Jeremiah 29:21

KJV

Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, which prophesy a lie unto you in my name; Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, of Ahab {H256} the son {H1121} of Kolaiah {H6964}, and of Zedekiah {H6667} the son {H1121} of Maaseiah {H4641}, which prophesy {H5012} a lie {H8267} unto you in my name {H8034}; Behold, I will deliver {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of Nebuchadrezzar {H5019} king {H4428} of Babylon {H894}; and he shall slay {H5221} them before your eyes {H5869};

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, says about Ach'av the son of Kolayah and Tzidkiyahu the son of Ma'aseiyah, who prophesy lies to you in my name: 'I will hand them over to N'vukhadretzar king of Bavel, and he will put them to death before your eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says about Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, who are prophesying to you lies in My name: “I will deliver them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will kill them before your very eyes.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie unto you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:21 delivers a solemn divine pronouncement from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, specifically targeting two false prophets, Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah. These individuals are condemned for prophesying lies in God's name to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. The verse declares God's imminent judgment: He will deliver them into the hands of Nebuchadrezzar, king of Babylon, who will execute them publicly before the eyes of the very people they deceived, serving as a stark warning and a testament to God's unwavering truth and justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal letter from the prophet Jeremiah in Jerusalem to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon following Nebuchadnezzar's initial siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. Jeremiah's letter, particularly the well-known promise in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Plans for the Exiles"), directly counters the prevalent false prophecies circulating among the exiles. These false messages promised a swift return to Judah and an immediate end to their captivity, offering comforting but deceptive hope. Ahab and Zedekiah are explicitly identified here as leading figures among these false prophets, actively undermining Jeremiah's authentic message of a prolonged, seventy-year exile and God's long-term, restorative plan for His people. The preceding verses in [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles") emphasize the need for the exiles to settle down in Babylon, build homes, and pray for the city, directly contradicting the false hope of an immediate return.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Babylonian Exile, a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for Israel. Many Jews, including the elite, had been forcibly removed from their homeland and temple worship. In this vulnerable state, they were susceptible to messages that offered immediate relief or a return to their former glory. False prophets, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often catered to popular desires, promising peace and prosperity even when divine judgment was imminent. The method of execution—being slain by the king of Babylon—reflects the brutal realities of ancient warfare and imperial power. Nebuchadnezzar was a formidable ruler, and his actions, even against the false prophets, were seen as instruments of God's judgment, demonstrating divine sovereignty over pagan rulers. The public nature of their deaths ("before your eyes") would have served as a powerful deterrent and a clear vindication of Jeremiah's true prophecy.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **True vs. False Prophecy**, a recurrent concern in Jeremiah. The Lord consistently distinguishes between His authentic word, often delivered through Jeremiah, and the deceptive messages of those who "prophesy a lie in My name" (as seen in [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophecies of Peace")). This verse underscores the severe consequences for such spiritual deception. Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**. God, identified as "the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," asserts His absolute control, even over powerful pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar, whom He uses as an instrument of His wrath (cf. [Jeremiah 25:9](/jeremiah/25-9 "Jeremiah 25:9 - Nebuchadnezzar as God's Servant")). The public execution of Ahab and Zedekiah serves as a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering **Justice and Retribution**, validating His word and warning against defiance. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Sanctity of God's Name and Word**, emphasizing that to prophesy falsely in His name is a profound blasphemy, demanding severe divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** From H5012, this primitive root means "to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)." The verb here indicates the act of delivering a message claiming divine origin. The context adds the crucial qualifier "a lie," transforming what should be a sacred act into a heinous deception, a perversion of divine communication.
* **lie (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** From H8267, this noun denotes "an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)." It signifies falsehood, deceit, or something vain and wrongfully asserted. When combined with "prophesy," it emphasizes that the message delivered by Ahab and Zedekiah was not merely mistaken but intentionally deceptive, a deliberate fabrication presented as God's word.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to "a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.))." In this context, "into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar" signifies delivery into his power, authority, or control. It highlights God's sovereign act of relinquishing the false prophets to the earthly instrument of His judgment, demonstrating that even a pagan king's power is ultimately under divine direction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,"**: This opening formula establishes the divine authority and unassailable truth of the pronouncement. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's omnipotence and His command over all heavenly and earthly forces, while "the God of Israel" underscores His covenant relationship and specific concern for His people, even in exile.
* **"of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah,"**: The specific naming of these two individuals highlights the personal nature of God's judgment. They are not anonymous figures but identifiable false prophets operating within the exile community, making the prophecy concrete and verifiable for the exiles.
* **"which prophesy a lie unto you in my name;"**: This clause identifies their specific transgression. They are accused of speaking falsehoods, not just errors, and doing so "in my name," which is a profound act of blasphemy and a direct usurpation of God's authority. This deception misled the vulnerable exiles, offering false hope and undermining God's true message through Jeremiah.
* **"Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon;"**: This is the declaration of divine judgment. "Behold" (Hebrew: *hinnēh*) draws attention to the certainty and immediacy of the impending action. God Himself, the sovereign Lord, will actively hand over these false prophets to the very king who brought the exiles to Babylon. This demonstrates God's control over nations and His use of even pagan rulers to execute His justice.
* **"and he shall slay them before your eyes;"**: This final clause describes the brutal and public nature of their punishment. Their deaths will be a visible, undeniable spectacle for the exiles, serving as a clear sign of God's vindication of Jeremiah's word and a severe warning against false prophecy. The public execution reinforces the gravity of their sin and the certainty of divine retribution.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:21 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Pronouncement**, signaled by the authoritative opening "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," which immediately establishes the absolute and undeniable truth of the ensuing message. This formula is characteristic of prophetic literature, lending gravity and divine weight to the words. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the judgment: the false prophets who promised a swift end to the Babylonian captivity are themselves delivered into the hands of the Babylonian king for their demise. Their deception is met with a brutal reality orchestrated by the very power they sought to downplay. The phrase "before your eyes" serves as a form of **Public Spectacle** or **Witnessing**, ensuring the exiles directly observe the fulfillment of God's judgment, thereby validating Jeremiah's true prophecy and discrediting the false ones. Furthermore, the use of **Metonymy** is present in "into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar," where "hand" represents the power, authority, and control of the king, emphasizing that God is delivering them into Nebuchadnezzar's full jurisdiction for judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to truth and His severe judgment against those who profane His name by spreading falsehoods. It underscores the profound seriousness with which God views spiritual deception, particularly when it misleads His covenant people. The verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan rulers as instruments of His divine justice. This divine intervention serves not only as retribution for the false prophets but also as a clear vindication of Jeremiah's authentic message, thereby strengthening the faith of the exiled community and teaching them to discern true prophecy from false. It reveals a God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people, upholding His word and ensuring that justice prevails, even in the midst of exile and suffering.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The Penalty for a False Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:3](/ezekiel/13-3 "Ezekiel 13:3 - Woe to Foolish Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:21 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, emphasizing the enduring importance of discernment and accountability within the faith community. In a world saturated with information and competing voices, the call to "test the spirits" remains paramount. We are reminded that not every message claiming divine origin truly comes from God, and the consequences of embracing falsehood can be spiritually devastating. This verse challenges us to diligently study and adhere to the clear teaching of Scripture, allowing it to be our ultimate plumb line for truth. Furthermore, it serves as a sobering warning to those in positions of spiritual leadership: the responsibility of speaking for God is immense, and misleading His people, whether intentionally or through negligence, carries severe divine accountability. Ultimately, Jeremiah 29:21 reassures us that God is a God of justice who will not allow His name to be perpetually dishonored or His people to be forever deceived. His truth will prevail, and His judgment, though sometimes delayed, is certain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between true and false messages in my daily life, especially those claiming spiritual authority?**
* **What responsibility do I have to uphold truth and challenge falsehoods within my community or sphere of influence?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prefer comforting lies over challenging truths, and how can I cultivate a greater love for God's unvarnished word?**

