Jeremiah 23:31

KJV

Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I am against the prophets {H5030}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that use {H3947} their tongues {H3956}, and say {H5001}, He saith {H5002}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I am against the prophets," says ADONAI, "who speak their own words, then add, 'He says.'

Berean Standard Bible

“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”

American Standard Version

Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 23:31 powerfully declares the LORD's direct and active opposition to false prophets who deceitfully claim divine authority for their self-generated messages. This verse exposes the profound spiritual danger and moral culpability of those who, relying on their own human invention and eloquence, mimic the authentic prophetic formula ("He saith") to mislead God's people, thereby undermining true revelation and bringing God's righteous judgment upon themselves.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 23:31 is embedded within a scathing indictment of false prophets that dominates chapters 23 and 24 of Jeremiah. Following a promise of a righteous Branch (the Messiah) who will gather God's scattered flock (Jeremiah 23:1-8), the tone shifts dramatically to a severe condemnation of the spiritual leadership of Judah. Jeremiah contrasts the true word of God, which is like a fire and a hammer (Jeremiah 23:29), with the empty, deceptive words of the false prophets. The verses immediately preceding Jeremiah 23:31, particularly [Jeremiah 23:25-30](/jeremiah/23-25 "Jeremiah 23:25-30 - God's Judgment on False Dreams and Stolen Words"), describe how these false prophets claim to have dreams or steal words from one another, rather than receiving them from the LORD. This specific verse, therefore, serves as a climactic declaration of God's personal antagonism toward those who presume to speak in His name without His authorization, setting the stage for further warnings against such deceit in the subsequent verses.

