Jeremiah 27:15

KJV

For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I have not sent {H7971} them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, yet they prophesy {H5012} a lie {H8267} in my name {H8034}; that I might drive you out {H5080}, and that ye might perish {H6}, ye, and the prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

'For I have not sent them,' says ADONAI, 'and they are prophesying falsely in my name, with the result that I will drive you out, and you will perish - you and the prophets prophesying to you.'"

Berean Standard Bible

For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”

American Standard Version

For I have not sent them, saith Jehovah, but they prophesy falsely in my name; that I may drive you out, and that ye may perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:15 serves as a profound divine indictment against false prophets in Judah during Zedekiah's reign, who, without God's authorization, proclaimed deceptive messages of peace and liberation from Babylonian dominion. The Lord unequivocally declares He did not send these individuals, exposing their pronouncements as lies spoken in His holy name, and warns that their spiritual deception will inevitably lead to the expulsion and ultimate destruction of both the misled people and the false prophets themselves, thereby fulfilling God's sovereign and righteous judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27:15 is deeply embedded within a pivotal prophetic oracle where Jeremiah, under divine instruction, employs a symbolic yoke to illustrate Judah's inescapable subjugation to Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. This chapter specifically addresses King Zedekiah and the surrounding nations, compelling them to submit to Babylonian rule as a direct act of divine will. The preceding verses, particularly [Jeremiah 27:9-10](/jeremiah/27-9-10 "Jeremiah 27:9-10 - Warning Against False Prophets and Diviners"), issue stern warnings against heeding the counsel of diviners, dreamers, and sorcerers who promise freedom from the Babylonian yoke, asserting that such deceptive advice will only result in their expulsion and ruin. Verse 15 directly confronts the "prophets" who actively oppose Jeremiah's God-given message, unmasking their pronouncements as fraudulent and utterly destructive. This verse functions as a climactic and authoritative declaration of divine judgment against those who deliberately mislead God's people during a critical period of national crisis and impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Jeremiah 27:15 is the tumultuous early reign of King Zedekiah (597-586 BC), a monarch installed by Nebuchadnezzar following the initial Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and the deportation of King Jehoiachin. Judah found itself precariously positioned between the formidable empires of Egypt to the south and Babylon to the east. During this period, many nations in the Levant were actively contemplating rebellion against Babylonian suzerainty. Consequently, false prophets frequently emerged, capitalizing on nationalistic fervor and promising divine intervention to avert subjugation. In ancient Israel, prophets held an indispensable role as God's direct spokespersons, making the discernment between a true prophet and a false one a perpetual challenge. This discernment was typically based on whether their prophecies materialized and, more crucially, if their messages aligned with God's established law and His unchanging character, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets"). Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was largely characterized by his unwavering and often solitary stand against these popular, yet ultimately deceptive, voices that offered false hope.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes that permeate Jeremiah's prophetic book. Firstly, it profoundly highlights the **Divine Authority vs. Human Deception**, unequivocally asserting that authentic prophecy originates solely from the Lord, directly contrasting it with the self-generated falsehoods of those who presume to speak in God's name for their own agendas. Secondly, it vividly portrays the **Peril of False Prophecy**, demonstrating that embracing comforting falsehoods over uncomfortable divine truths inevitably leads to severe divine judgment and destruction, not only for the deceivers but also for the deceived. This is a consistent warning throughout Jeremiah's ministry, as exemplified in [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies"). Finally, the verse subtly yet powerfully underscores **God's Sovereign Purpose** even amidst human rebellion and widespread deception. The stated consequence—"that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish"—paradoxically indicates that even the proliferation of lies serves God's ultimate plan to execute judgment upon a disobedient nation, thereby fulfilling His righteous and unalterable decrees.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_ H7971):** This primitive root signifies "to send away, for, or out," encompassing a broad spectrum of applications from commissioning to expelling. In this context, God's emphatic declaration, "I have not sent them," serves as a direct and absolute refutation of any claim these false prophets might make to divine commission. It underscores that their purported authority is entirely self-proclaimed and utterly devoid of legitimate divine backing, rendering their messages illegitimate and dangerous.
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_ H5012):** A primitive root meaning "to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." The repetition of this verb within the verse ("yet they prophesy a lie... and the prophets that prophesy unto you") highlights the central activity of these individuals. While they perform the *act* of prophesying, the essential divine source of true prophecy is conspicuously absent, replaced by human invention and deception.
