Jeremiah 27:10

For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.

For they prophesy {H5012} a lie {H8267} unto you, to remove you far {H7368} from your land {H127}; and that I should drive you out {H5080}, and ye should perish {H6}.

for they are prophesying lies to you that will result in your being removed far from your land, with my driving you out, so that you perish.

For they prophesy to you a lie that will serve to remove you from your land; I will banish you and you will perish.

for they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land, and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.

Jeremiah 27:10 serves as a stark warning from God through the prophet Jeremiah against false prophets who were actively undermining God's true message to the people of Judah.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Jeremiah chapters 27-28, set during the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, shortly before the final destruction of Jerusalem. God commands Jeremiah to wear a literal yoke around his neck, symbolizing the impending servitude of Judah and surrounding nations to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The divine message was clear: submit to Babylon, for it was God's chosen instrument of judgment. However, many prophets within Jerusalem were proclaiming a different message, promising peace, a quick end to Babylonian dominance, and the swift return of temple vessels already taken to Babylon. These were the "lies" God refers to here. Jeremiah's mission was to counter these popular, but ultimately destructive, messages, urging the people to submit to Babylon to survive.

Key Themes

  • The Danger of False Prophecy: The verse explicitly states, "they prophesy a lie unto you." This highlights the destructive nature of messages that contradict God's revealed will. Such deception leads people astray, offering false hope that prevents them from taking necessary action or acknowledging divine judgment. The book of Jeremiah frequently confronts this issue, as seen in Jeremiah 14:14 and Jeremiah 23:16.
  • Divine Judgment and Exile: The ultimate consequence of heeding these lies is severe: "to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish." This underscores God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the Babylonian exile as a just punishment for Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The false prophets, by promising deliverance, were actually leading the people directly into the very disaster God intended to bring upon them for their refusal to submit.
  • Deception Leading to Destruction: The core message of the false prophets was designed to make the people comfortable, reassuring them that God would protect them from the Babylonians without requiring repentance or submission. Yet, this comfort was a dangerous illusion, ultimately leading to their removal from the promised land and national ruin.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "lie" is shĕqer, which carries a strong connotation of falsehood, deception, and treachery. It's not merely an error, but a deliberate fabrication or misrepresentation intended to mislead. The phrase "remove you far from your land" directly refers to the impending Babylonian exile, a traumatic event for the Israelites as it meant losing their heritage and connection to God's covenant promises tied to the land. "Perish" ('abad) suggests not just physical death, but also ruin, destruction, and the loss of national identity and purpose.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 27:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It calls for discernment in an age filled with competing messages, whether from religious leaders, media, or popular opinion. We are reminded to critically evaluate what we hear and to always compare it against the clear teachings of God's Word. Messages that promise ease and prosperity without addressing sin, repentance, or the need for submission to God's difficult truths can often be modern forms of "prophesying a lie." True wisdom lies in heeding God's word, even when it's challenging or goes against popular sentiment, for only then can we avoid spiritual and temporal ruin and truly know the truth that sets us free.

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 32:31

    For this city hath been to me [as] a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face,

  • Ezekiel 14:9

    And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

  • Ezekiel 14:11

    That the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Lamentations 2:14

    Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

  • Jeremiah 27:14

    Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

  • Jeremiah 23:25

    I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

  • Jeremiah 28:16

    Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

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