* **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. This era was marked by political instability, spiritual apostasy, and a pervasive sense of false security among the people, largely fueled by the comforting but deceptive messages of false prophets. These prophets often contradicted Jeremiah's unpopular warnings of impending judgment and exile, promising peace (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11) when God was, in fact, pronouncing war and destruction. In ancient Israelite society, the prophet held a crucial role as God's spokesperson, making the misuse of this office a profound betrayal of divine trust and a grave threat to the nation's spiritual well-being. The cultural expectation was that a prophet's words would come to pass, and a prophet who spoke falsely was to be condemned (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 23:31 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Jeremiah. Foremost is the **Authenticity of Divine Revelation**, contrasting the true, burden-bearing word of God with the fabricated messages of human invention. This verse underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Deception**, demonstrating God's active wrath against those who exploit His name for personal gain or popularity. It highlights the **Corruption of Spiritual Leadership**, as those entrusted with guiding the people instead lead them astray. Furthermore, it reinforces the **Sovereignty of God's Word**, asserting that only His word possesses true power and authority, unlike the empty pronouncements of false prophets who "use their tongues" (as seen in [Jeremiah 23:28](/jeremiah/23-28 "Jeremiah 23:28 - True vs. False Prophecy")). The recurring motif of God being "against" (e.g., [Jeremiah 23:30](/jeremiah/23-30 "Jeremiah 23:30 - God Against Prophets Who Steal His Words"), [Jeremiah 23:32](/jeremiah/23-32 "Jeremiah 23:32 - God Against False Prophets of Dreams")) underscores His personal indignation and commitment to purge His people of such destructive spiritual falsehood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** (H5030) Derived from a root meaning "to bubble up" or "to flow forth," suggesting one who pours forth words, often under divine inspiration. A "prophet" was traditionally a spokesperson for God, one who received and declared God's message. In this context, _nâbîyʼ_ refers to those who claim this sacred office but have perverted its true function, speaking from their own minds rather than God.
* **use (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** (H3947) A primitive root meaning "to take" in a wide variety of applications. Here, it implies taking possession of, or seizing, their tongues—meaning their own words, their own speech—and then presenting it as something divine. It suggests an active, deliberate appropriation of their own human invention rather than a passive reception of God's word.
* **tongues (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** (H3956) Literally, the organ of speech. Figuratively, it refers to speech itself, language, or the words spoken. The emphasis on "their tongues" highlights the human origin of the message, contrasting it sharply with a message originating from God's Spirit. It underscores the self-generated nature of their prophecies.
* **saith (Hebrew, _nᵉʼum'_):** (H5002) An oracle or a divine utterance. This term, often translated "saith the LORD," was the authoritative formula used by true prophets to introduce a direct message from God, signifying that the words were not their own but a divine pronouncement. The false prophets' appropriation of this sacred formula ("He saith") to legitimate their own words is the core of their deception.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD":** This opening declaration is a powerful statement of divine opposition. "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the gravity of the pronouncement. The LORD (YHWH, H3068), the self-existent, covenant God, declares Himself directly and personally "against" (אֶל, _’el_, indicating opposition or confrontation) those who falsely claim the prophetic mantle. This is not a passive disapproval but an active, righteous antagonism against their deceitful practices.
* **"that use their tongues":** This clause reveals the source of the false prophets' messages. They "use" (H3947, _lâqach_) or take hold of "their tongues" (H3956, _lâshôwn_), meaning their own human capacity for speech and invention. Their words originate from within themselves—their own thoughts, desires, imaginations, or even lies—rather than from a divine revelation. This highlights the self-generated and human-centric nature of their prophecies.
* **"and say, He saith.":** This final phrase exposes the deceptive act. After generating their own words, they then falsely attribute them to God by appending the sacred prophetic formula, "He saith" (H5002, _nᵉʼum_). This phrase, typically used by true prophets to introduce a divine oracle, is here co-opted and misused to lend unearned authority to their human pronouncements, thereby deceiving the people and blaspheming God's name.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 23:31 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Irony**, as the very individuals who claim to speak for God are explicitly condemned by God Himself for speaking falsely. There is a strong use of **Contrast** between the true source of prophecy (God) and the false source (the prophets' own "tongues"). The phrase "I am against the prophets" is a form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like opposition to God, conveying His intense displeasure and active judgment. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept of "saying" or "saith" (H5001, H5002) emphasizes the central issue of false speech and the misuse of the prophetic formula, creating a sense of **Repetition for Emphasis**. The entire verse functions as a **Denunciation**, a formal and severe condemnation, leaving no ambiguity about God's stance against such spiritual fraud.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 23:31 profoundly underscores the sanctity of divine revelation and the grave danger of misrepresenting God's word. It teaches that true prophecy is not a product of human ingenuity or desire but a faithful transmission of God's communicated truth. The Lord's vehement opposition to those who "use their tongues" and then falsely claim "He saith" reveals His jealousy for His name and His commitment to the purity of His message. This theological principle extends beyond the Old Testament prophets, serving as a timeless warning against any who would speak for God without His authority, whether through false teaching, manipulative spiritual claims, or even careless interpretation of Scripture. It highlights the absolute necessity of discerning the source of spiritual claims and adhering strictly to God's revealed truth.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Punishment for a Presumptuous Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak a Lying Vision")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 23:31 offers a profound call to spiritual discernment in every age. In a world saturated with voices claiming authority, this verse compels us to critically evaluate the source and content of every message presented as divine truth. For believers, it is a reminder that our primary allegiance must be to the authentic voice of God as revealed in Scripture, not to human charisma, popular opinion, or comforting but unbiblical narratives. We are challenged to cultivate a deep familiarity with God's Word so that we can readily identify deviations from it. This verse also carries a sobering warning for those who teach or lead in spiritual capacities: the responsibility to speak God's truth faithfully is immense, and the consequences of misrepresenting Him are severe. It calls us to humility, integrity, and utter dependence on the Holy Spirit for true spiritual insight, ensuring that our words are truly "He saith" and not merely "we say."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I develop greater discernment to distinguish between true and false spiritual messages in my life and in the broader Christian community?**
* **What are some modern-day equivalents of "using one's own tongue" and falsely claiming "He saith" in religious contexts?**
* **In what ways might I, even unintentionally, be tempted to present my own opinions or desires as God's will?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my understanding and communication of God's Word are rooted in truth and not in personal bias or popular trends?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary motive of these false prophets condemned by God?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state their motives, the context suggests a combination of self-interest, desire for popularity, and a lack of genuine encounter with God. They offered messages of peace and prosperity that were pleasing to the people (e.g., [Jeremiah 6:14](/jeremiah/6-14 "Jeremiah 6:14 - Peace When There Is No Peace")), contrasting with Jeremiah's unpopular warnings of judgment. Their prophecies were often designed to maintain the status quo or to gain favor, rather than to call the people to repentance. The phrase "use their tongues" implies that their words originated from their own desires or imaginations, not from divine inspiration, suggesting a self-serving agenda.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 23:31, with its stern condemnation of false prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ, the true and faithful Prophet. Unlike those who "use their tongues" and falsely claim "He saith," Jesus is the very Word of God made flesh (as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He did not speak His own words but perfectly communicated the Father's will and message, stating, "My teaching is not My own but is from Him who sent Me" ([John 7:16](/john/7-16 "John 7:16 - Jesus' Teaching Is Not His Own")). He is the embodiment of truth, the one through whom God truly speaks to humanity (as seen in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). In Him, all true prophecy culminates, and all deceptive voices are silenced. The warnings against false prophets continue in the New Testament, with Jesus Himself cautioning His disciples to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")). The ultimate standard for discerning truth from error is found in the person and teachings of Christ, the perfect revelation of God, who alone truly "saith" the words 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 23:17

They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

2 Chronicles 18:10

And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.

2 Chronicles 18:12

And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets [declare] good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good.

Isaiah 30:10

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

2 Chronicles 18:5

Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver [it] into the king's hand.

2 Chronicles 18:19

And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

2 Chronicles 18:21

And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And [the LORD] said, Thou shalt entice [him], and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do [even] so.