Jeremiah 28:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; Behold, I will cast {H7971} thee from off the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}: this year {H8141} thou shalt die {H4191}, because thou hast taught {H1696} rebellion {H5627} against the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, here is what ADONAI says: 'I am about to send you away from the face of the earth - this year you will die, because you have preached rebellion against ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. You will die this year because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.’”

American Standard Version

Therefore thus saith Jehovah, Behold, I will send thee away from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast spoken rebellion against Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 28:16 delivers a definitive divine judgment against Hananiah, the false prophet who audaciously contradicted the Lord's word spoken through Jeremiah. This verse unequivocally declares Hananiah's imminent and total removal from the earth through death within the current year, a direct and severe consequence for his act of "teaching rebellion against the LORD." It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His revealed truth, His absolute sovereignty, and His profound intolerance for those who presume to speak falsely in His name, thereby leading His people astray into spiritual delusion and defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 28 serves as a dramatic and pivotal confrontation between authentic and deceptive prophecy within the broader narrative of Jeremiah. Prior to this verse, Jeremiah had consistently proclaimed God's decree of a seventy-year Babylonian captivity, urging Judah to submit to Babylon's yoke as divine judgment ([Jeremiah 27:6-11](/jeremiah/27-6-11 "Jeremiah 27:6-11 - God's Sovereignty Over Nations")). Hananiah, however, publicly challenged Jeremiah's message, dramatically breaking a wooden yoke to symbolize the swift shattering of Babylonian power within two years and the return of the exiles ([Jeremiah 28:1-4](/jeremiah/28-1-4 "Jeremiah 28:1-4 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). Initially, Jeremiah responded with a cautious hope that Hananiah's comforting message might be true, yet he underscored the historical precedent that true prophets typically foretold judgment for wicked nations, while prophets of peace required fulfillment to prove their authenticity ([Jeremiah 28:6-9](/jeremiah/28-6-9 "Jeremiah 28:6-9 - Jeremiah's Initial Response and the Test of a Prophet")). It was after Hananiah's defiant act of breaking the yoke that the Lord directly intervened, commissioning Jeremiah to deliver a more severe message: the wooden yoke would be replaced by an iron one, signifying an even heavier and unbreakable servitude ([Jeremiah 28:12-14](/jeremiah/28-12-14 "Jeremiah 28:12-14 - The Iron Yoke of Babylon")). This escalating divine response culminates in the personal, terminal judgment against Hananiah pronounced in [Jeremiah 28:15-17](/jeremiah/28-15-17 "Jeremiah 28:15-17 - Jeremiah's Final Prophecy Against Hananiah and His Death"), with verse 16 explicitly stating the reason and timeframe for his demise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Jeremiah 28 are situated in Jerusalem around 593 BC, during the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign, a period marked by profound political instability and spiritual confusion. The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar, had already asserted its dominance, having carried off significant portions of the Judean population, including King Jehoiachin and leading citizens, in the 597 BC exile. Judah existed as a precarious vassal state, and amidst this subjugation, various nations in the region were contemplating rebellion, often encouraged by prophets who promised a swift end to Babylonian oppression and the immediate return of exiles. The populace, desperate for relief and restoration, eagerly embraced such optimistic messages. In this volatile atmosphere, true prophets like Jeremiah, who called for submission to Babylon as God's decreed judgment, were deeply unpopular and frequently faced persecution. The cultural understanding of prophecy, particularly as articulated in [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - The Test of a Prophet"), emphasized that a prophet who spoke in the Lord's name but whose words did not come true was a false prophet deserving of death. Hananiah's swift death, as foretold by Jeremiah and recorded in [Jeremiah 28:17](/jeremiah/28-17 "Jeremiah 28:17 - Hananiah's Death"), served as a dramatic and public confirmation of this Deuteronomic test, unequivocally validating Jeremiah's prophetic authority.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 28:16 is central to several profound themes woven throughout the book of Jeremiah. Most prominent is the crucial distinction between **Authentic Prophecy and False Prophecy**, highlighting the severe consequences for those who presume to speak for God without His authorization. Hananiah's demise serves as an undeniable divine validation of Jeremiah's unpopular but true message, clearly separating it from popular but deceptive pronouncements. This verse also powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over nations and historical events; despite human resistance or denial of God's decreed judgment (the Babylonian captivity), His ultimate will and plan are unalterable and will prevail. Furthermore, it emphasizes the profound gravity of **Rebellion against the LORD**, not merely as disobedience to His commands, but specifically as defiance against His revealed word delivered through His chosen messengers. Hananiah's actions were not a mere miscalculation but an active incitement to defy God's established plan, leading the people into deeper sin and spiritual delusion. This echoes Jeremiah's broader warnings against the spiritual blindness and stubbornness that characterize Judah's sin ([Jeremiah 7:24](/jeremiah/7-24 "Jeremiah 7:24 - Stubborn Hearts and Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), derived from a root signifying "to be" or "to exist," emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His absolute authority as the sovereign God of Israel. When the text declares "thus saith the LORD," it unequivocally asserts that the pronouncement is not merely Jeremiah's human opinion or interpretation, but a direct, authoritative declaration from the ultimate divine power, whose word is immutable and cannot be gainsaid or nullified. The judgment against Hananiah is, therefore, a direct affront to God's very being and His covenant faithfulness, demanding a divine response.
