Jeremiah 29:23

KJV

Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because they have committed {H6213} villany {H5039} in Israel {H3478}, and have committed {H6213} adultery {H5003} with their neighbours {H7453}' wives {H802}, and have spoken {H1696} lying {H8267} words {H1697} in my name {H8034}, which I have not commanded {H6680} them; even I know {H3045}, and am a witness {H5707}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because they have done vile things in Isra'el, committing adultery with their neighbors' wives and speaking words in my name, falsely, which I did not order them to say. For I am he who knows; I am witness to this,' says ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”

American Standard Version

because they have wrought folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I commanded them not; and I am he that knoweth, and am witness, saith Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:23 stands as a profound divine indictment against specific individuals among the Babylonian exiles, particularly the false prophets Ahab and Zedekiah, exposing the egregious sins that provoked God’s righteous judgment. The verse meticulously details their moral depravity, characterized by "villany" and "adultery," and, even more critically, their spiritual deception, as they propagated "lying words" in God's name without His authorization. It culminates in a powerful affirmation of God's perfect omniscience and unwavering commitment to justice, declaring that He is fully aware and stands as a personal, irrefutable witness to their transgressions, ensuring that their deeds will not escape divine scrutiny or consequence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a direct and detailed amplification of the charges leveled against the false prophets Ahab son of Kolaiah and Zedekiah son of Maaseiah, whose specific condemnation is introduced in [Jeremiah 29:21-22](/jeremiah/29-21-22 "Jeremiah 29:21-22 - Prophecy Against False Prophets Ahab and Zedekiah"). Within Jeremiah's broader letter to the exiles in [Jeremiah 29](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles"), this verse provides the theological bedrock for the severe judgment pronounced upon these deceivers. Jeremiah's overarching purpose in writing to the exiles was to counter the deceptive optimism spread by such false prophets, who promised a swift return to Jerusalem. By contrast, Jeremiah delivered God's true, albeit challenging, message of a prolonged seventy-year exile. Verse 23 thus reinforces the authenticity and necessity of Jeremiah's own prophetic word, which, though often unpopular, was unequivocally divinely ordained, contrasting it sharply with the fraudulent claims of his opponents.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Jeremiah 29:23 is the initial phase of the Babylonian exile, following Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation of Judeans in 597 BC. The exiles, including many prominent citizens and skilled individuals, found themselves dislocated in a foreign land, grappling with shattered national hopes and a profound longing for their homeland. In this vulnerable and disoriented state, false prophets emerged, offering comforting but ultimately misleading messages of imminent deliverance, directly contradicting the true message conveyed by Jeremiah. Culturally, prophecy was a cornerstone institution in ancient Israel, and the ability to discern a true prophet from a false one was of paramount importance, often involving life-or-death consequences, as explicitly outlined in [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - The Test of a True Prophet"). The sins enumerated in the verse—"villany" and "adultery"—were not merely private moral failings but profound violations of the Mosaic Law and the covenant, directly undermining the sacred relationship with God and the very social fabric of the Israelite community, even in their exiled state. The act of speaking "lying words in my name" represented a direct affront to God's holiness and authority, a sacrilegious perversion of the prophetic office itself.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 29:23 powerfully articulates several overarching themes central to the book of Jeremiah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it profoundly highlights the **gravity of false prophecy and spiritual deception**, underscoring God's severe judgment against those who mislead His people by falsely claiming divine authority. This theme is foundational to Jeremiah's entire ministry, as he consistently contended with such deceivers (e.g., [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies")). Secondly, the verse emphatically asserts **God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience**, declaring that He "knows" and is a "witness" to all hidden deeds, encompassing the most clandestine moral failings and deceptive words. This reinforces the immutable truth that nothing is concealed from the Lord, a concept beautifully echoed in [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience and Presence"). Thirdly, it powerfully demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to **covenant faithfulness and divine justice**, as He holds His people, and particularly their spiritual leaders, rigorously accountable for both moral corruption and spiritual infidelity, especially the direct violation of fundamental commandments like the prohibition against adultery found in [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Villany (Hebrew, _nᵉbâlâh'_):** This term (H5039) denotes an act of profound moral depravity, disgraceful conduct, or outrageous folly. It signifies a shameful, senseless, and often sexually immoral or violent act that brings deep dishonor. In the context of Israel, it implies a grievous violation of covenant standards, an act that is not merely a personal sin but a public affront to God and the community, frequently associated with heinous crimes (cf. [Deuteronomy 22:21](/deuteronomy/22-21 "Deuteronomy 22:21 - Punishment for Folly")).