* **lie (Hebrew, _sheqer'_ H8267):** Derived from a root meaning "to be false," this noun denotes "an untruth," "deceit," or "a sham." It implies not merely an error or a mistake, but a deliberate falsehood, often with an explicit intent to mislead. When applied to prophecy, it means the message is fundamentally untrue, lacking any basis in divine revelation, and is instead a product of human fabrication or malevolent spiritual influence.
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_ H6):** This primitive root means "to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)." It denotes utter destruction, ruin, or being completely undone. The dire consequence of believing the false prophets' lies is not merely exile but complete devastation, signifying the severe and irreversible judgment that awaits both the deceivers and the deceived.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have not sent them, saith the LORD":** This opening clause functions as an authoritative, unequivocal denial directly from Yahweh Himself. It immediately establishes the absolute lack of divine authorization for the prophets in question, dismantling any claim they might make to speak on God's behalf. This divine declaration serves as the foundational premise for the severe condemnation that follows.
* **"yet they prophesy a lie in my name":** Despite being explicitly un-sent by God, these individuals audaciously claim divine authority ("in my name") while simultaneously delivering messages that are fundamentally untrue ("a lie"). This highlights the profound sin of blasphemy and the usurpation of God's holy character and reputation, as they deliberately misrepresent His will.
* **"that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you":** This final, devastating clause reveals the ultimate consequence of the false prophecy. The "lie" spoken in God's name will inevitably lead to the people's forced expulsion from their land ("drive you out") and their utter destruction ("perish"). Crucially, the judgment extends comprehensively, encompassing not only the deceived populace but also the false prophets themselves, ensuring that those who sow deception will reap ruin alongside their followers.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:15 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and severe message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which starkly juxtaposes God's absolute truth ("I have not sent them") against the pervasive human falsehood ("they prophesy a lie in my name"). This highlights the unbridgeable chasm between divine revelation and human fabrication. There is also a powerful element of **Irony** in the phrase "prophesy a lie in my name." Prophecy, by its very essence, implies divine inspiration and truth, yet here it is explicitly linked to falsehood while simultaneously presuming the highest authority—God's sacred name. This underscores the profound deception and spiritual audacity of the false prophets. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** of the word "prophesy" (H5012) and "prophets" (H5030), emphasizing the widespread nature of this spiritual problem in Judah and reinforcing that the mere *act* of prophesying does not equate to divine authorization. Finally, the use of **Consequence** ("that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish") serves as a powerful rhetorical device, vividly illustrating the severe, inescapable, and comprehensive judgment that awaits those who engage in or succumb to spiritual deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:15 profoundly articulates the critical distinction between true and false prophecy, a theme central to the Old Testament and perpetually vital for God's people to discern His authentic will. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over truth and judgment, revealing that He will not tolerate those who presume to speak for Him falsely, especially when such deception leads His people away from His decreed path of obedience. The verse demonstrates that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just and inevitable response to both the propagation and acceptance of lies that directly defy God's revealed word, ultimately leading to national catastrophe and spiritual ruin. This passage serves as a timeless warning against spiritual deception and a compelling call to cling steadfastly to the authentic, sometimes challenging, voice of God.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets and Dreamers")
* [Ezekiel 13:1-7](/ezekiel/13-1-7 "Ezekiel 13:1-7 - Condemnation of False Prophets of Israel")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destructive Doctrines")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:15 provides a sobering and timeless mirror for contemporary believers, challenging us to critically examine the voices we heed and the messages we embrace in a world increasingly saturated with information and competing claims to truth. It compels us to cultivate profound spiritual discernment, recognizing that not every claim of divine authority is legitimate, nor every comforting message genuinely from God. The verse reminds us that authentic spiritual guidance consistently aligns with God's revealed character and His established word, even when it calls for uncomfortable submission, difficult sacrifice, or patient endurance. Our willingness to embrace God's sometimes challenging truth, rather than clinging to comforting falsehoods, profoundly determines our spiritual trajectory and ultimate well-being. This passage calls us to a deep and unwavering commitment to biblical literacy, a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment, and a courageous resolve to distinguish between genuine divine revelation and human deception, thereby protecting ourselves and others from spiritual ruin and eternal peril.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between a message that is genuinely from God and one that is a "lie in His name" in today's complex spiritual landscape?**
* **What "comforting lies" or popular narratives might I be tempted to believe that subtly contradict God's clear word or His call for difficult obedience in my life?**
* **In what ways might I, or those I listen to, be inadvertently guilty of speaking or living "in God's name" without His true authorization or alignment with His revealed will?**