* **rebellion (Hebrew, _çârâh'_):** This term (H5627), derived from a root meaning "to turn away," denotes apostasy, crime, revolt, or defection. It is a potent word that signifies Hananiah's false prophecy was not an innocent or well-intentioned error, but an active, deliberate act of leading the people away from God's revealed will and into direct opposition against Him. It implies a mutinous spirit, challenging God's authority and inciting others to do the same, thereby making his sin particularly grievous in the eyes of the Lord, as it undermined the very foundation of divine-human relationship and national obedience.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** As a primitive root (H4191), this word signifies to cease living, either literally or figuratively, and can also convey the act of killing. In this context, it is an unequivocal and immediate literal death sentence. The phrase "thou shalt die" is an absolute, non-negotiable pronouncement of physical demise, underscoring the finality, severity, and certainty of God's judgment upon Hananiah for his rebellion. It serves as the ultimate, undeniable proof of his false prophecy, as his own life is forfeited within the very timeframe he had falsely prophesied for the end of the Babylonian exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth:"** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and irreversible nature of the impending judgment. The connective "Therefore" directly links the pronouncement to Hananiah's preceding actions of false prophecy and incitement to rebellion. "Thus saith the LORD" asserts God's absolute authority and the non-negotiable truth of His declaration. The powerful idiom "cast thee from off the face of the earth" is an emphatic expression of complete and utter removal, signifying not just death but a total erasure of Hananiah's presence and influence from the land of the living, representing a severe form of divine rejection and condemnation.
* **"this year thou shalt die,"** This clause provides a precise and immediate timeframe for the execution of the judgment, making it a verifiable prophecy. The specificity of "this year" (implying within 12 months from the time of the prophecy) would serve as an undeniable and swift sign to all who witnessed the confrontation between Jeremiah and Hananiah, unequivocally confirming Jeremiah's authenticity and the veracity of God's word. This immediate and personal judgment stands in stark contrast to Hananiah's own two-year prophecy for the return of the exiles, highlighting the swift and personal nature of God's justice.
* **"because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD."** This concluding clause explicitly states the profound reason for Hananiah's severe punishment. His offense was not merely an error in judgment or a mistaken prediction; it was an active and deliberate act of "teaching rebellion" (from the Hebrew H1696, _dâbar_, meaning to speak or teach, combined with H5627, _çârâh_, rebellion). This means Hananiah purposefully propagated a message that directly contradicted God's revealed will, thereby inciting the people to defy divine instruction and cling to a deceptive hope. By doing so, he led them further into sin and away from the path of repentance, submission, and patient endurance that God required. This highlights the immense and grave responsibility of all who claim to speak on behalf of God.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 28:16 is powerfully constructed through several literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle**, immediately signaled by the authoritative declaration, "Thus saith the LORD." This phrase establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the pronouncement, unequivocally distinguishing it from any human opinion or wishful thinking. The expression "cast thee from off the face of the earth" employs potent **Hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and severity of Hananiah's removal; it signifies not merely death, but a complete eradication of his presence, influence, and memory. This hyperbole underscores God's utter rejection of false prophecy and those who propagate it. Furthermore, the verse functions as a critical moment of **Prophetic Fulfillment**. Jeremiah's earlier, more general warning to Hananiah ([Jeremiah 28:15](/jeremiah/28-15 "Jeremiah 28:15 - Jeremiah's Warning to Hananiah")) is here given a precise and immediate timeline, and Hananiah's subsequent death ([Jeremiah 28:17](/jeremiah/28-17 "Jeremiah 28:17 - Hananiah's Death")) serves as a dramatic, public, and irrefutable validation of Jeremiah's true prophetic office, directly fulfilling the test of a true prophet as outlined in the Mosaic Law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 28:16 stands as a profound theological declaration concerning the sanctity of God's revealed word, the nature of divine truth, and the severe consequences reserved for spiritual deception. It vividly illustrates God's active involvement in human history, not only in guiding His covenant people but also in executing righteous judgment upon those who mislead them. The Lord's immediate and public judgment on Hananiah underscores that false prophecy is not a minor theological error but a grave act of rebellion that directly undermines God's authority, endangers the spiritual well-being of His people, and ultimately challenges His very character. This passage serves as a timeless warning against those who presumptuously speak in God's name, offering comforting lies or self-serving narratives instead of challenging truths. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to vindicating His authentic messengers and His revealed word, reminding us that God is not mocked, and His justice will ultimately prevail against all forms of spiritual falsehood and rebellion.