### FAQ
**What was the "lie" that Ahab and Zedekiah were prophesying?**

Answer: Ahab and Zedekiah were prophesying a message of imminent return from Babylonian captivity, directly contradicting Jeremiah's true prophecy that the exile would last for seventy years ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Plans for the Exiles")). They were likely telling the exiles what they wanted to hear—that their suffering would soon end and they would return to Jerusalem—rather than God's challenging truth about a prolonged period of judgment and rebuilding in Babylon. This false hope undermined the exiles' ability to settle and seek the welfare of Babylon as God commanded.

**Why was their punishment so severe and public?**

Answer: The severity and public nature of their punishment ("he shall slay them before your eyes") served multiple purposes. First, it was a direct divine judgment for the grave sin of prophesying falsely in God's name, which is a form of blasphemy and a dangerous deception of His people ([Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - The Penalty for a False Prophet")). Second, the public execution served as a stark warning to other false prophets and to the exiled community, demonstrating the certainty of God's retribution against those who mislead. Third, it publicly vindicated Jeremiah as the true prophet of God, confirming the authenticity of his message and discrediting the false hope offered by Ahab and Zedekiah.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:21, with its stark portrayal of divine judgment against false prophets, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Jesus Christ is the **True Prophet** par excellence, the very Word of God incarnate, who never spoke a lie but always declared the unvarnished truth of the Father ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Unlike Ahab and Zedekiah, who deceived for personal gain or popularity, Christ's message often challenged human comfort and self-interest, leading to His crucifixion. The judgment pronounced upon the false prophets in Jeremiah foreshadows Christ's own righteous judgment against all falsehood and deception. Jesus Himself warned against false prophets and teachers who would come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")), and He spoke of a future day of reckoning where those who claim to prophesy in His name but practice lawlessness will be cast out ([Matthew 7:22-23](/matthew/7-22 "Matthew 7:22 - I Never Knew You")). Ultimately, Christ's death and resurrection decisively triumphed over the deception and power of sin and death, establishing His kingdom of truth. His return will bring the final and public judgment upon all who have propagated lies and rebelled against God, just as Ahab and Zedekiah faced a public reckoning, ensuring that truth and righteousness will ultimately prevail under the reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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

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 14:14

Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

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 29:8

¶ For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that [be] in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

Jeremiah 29:9

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD.