Jeremiah 27:16

KJV

Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD'S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Also I spake {H1696} to the priests {H3548} and to all this people {H5971}, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Hearken {H8085} not to the words {H1697} of your prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} unto you, saying {H559}, Behold, the vessels {H3627} of the LORD'S {H3068} house {H1004} shall now shortly {H4120} be brought again {H7725} from Babylon {H894}: for they prophesy {H5012} a lie {H8267} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

I also spoke to the cohanim and to all this people; I said, "This is what ADONAI says: 'Don't listen to the words of the prophets prophesying to you that the articles from ADONAI's house will soon be returned from Bavel; because they are prophesying lies to you.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I said to the priests and to all this people, “This is what the LORD says: Do not listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, ‘Look, very soon now the articles from the house of the LORD will be brought back from Babylon.’ They are prophesying to you a lie.

American Standard Version

Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith Jehovah: Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of Jehovah’s house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon; for they prophesy a lie unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 27:16 delivers a powerful divine warning through the prophet Jeremiah to the priests and all the people of Judah. In a period of intense political and spiritual turmoil, as Judah faced the looming threat of Babylonian subjugation, Jeremiah's message from the LORD directly confronts the false hopes propagated by deceptive prophets. These individuals were promising the imminent return of the sacred vessels plundered from the LORD's house in Jerusalem, a comforting but ultimately misleading assurance that Jeremiah unequivocally denounces as a lie, urging the people to reject such falsehoods and instead embrace God's decreed judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 27 is strategically positioned within a pivotal section of the book (chapters 27-29) that primarily addresses the critical issue of false prophecy and the divinely ordained Babylonian exile. Jeremiah's prophetic ministry spanned several tumultuous decades, during which he bore witness to Judah's precipitous decline and the ascendance of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. In this chapter, the LORD commands Jeremiah to craft and wear wooden yokes, a profound visual aid symbolizing the inevitable subjugation of Judah and surrounding nations to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This striking physical demonstration serves to underscore the unalterable divine decree that submission to Babylon is God's sovereign will. Verse 16 directly confronts the pervasive false hope disseminated by prophets who actively contradicted this difficult message, particularly concerning the promised return of the temple vessels. This specific promise becomes a tangible point of contention, starkly differentiating between true and false prophecy. The preceding verses ([Jeremiah 27:1-15](/jeremiah/27-1 "Jeremiah 27:1-15 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Submission to Babylon")) meticulously establish Jeremiah's core message of submission to Babylon as God's chosen instrument of judgment, making the warning in verse 16 a direct and urgent application of that overarching theme to a specific, dangerous falsehood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 27:16 is the early reign of King Zedekiah, around 594 BC. This period immediately followed the first major Babylonian deportation of Judah's elite, including King Jehoiachin and a significant portion of the temple treasures, to Babylon in 597 BC, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 24:10-17](/2_kings/24-10-17 "2 Kings 24:10-17 - The First Babylonian Deportation and Plunder"). Judah at this time was a precarious vassal state under Babylonian dominion, characterized by considerable political instability and fervent hopes for a swift reversal of fortunes. These hopes were often fueled by ill-advised alliances with neighboring states and, crucially, by the pronouncements of numerous false prophets. The temple vessels were far more than mere valuable items; they were consecrated artifacts, tangible symbols of God's holy presence and His enduring covenant with Israel. Their removal represented a profound theological and national humiliation, a stark indicator of divine displeasure. Consequently, the promise of their immediate return by false prophets offered a powerful, yet utterly deceptive, symbol of restored divine favor and national independence. In ancient Israel, prophets wielded immense social and religious authority, rendering the discernment between a true message from Yahweh and a human-derived falsehood a matter of national destiny and spiritual integrity.