### FAQ
**What was the specific "lie" the false prophets were prophesying?**

Answer: The specific "lie" these false prophets were proclaiming was a message of peace, immediate relief, and swift deliverance from Babylonian subjugation. They directly contradicted Jeremiah's divine message that Judah must submit to Babylon and serve Nebuchadnezzar. Instead, they promised that the Babylonian yoke would soon be broken, and the exiled temple treasures and people would return quickly (cf. [Jeremiah 27:9-10](/jeremiah/27-9-10 "Jeremiah 27:9-10 - Warning Against False Prophets") and [Jeremiah 28:1-4](/jeremiah/28-1-4 "Jeremiah 28:1-4 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). This message, while comforting and appealing to the people's nationalistic hopes, was utterly false and contrary to God's decreed judgment.

**Why did God allow these false prophets to exist if their message would lead to destruction?**

Answer: God's permission for false prophets to exist is often part of His sovereign plan to test the faithfulness and obedience of His people (cf. [Deuteronomy 13:3](/deuteronomy/13-3 "Deuteronomy 13:3 - Testing of Faithfulness")). In Jeremiah's time, the presence of false prophets served to expose the spiritual condition of Judah, revealing their preference for comforting lies over difficult, divinely revealed truths. While God did not *send* them, their presence and the people's response to them were intricately woven into God's overarching purpose of bringing just judgment upon a rebellious nation, ultimately leading to their exile as a corrective and purifying measure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:15, with its stark condemnation of false prophets and their destructive lies, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, the true Prophet, and in the subsequent warnings issued by Him and His apostles against spiritual deception. Unlike the false prophets who spoke "in my name" without divine commission, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's truth, the living Word made flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the one whom God truly sent, fulfilling the ancient promise of a prophet like Moses, to whom all must listen (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophet Like Moses") and [Acts 3:22-23](/acts/3-22-23 "Acts 3:22-23 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus as the Prophet")). Jesus consistently exposed the hypocrisy and false teachings of the religious leaders of His day, who, much like Jeremiah's false prophets, claimed divine authority but ultimately led people astray with their traditions and self-righteousness (cf. [Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). The New Testament further warns believers against "false christs and false prophets" who will arise, performing signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (cf. [Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and False Prophets")). The ultimate "lie" that leads to perishing is the rejection of Christ as the unique and exclusive Savior and the embrace of any other path or teaching as a means to salvation. In Christ alone, we find the absolute truth that leads to eternal life, standing in stark contrast to the destructive lies that lead to eternal perishing (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life") and [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")).

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 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.

Jeremiah 6:13

For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one [is] given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

Jeremiah 6:15

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

2 Chronicles 25:16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

Jeremiah 14:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

Jeremiah 14:16

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Matthew 24:24

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.