Jeremiah 28:9

KJV

The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, [then] shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The prophet {H5030} which prophesieth {H5012} of peace {H7965}, when the word {H1697} of the prophet {H5030} shall come to pass {H935}, then {H227} shall the prophet {H5030} be known {H3045}, that the LORD {H3068} hath truly {H571} sent {H7971} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for a prophet who prophesies peace - when the word of that prophet is fulfilled, it will be evident concerning that prophet that ADONAI indeed did send him."

Berean Standard Bible

As for the prophet who prophesies peace, only if the word of the prophet comes true will the prophet be recognized as one the LORD has truly sent.”

American Standard Version

The prophet that prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that Jehovah hath truly sent him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 28:9 establishes a critical criterion for authenticating a prophet, particularly one who proclaims a message of peace. In a time when false prophets offered comforting but deceptive assurances, this verse declares that the true prophet, genuinely sent by the LORD, will be recognized only when the specific word they have spoken—especially a word of peace—is fully realized and comes to pass. It underscores the divine principle that the ultimate test of prophetic veracity lies in the undeniable fulfillment of the prophecy, thereby revealing the true source of the message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 28:9 is nestled within a dramatic confrontation between the prophet Jeremiah and Hananiah, a false prophet, in the fourth year of King Zedekiah's reign. Jeremiah had been delivering God's unpopular message of impending Babylonian subjugation and a long exile, urging submission to Babylon as the divine will (e.g., [Jeremiah 27:12-15](/jeremiah/27-12 "Jeremiah 27:12-15 - Jeremiah's Counsel to Zedekiah")). Hananiah, in stark contrast, publicly prophesied a swift end to the Babylonian yoke within two years, even symbolically breaking Jeremiah's wooden yoke (compare [Jeremiah 28:2-4](/jeremiah/28-2 "Jeremiah 28:2-4 - Hananiah's False Prophecy")). Jeremiah's initial response (in [Jeremiah 28:6-7](/jeremiah/28-6 "Jeremiah 28:6-7 - Jeremiah's Initial Response")) is a wish for Hananiah's prophecy to be true, followed by a sober reminder of the historical pattern of true prophets foretelling judgment. Verse 9 then presents the definitive test, specifically for prophecies of peace, setting the stage for Hananiah's ultimate exposure and death (as recorded in [Jeremiah 28:15-17](/jeremiah/28-15 "Jeremiah 28:15-17 - Hananiah's Death")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, circa 593 BC, a mere decade before the final destruction of the city and temple by Babylon. Judah was a vassal state under Babylonian rule, and many of its elite had already been exiled (the first deportation occurred in 597 BC, including King Jehoiachin and Ezekiel). This period was rife with political instability, nationalistic fervor, and a strong desire for liberation from foreign oppression. Consequently, prophets who promised immediate peace and restoration were highly popular, appealing to the people's natural hopes and patriotic sentiments. Such messages often contradicted the harsh realities of God's judgment for Judah's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The cultural expectation was that a prophet's word, if from God, would come to pass, but the timing and nature of fulfillment were crucial for discernment, especially when conflicting messages were presented.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. It highlights the crucial theme of **Divine Authentication** of prophetic ministry, emphasizing that true prophecy is validated by God's sovereign hand in bringing it to fruition. It underscores the vital need for **Discernment of Prophecy** among God's people, urging them not to be swayed by popular or comforting messages but to patiently await the outcome. The specific mention of "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) introduces the theme of **True vs. False Peace**, contrasting a superficial, humanly desired peace with the holistic, often challenging, peace that God truly offers, which often requires repentance and submission before restoration. Finally, it establishes the **Test of Fulfillment** as the ultimate arbiter of prophetic truth, a principle echoed throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - The Test of a Prophet")). This test is particularly stringent for prophecies of peace, as they often require a longer period to definitively prove their veracity compared to prophecies of immediate judgment, which might manifest more quickly (as alluded to in [Jeremiah 28:8](/jeremiah/28-8 "Jeremiah 28:8 - Prophets of War and Famine")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term is foundational, meaning "a word," but also encompassing "a matter," "a thing," "an affair," or "a decree." In the context of prophecy, it refers to the specific message or pronouncement delivered by the prophet. The verse emphasizes that it is the actualization of this spoken word, this divine declaration, that serves as the proof. It's not merely the utterance, but its tangible manifestation in reality, that validates the prophet's claim.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** More than just the absence of conflict, _shalom_ signifies comprehensive well-being, prosperity, health, safety, and wholeness. In this prophetic context, it refers to a message promising national security, freedom from oppression, and restoration of favorable conditions. The verse specifically highlights prophecies of _shalom_ because they were often the most desired by the people and, consequently, the most susceptible to false claims by those seeking favor or popularity. The test of _shalom_ coming to pass is particularly potent because it directly addresses the people's deepest hopes and fears.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This verb implies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it suggests a deep, experiential knowledge, recognition, or acknowledgment. When the prophet is "known" (passive voice), it means their true identity as a divinely commissioned messenger will be publicly revealed and undeniable. The fulfillment of the prophecy will lead to a communal recognition that the prophet was indeed "truly sent" by Yahweh, removing all doubt about their divine authority and the authenticity of their message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The prophet which prophesieth of peace":** This clause immediately identifies the specific type of prophet and message under scrutiny. While prophets of judgment (like Jeremiah himself) were common, those who proclaimed peace often garnered more popular support. This phrase sets the stage for a critical distinction: not all messages of peace are from God, especially when they contradict His revealed will or the call to repentance.
* **"when the word of the prophet shall come to pass":** This is the core condition and the definitive test. "Come to pass" (Hebrew: _bôw'_) means to enter into reality, to be fulfilled, or to materialize. It underscores that the spoken prophetic word is not an abstract idea but a declaration that must find its concrete expression in events. For a prophecy of peace, this implies the actual cessation of conflict, the restoration of prosperity, or the breaking of the oppressive yoke, as promised.
* **"then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.":** This is the consequence and the validation. The "then" (Hebrew: _ʼâz_) functions as a demonstrative adverb, pointing to the moment of fulfillment as the precise time of recognition. The prophet's divine commission will be publicly and undeniably "known" (Hebrew: _yâdaʻ_) to be authentic. The phrase "truly sent him" (Hebrew: _ʼemeth shâlach_) emphasizes the genuineness and faithfulness of God's sending, confirming that the prophet is not a self-appointed messenger but one operating under divine authority and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 28:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. It functions as a **Criterion** or **Test**, providing a clear, empirical standard by which to evaluate prophetic claims, particularly those promising peace. This establishes a legal or judicial framework for discernment within the prophetic ministry. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the true prophet, whose word is validated by fulfillment, and the false prophet, whose word ultimately fails. This contrast is central to the entire narrative of Jeremiah 28. The verse also utilizes a **Conditional Statement** ("when... then..."), making the recognition of the prophet contingent upon the actualization of their spoken word. This structure highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between divine sending and prophetic fulfillment. Finally, the repetition of "prophet" (Hebrew: _nâbîyʼ_) and "word" (Hebrew: _dâbâr_) creates a sense of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the central figures and the core element of their ministry that is under scrutiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 28:9 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of true prophecy and the character of God, who stands behind His word. It teaches that God's truth is not merely a matter of declaration but of demonstrable reality. Unlike human promises, which may fail, God's word, spoken through His true messengers, will inevitably "come to pass" because it is rooted in His unwavering faithfulness (_ʼemeth_). This verse underscores divine sovereignty, revealing that God alone controls the unfolding of events and thus the validation of His prophets. It also highlights the critical responsibility of God's people to exercise spiritual discernment, not to be swayed by comforting lies, but to patiently wait for God's truth to be revealed through its fulfillment. This principle protects the community from deception and preserves the integrity of divine communication.

* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - The Test of a Prophet's Authenticity")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")
* [Ezekiel 13:6-7](/ezekiel/13-6 "Ezekiel 13:6-7 - False Prophets See No Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 28:9 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless guide for discernment in a world saturated with competing voices and claims of truth. It challenges us to critically evaluate messages, whether from spiritual leaders, media, or even our own desires, against the standard of truth and ultimate fulfillment. We are called to be wary of messages that promise easy peace or prosperity without acknowledging the need for repentance, obedience, or the often-difficult path of discipleship. True peace, _shalom_, in a biblical sense, is not merely the absence of trouble but a holistic well-being rooted in a right relationship with God, which often involves confronting sin and enduring hardship. This verse encourages patient observation and a reliance on God's proven faithfulness over immediate gratification or charismatic appeal. It reminds us that God's character is revealed not just in what He says, but in what He does, and that His true messengers will always align with His established Word and His unfolding purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically discern between messages of hope that are genuinely from God and those that might be comforting but ultimately deceptive?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek an "easy peace" rather than embracing God's often challenging path to true _shalom_?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of patience and waiting on God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises?**
* **How can I better "test the spirits" in my daily life, ensuring that the voices I listen to are truly sent by the LORD?**

### FAQ
**Why is the test of a prophet who prophesies "peace" specifically highlighted in this verse?**

Answer: The test of a prophet who prophesies "peace" is specifically highlighted because such messages were often the most desired and, therefore, the most prone to deception. In times of national crisis, like Judah's impending Babylonian exile, people longed for comforting assurances of peace and prosperity. False prophets, like Hananiah, exploited this longing by offering popular but unfounded promises. Prophecies of judgment (war, famine, pestilence), as mentioned in [Jeremiah 28:8](/jeremiah/28-8 "Jeremiah 28:8 - Prophets of War and Famine"), often had more immediate and observable signs of fulfillment. However, a prophecy of peace required patience and time to prove its veracity. If the promised peace did not materialize, the prophet was exposed as false, demonstrating that their message was not truly from the LORD. This distinction served to protect God's people from misleading comfort and to underscore the gravity of true divine communication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 28:9, while a test for Old Testament prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential Prophet, the "Word made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose every word and prophecy has either already "come to pass" or will assuredly do so. Unlike the prophets of old, who spoke God's word, Jesus *is* God's Word. He is the true bringer of peace, not a superficial political peace, but a profound spiritual _shalom_ that reconciles humanity to God ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). His prophecies concerning His own death and resurrection ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection")), the destruction of the temple ([Matthew 24:2](/matthew/24-2 "Matthew 24:2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")), and His second coming ([John 14:3](/john/14-3 "John 14:3 - Jesus Promises His Return")) have been, or will be, perfectly fulfilled, unequivocally demonstrating that the Father "truly sent Him." The ultimate "knowing" of the prophet, as described in Jeremiah 28:9, culminates in the universal recognition of Jesus as Lord, whose perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection validate Him as the one truly sent by God to bring eternal peace to all who believe ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

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

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Jeremiah 6:14

They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.

Jeremiah 4:10

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul.

Ezekiel 13:10

¶ Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and [there was] no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered [morter]:

Ezekiel 13:16

[To wit], the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and [there is] no peace, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 14:13

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

Jeremiah 8:11

For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.