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 27:16 profoundly contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Jeremiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the critical theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. Through Jeremiah, God unequivocally asserts His absolute control over the course of nations and human history, explicitly designating Babylon as His instrument of judgment against Judah's persistent idolatry and covenant disobedience. The false prophets' message directly challenges this divine decree, fostering a dangerous sense of false security and encouraging rebellion against God's ordained path. Secondly, the verse underscores the pervasive and crucial theme of **True vs. False Prophecy**. Jeremiah consistently contends against those who "prophesy a lie," meticulously distinguishing his difficult, God-given truth from their comforting, human-derived falsehoods. This vital distinction is a central concern throughout the book, extensively explored in passages such as [Jeremiah 23](/jeremiah/23 "Jeremiah 23 - Prophecies Against False Prophets"). This conflict necessitates **Spiritual Discernment** among the people, compelling them to choose between conflicting messages and to recognize the authentic voice of the LORD, even when it demands submission and suffering. Finally, the specific mention of the temple vessels ties into the overarching theme of **Exile and Restoration**, emphasizing that God's plan for restoration would not be immediate or on human terms, but would unfold precisely according to His timing and purpose, as ultimately evidenced in the post-exilic period with the eventual, partial return of some vessels by Cyrus ([Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7-11 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns Temple Vessels")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," often carrying the strong implication of attention, obedience, or understanding. In the imperative "hearken not," it is a direct and forceful command to cease listening, to refuse to give credence, belief, or obedience to the words spoken by the false prophets. It transcends mere auditory perception; it demands a deliberate act of spiritual rejection and non-adherence to the deceptive message. The LORD calls for a conscious and decisive withdrawal of trust from these purveyors of falsehood.
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H5012) signifies "to prophesy," meaning to speak or sing by inspiration, whether in prediction of future events or in simple discourse. It inherently denotes the act of speaking on behalf of a divine power. The repeated use of this verb in the verse—"your prophets that prophesy unto you... for they prophesy a lie"—serves to highlight the profound perversion of a sacred office. These individuals claim divine inspiration and authority, yet their message is diametrically opposed to God's true and revealed word.
* **Lie (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be false," this word (H8267) denotes an untruth, falsehood, deception, or fraud. Its use here is a strong and unambiguous condemnation, indicating that the prophets' message is not simply mistaken, misguided, or a matter of poor judgment. Instead, it is fundamentally deceitful and directly contrary to the reality ordained and declared by God. This "lie" is not a minor error but a significant, dangerous distortion of divine truth, designed to lead the people astray and away from God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD;"**: This opening clause powerfully establishes the divine authority underpinning Jeremiah's message. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_, "the self-Existent or Eternal") is the quintessential prophetic formula, unequivocally declaring that the words conveyed are not Jeremiah's own human opinions but a direct, authoritative revelation from Yahweh Himself. The audience is meticulously specified: "the priests" (H3548, _kôhên_, the religious leaders entrusted with upholding God's law and mediating His presence) and "all this people" (H5971, _ʻam_, the general populace, the entire community). This comprehensive address underscores the widespread nature of the deception and the universal scope of the divine warning, directed at both spiritual leadership and the entire nation.
* **"Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying,"**: This is the central, imperative command of the verse. "Hearken not" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_) functions as an emphatic prohibition, demanding that the people actively and consciously reject the counsel and "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_, meaning a word, matter, or thing spoken) of "your prophets" (H5030, _nâbîyʼ_, a prophet or inspired man). The possessive "your" subtly suggests that these are prophets who are popular, perhaps aligned with the people's desires or political aspirations, rather than necessarily being God's true and chosen messengers. They "prophesy" (H5012, _nâbâʼ_), claiming divine inspiration, but their message is immediately flagged as problematic and dangerous.
* **"Behold, the vessels of the LORD'S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon:"**: This clause unveils the precise content of the false prophecy. The "vessels" (H3627, _kᵉlîy_, meaning any apparatus, implement, or utensil) of "the LORD'S house" (H1004, _bayith_, referring specifically to the sacred Temple in Jerusalem) were consecrated items that had been plundered and taken by Nebuchadnezzar during the initial siege of Jerusalem. The false prophets promised their return "now shortly" (H4120, _mᵉhêrâh_, meaning promptly, quickly, or swiftly) from "Babylon" (H894, _Bâbel_, referring to the city and empire). This promise was meticulously crafted to provide immediate comfort and a false sense of hope, suggesting an imminent end to the exile and a swift reversal of Judah's fortunes, directly contradicting God's revealed plan for a prolonged period of judgment and discipline.
