a superficial error but a deep-seated corruption within the very core of those claiming to speak for God. Their "prophesying lies" is a direct contradiction of their supposed role, profaning the sacred act of prophecy.
* **"yea, [they are] prophets of the deceit of their own heart;"**: This second clause serves as an emphatic affirmation and clarification of the first. The "yea" (or "indeed") reinforces the truth that their identity as "prophets" is inextricably linked to "the deceit of their own heart." This is not merely an occasional lapse into falsehood, but their very prophetic identity is defined by this internal corruption. The "deceit" (H8649, _tormâh_) here signifies fraud, treachery, or guile, underscoring the deliberate or deeply ingrained nature of their self-deception that leads to misleading others. It re-emphasizes that their messages are products of their own fallen nature and desires, not divine inspiration.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:26 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse opens with a powerful **Rhetorical Question** ("How long shall [this] be...?"), which serves not to elicit an answer, but to express God's profound exasperation, sorrow, and impatience with the persistent deceit of the false prophets. This question implies that divine judgment is imminent. The verse also features striking **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("yea, [they are] prophets of the deceit of their own heart") reiterates and intensifies the accusation of the first ("prophets that prophesy lies"). Both phrases essentially convey the same core idea – that these prophets are speaking falsehoods – but the second clause specifies the internal, corrupt source of these lies, emphasizing their self-generated nature. There is also an element of **Irony** in the very designation of these individuals as "prophets," a title that implies divine inspiration, when their words are explicitly stated to be "lies" and "deceit of their own heart." This highlights the profound betrayal of their sacred office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:26 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of spiritual truth and deception, emphasizing that true divine communication is pure and externally sourced, while falsehood arises from internal corruption. It underscores the profound seriousness with which God views the integrity of His word and the devastating consequences of its distortion. The passage reveals God's active engagement in discerning and judging those who misrepresent Him, highlighting His commitment to protecting His people from spiritual harm. This divine indignation over false prophecy is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's unwavering character as truth and light.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - How to Discern a False Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:2-3](/ezekiel/13-2 "Ezekiel 13:2-3 - Prophecy Against Foolish Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:26 serves as a timeless warning and a call to spiritual discernment for believers in every generation. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices claiming spiritual authority, the capacity to distinguish between divine truth and human fabrication is paramount. This verse compels us to critically examine the source of spiritual messages, asking whether they align with the unchanging character and revealed Word of God, or if they merely echo popular sentiment, personal desires, or self-serving agendas. It challenges us to cultivate a deep intimacy with the Scriptures, allowing God's truth to be the plumb line against which all other claims are measured. Furthermore, it reminds leaders and communicators of the immense responsibility they bear, urging them to guard their hearts against self-deception and to speak only that which genuinely originates from the Lord, lest they lead others astray and incur divine displeasure. Our spiritual health and the integrity of the church depend on a steadfast commitment to God's unadulterated truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between true and false spiritual messages in my own life and in the broader Christian landscape today?**
* **In what ways might the "deceit of my own heart" influence my understanding or communication of spiritual truth?**
* **What practices can I cultivate to ensure my understanding of God's Word is rooted in His truth rather than personal biases or popular opinion?**
* **How does Jeremiah 23:26 encourage me to pray for discernment for myself and for spiritual leaders?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "deceit of their own heart"?**

Answer: The phrase "deceit of their own heart" (Hebrew: _tormâh_ H8649, _lêb_ H3820) is profoundly significant because it pinpoints the internal origin of the false prophecies. It means that the lies these prophets spoke did not come from God, nor were they simply honest mistakes. Instead, they stemmed from an inner corruption, perhaps a desire for popularity, wealth, or influence, or a deep-seated self-deception that led them to believe their own thoughts were divine revelations. This highlights the danger of a heart not fully surrendered to God, as it can become a source of spiritual error and lead others astray, as seen throughout Jeremiah's prophecies regarding Judah's spiritual decline ([Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")).

**How does this verse relate to discerning true prophets from false prophets?**

Answer: Jeremiah 23:26 provides a crucial criterion for discernment: the source of the message. True prophecy originates from God; false prophecy originates from the human heart's deceit. The broader context of Jeremiah 23 reveals other tests: true prophets turn people from their evil ways ([Jeremiah 23:22](/jeremiah/23-22 "Jeremiah 23:22 - Turning from Evil Ways")), their words are powerful and transformative like fire and a hammer ([Jeremiah 23:29](/jeremiah/23-29 "Jeremiah 23:29 - God's Word as Fire and Hammer")), and their prophecies align with God's character and previous revelations. Ultimately, the message of a true prophet will lead people to God and His truth, while false prophets lead them to comforting lies that result in destruction. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) and discern prophets by their fruit ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Beware of False Prophets")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:26, with its searing indictment of false prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets, including Jeremiah, consistently pointed to a future time when God would raise up a true Prophet, one like Moses, whom the people must obey ([Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophet Like Moses")). Jesus uniquely fulfills this role, standing as the quintessential and final Prophet, whose words are not from "the deceit of His own heart" but are the very words of God Himself ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). Unlike the false prophets who spoke lies for personal gain or popularity, Jesus consistently spoke truth, even when it was unpopular and led to His suffering and death ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). He is the embodiment of truth, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and His ministry was characterized by exposing the hypocrisy and self-deception of religious leaders who, like the false prophets of Jeremiah's day, led the people astray ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Through Christ, God's patience with human deceit culminates in a definitive revelation of truth and a pathway to genuine spiritual life, offering deliverance from the lies that once held humanity captive.

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

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:2

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:9

[Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

2 Peter 2:13

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;

2 Peter 2:16

But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.