* [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Punishment for False Prophets")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Warning Against False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 28:16 offers a piercing and enduring lesson for believers across all generations, particularly pertinent in a contemporary world saturated with diverse voices claiming spiritual authority. This passage compels us to cultivate a profound and vigilant sense of spiritual discernment, recognizing that not every comforting message, popular teaching, or charismatic speaker genuinely originates from God. The swift and public judgment on Hananiah serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the immense gravity of speaking falsely in the Lord's name and the profound responsibility incumbent upon all who teach or preach. We are called to rigorously test all teachings and pronouncements against the infallible standard of Holy Scripture, understanding that true faith often involves embracing uncomfortable truths and submitting to God's sovereign will, even when it demands patience, sacrifice, or a prolonged period of waiting. This verse challenges us to prioritize divine truth over personal comfort, to seek genuine repentance and transformation over superficial assurances, and to trust implicitly in God's perfect timing and sovereign plan, rather than succumbing to the allure of messages that promise immediate relief without addressing the deeper issues of sin, obedience, and divine judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and severe judgment on Hananiah deepen my understanding of God's justice and His intolerance for spiritual deception?**
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be susceptible to "false hope" or "comforting lies" in my own spiritual journey, and what specific steps can I take to guard against them?**
* **What practical disciplines can I cultivate to enhance my spiritual discernment when encountering various teachings, prophecies, or voices in the world today?**
* **How does the concept of "teaching rebellion against the LORD" translate into contemporary contexts, and what personal responsibility do I bear in upholding and defending God's truth within my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**How can believers today discern between true and false spiritual messages, especially when they sound comforting or popular?**

Answer: Discerning true from false messages today requires a deep commitment to God's Word and a humble reliance on the Holy Spirit. Firstly, **compare all teachings to Scripture.** A true message will always align consistently with the entirety of God's revealed Word, rather than relying on isolated verses taken out of context. As [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed") states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Secondly, **examine the fruit of the teaching and the character of the teacher.** [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets") warns us to "watch out for false prophets... by their fruit you will recognize them." Does the teaching promote genuine godliness, humility, Christ-like love, and obedience to God, or does it primarily appeal to selfish desires, pride, worldly gain, or a disregard for sound doctrine? Thirdly, **seek confirmation from the Holy Spirit.** The Spirit of truth guides believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). Finally, **consider the historical witness of the church** and the wisdom of mature, godly leaders who have demonstrated faithfulness to biblical truth over time.

**Does God still bring such immediate and severe judgment on those who teach rebellion today?**

Answer: While God's character, holiness, and principles of justice remain eternally unchanging, His methods of judgment have indeed shifted with the inauguration of the new covenant. In the Old Testament, particularly concerning prophets who spoke in His name, immediate and often physical judgment served as a clear, public sign to a specific covenant people, unequivocally demonstrating divine authority and the consequences of disobedience. In the New Testament era, the ultimate judgment for rebellion and false teaching is primarily spiritual and eternal, though temporal consequences and divine discipline can still occur. [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Sin") speaks of God's wrath being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness. The New Testament warns of spiritual blindness, increasing deception, and ultimately, eternal separation from God for those who persist in teaching rebellion and rejecting Christ ([2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers and Their Destruction")). While we may not witness individuals struck dead for false prophecy in the same dramatic fashion today, the spiritual consequences are no less severe, and God's ultimate and final judgment for unrepentant rebellion is certain.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 28:16, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against a false prophet, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Hananiah's swift death was a temporary and localized vindication of Jeremiah's true prophecy, but Jesus is the **True Prophet** par excellence, the one whom Moses foretold would be raised up, to whom all must listen ([Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophet Like Moses")). He is the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), who perfectly reveals the Father's will and speaks only unadulterated truth. Unlike Hananiah, who "taught rebellion," Jesus perfectly embodied absolute obedience, even to the ignominious death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His life and teachings consistently exposed the falsehoods, hypocrisy, and spiritual rebellion of the religious leaders of His day, warning His followers against those who would lead others astray with deceptive messages ([Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). Furthermore, the judgment against Hananiah foreshadows Christ's ultimate and universal authority to judge all rebellion and falsehood. He is the one who will cast out all those who practice lawlessness and claim to know Him falsely ([Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - I Never Knew You")), and whose word will stand forever as the final arbiter of truth for all humanity ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus also offers the only true way to overcome the "rebellion" of sin that plagues humanity, providing forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and genuine peace, thereby fulfilling the deepest longing for restoration that Hananiah falsely promised ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). In Christ, God's word is not only spoken but perfectly embodied, and His judgment is not merely a threat but a saving act for all who believe and submit to His truth.

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 29:32

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.

Genesis 7:4

For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

Exodus 32:12

Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Jeremiah 20:6

And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.

1 Kings 13:34

And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut [it] off, and to destroy [it] from off the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 6:15

(For the LORD thy God [is] a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Numbers 14:37

Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.