* **"for they prophesy a lie unto you."**: This concluding declaration serves as an unequivocal condemnation of the message propagated by the false prophets. The explicit reason for the divine command to "hearken not" is crystal clear: their prophecy is "a lie" (H8267, _sheqer_). This is not merely an error in judgment or a misguided opinion, but a deliberate or recklessly irresponsible untruth—a message that is fundamentally false and directly contrary to God's revealed will. It starkly highlights the profound spiritual danger inherent in listening to voices that promise peace and prosperity when God has unequivocally decreed judgment and discipline.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 27:16 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and authoritative message. **Direct Address** is prominently featured, as the LORD, speaking through Jeremiah, addresses "the priests and to all this people" directly, creating an immediate and personal confrontation with their choices and the prevailing deception. The iconic phrase "Thus saith the LORD" functions as a powerful **Divine Oracle**, imbuing Jeremiah's words with irrefutable divine authority and sharply contrasting them with the unauthorized and deceptive pronouncements of the false prophets. There is a clear and stark **Antithesis** or **Contrast** established between the true, albeit difficult, message of the LORD (which mandates submission and delayed restoration) and the false, comforting message of the prophets (which promises the imminent return of vessels and quick deliverance). The "vessels of the LORD'S house" serve as potent **Symbolism**, representing not just physical objects but the very hope, spiritual integrity, and covenant relationship of the nation with God; thus, the false promise of their quick return becomes a symbol of misplaced and dangerous hope. Finally, the **Repetition** of the verb "prophesy" (H5012, _nâbâʼ_) in relation to the false prophets underscores the profound perversion of what should be a sacred act, emphasizing that their prophetic activity is rooted in deception rather than genuine divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 27:16 stands as a timeless and profound warning against the seductive allure of comforting falsehoods when faced with difficult truths, a theme deeply integrated into the very fabric of biblical theology. It unequivocally underscores God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all of history, even in the execution of His judgments, and highlights the profound responsibility of His people to meticulously discern and adhere to His authentic voice. The divine imperative to "hearken not" to messages that contradict God's revealed will is a clarion call to spiritual maturity, unwavering trust in His overarching plan, and patient endurance, even when that plan involves suffering or prolonged waiting. This passage forcefully reminds us that true faith often necessitates embracing the sometimes harsh reality of God's discipline and patiently enduring His appointed times, rather than impulsively seeking solace in promises that merely cater to human desires for immediate relief or effortless restoration. The integrity and truthfulness of God's word, faithfully delivered through His true prophets, are paramount, serving as the ultimate, unchanging standard against which all other claims of divine revelation must be rigorously measured and judged.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - How to Discern a False Prophet")
* [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16-17 "Jeremiah 23:16-17 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 27:16 offers profound and urgent contemporary relevance for believers navigating a world increasingly saturated with competing narratives, persuasive rhetoric, and a cacophony of voices. In an era defined by instant information, pervasive social media, and the constant demand for immediate gratification, the spiritual capacity to discern truth from falsehood is not merely beneficial but absolutely critical for faithful living. We are perpetually barraged by messages promising quick fixes, effortless prosperity, or simplistic solutions to complex problems, often directly contradicting the patient, suffering-inclusive, and demanding path that God's Word frequently outlines for His people. This verse serves as a powerful summons to cultivate a deep and robust spiritual discernment, grounding our hope, understanding, and actions not in popular opinion, comforting predictions, or human-centric desires, but in the unchanging, often challenging, and always sovereign truth of Scripture. It profoundly reminds us that God's intricate plans may indeed encompass periods of discipline, prolonged waiting, or significant hardship, and that true, mature faith is most authentically demonstrated by our willingness to submit to His divine timing and His appointed methods, even when they are not what we initially desire or expect. Our ultimate allegiance, therefore, must be unreservedly to the LORD's revealed will, not to the enticing whispers of those who "prophesy a lie" and offer a false sense of security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "comforting lies" might we be tempted to believe today, either personally or collectively, that subtly or overtly contradict God's revealed truth or His sovereign purposes for our lives?**
* **How can we practically cultivate a deeper, more robust spiritual discernment to consistently distinguish between true and false messages in the diverse spheres of our daily lives, from media to relationships?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to patiently endure a difficult season, to embrace His discipline, rather than seeking an immediate, "shortly brought again" solution or escape?**
* **How does our willingness to humbly accept God's difficult truths and submit to His challenging will ultimately demonstrate the depth of our trust in His ultimate goodness, wisdom, and unwavering sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**Why were the temple vessels so important, and why was their return such a focal point for false prophets?**

Answer: The temple vessels (H3627, _kᵉlîy_) were not merely valuable artifacts or decorative items; they were consecrated implements specifically used in the worship and sacred service of God within the Temple (H1004, _bayith_). They profoundly symbolized God's holy presence among His people and the enduring continuity of His covenant with Israel. Their removal by Babylon was a deeply traumatic act of desecration and a tangible, devastating sign of God's judgment upon the nation and its profound humiliation. For the false prophets, promising the "shortly" (H4120, _mᵉhêrâh_) return of these vessels was a potent psychological and theological tactic. It offered immediate, tangible hope, implying that God's favor was being swiftly restored and that the painful exile would be brief, thus directly contradicting Jeremiah's difficult message of prolonged subjugation. This promise resonated deeply with the people's fervent desire for national restoration and divine vindication, making it an incredibly powerful and dangerous "lie" (H8267, _sheqer_) that tragically diverted them from God's true, disciplinary purpose.

**How could the people of Judah discern between Jeremiah's true prophecy and the "lie" of the false prophets?**

Answer: Discerning between true and false prophecy was a critical and often life-or-death challenge in ancient Israel, and the Old Testament provides several clear criteria. Firstly, a true prophet's message would consistently align with God's established covenant, His revealed character, and previous divine revelations, as explicitly outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets"). False prophets often promoted messages that contradicted God's law or encouraged idolatry. Secondly, a true prophet's predictions would invariably come to pass, as stipulated in [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21-22 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - The Test of a Prophet"). In Jeremiah's immediate context, the false prophets promised peace and prosperity when God had unequivocally declared judgment and prolonged exile. Jeremiah's message, though deeply unpopular and personally costly, consistently aligned with the nation's persistent covenant disobedience and the unfolding geopolitical realities, which he faithfully interpreted as the sovereign hand of God. Ultimately, the painful fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding the prolonged exile and the eventual, but significantly delayed, return of some of the vessels (which occurred under Cyrus, as meticulously recorded in [Ezra 1:7-11](/ezra/1-7-11 "Ezra 1:7-11 - Cyrus Returns Temple Vessels")), served as the undeniable proof of his authenticity, while the false prophets' comforting promises tragically failed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 27:16, with its stark and essential contrast between divine truth and comforting lies, finds its most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of truth, declaring with absolute authority, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")". Unlike the false prophets of Jeremiah's day who "prophesy a lie," Christ's words are always perfectly faithful, entirely true, and eternally reliable, even when they deeply challenge human expectations, demand radical self-denial, or call for the endurance of suffering. He did not promise His disciples an immediate return to earthly glory or an avoidance of hardship; rather, He explicitly warned them of tribulation in this world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and called them to the difficult, transformative path of taking up their cross and following Him ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")). The "vessels of the LORD'S house" in Jeremiah's era were physical objects signifying God's presence, but in Christ, the very concept of God's dwelling place is gloriously transformed. Through the New Covenant, believers themselves become the "[temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple")" and are "[built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - Built into God's Dwelling")". The ultimate restoration promised in the New Testament is not merely the return of physical items, but the spiritual, holistic restoration of humanity to a right relationship with God through Christ's perfect, atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Jeremiah's urgent warning to "hearken not" to lies powerfully foreshadows the New Testament's consistent call to "[test the spirits](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")" and to cling exclusively to the authentic voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, who faithfully leads His sheep in truth, even through the deepest valleys of suffering and death ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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 28:3

Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the LORD'S house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon:

2 Kings 24:13

And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the LORD, as the LORD had said.

Daniel 1:2

And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

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 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.

Isaiah 9:15

The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he [is] the tail.

2 Chronicles 36:7

Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.