* **Lying (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** The word (H8267) refers to falsehood, deception, or fraud. When applied to "words" (H1697, _dâbâr_), as in this verse, it emphasizes the deliberate and intentional nature of the false claims made by the prophets. These were not innocent errors but calculated fabrications uttered without any divine authorization, designed to mislead and manipulate God's people, thereby undermining the very foundation of truth and trust in the divine word.
* **Witness (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** This term (H5707) signifies one who testifies to the truth of an event or fact, based on personal observation and direct knowledge. God, as the "witness," asserts His direct, firsthand knowledge and perfect recall of the transgressions. This legalistic imagery emphasizes His role as the ultimate, impartial judge, who not only knows every detail but can also provide irrefutable testimony against the offenders, ensuring that justice is meted out based on undeniable and perfectly preserved evidence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they have committed villany in Israel":** This initial clause establishes the fundamental justification for the divine judgment, pointing to a pervasive moral corruption and disgraceful conduct specifically within the community of Israel, even among the exiles. "Villany" (nᵉbâlâh) encompasses a spectrum of heinous acts, indicating a deep-seated ethical decay that violated the sanctity of the covenant and the moral fabric of society.
* **"and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives":** This clause specifies one particularly egregious form of "villany"—adultery. This is not merely a private transgression but a profound betrayal of trust, a direct violation of the seventh commandment ([Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment")), and a destructive act against the family unit and communal stability. The explicit mention of "neighbours' wives" highlights the direct harm inflicted upon specific individuals and the community, emphasizing the personal and relational nature of the transgression.
* **"and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them":** This crucial clause unveils the spiritual dimension of their sin, definitively identifying them as false prophets. They flagrantly abused their position and God's holy name by fabricating prophecies ("lying words") and presenting them as divine mandates ("in my name"), despite having received no such instruction ("which I have not commanded them"). This was a direct assault on God's truthfulness and a dangerous deception of His people, leading them astray from divine truth.
* **"even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD":** This concluding declaration serves as a powerful, non-negotiable divine affirmation. God asserts His perfect omniscience ("I know")—nothing is hidden from Him, no deed or thought escapes His notice. Furthermore, He positions Himself as an active "witness" (ʻêd), implying His direct observation and readiness to testify to their guilt in a divine court. The phrase "saith the LORD" (nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh) authenticates the entire pronouncement as a direct, authoritative word from the covenant God, Jehovah (Yᵉhôvâh), guaranteeing the certainty, inevitability, and perfect justice of the impending judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:23 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and accountability. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly the repeated phrase "have committed," which powerfully underscores the persistent, deliberate, and habitual nature of the offenders' sins, emphasizing their profound culpability. The verse also utilizes **Legal Language** and a **Forensic Tone**, presenting God not merely as an offended deity but as a righteous and meticulous judge. Phrases such as "committed villany," "committed adultery," "spoken lying words," "I know," and "am a witness" evoke the solemn setting of a courtroom, where charges are formally laid, irrefutable evidence is presented, and a just verdict is rendered. This pervasive legal framework highlights God's absolute justice and the inescapable accountability of those who stand before Him. Furthermore, the concluding **Divine Affirmation**, "saith the LORD," functions as an authoritative, unalterable seal, lending absolute certainty and finality to the pronouncement. This direct speech from God elevates the immense weight of the accusations and the inevitability of the consequences, leaving no room for doubt regarding the divine source and truth of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:23 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding commitment to both moral purity and spiritual truth, revealing that He holds His people, and especially those who claim to speak for Him, to the highest standards of integrity. The combination of overt moral depravity ("villany," "adultery") and insidious spiritual deception ("lying words in my name") exposes a deep-seated rebellion against God's holy character and His covenant. This verse teaches that outward religious profession or a claim to divine authority is utterly meaningless if not accompanied by inward integrity, moral faithfulness, and unwavering adherence to God's revealed word. God's declaration, "I know, and am a witness," underscores His active, sovereign involvement in human affairs, His perfect and exhaustive knowledge of all actions—both public and hidden—and His ultimate role as the righteous Judge who will infallibly bring every secret thing to light and administer perfect justice.

* [Proverbs 6:32](/proverbs/6-32 "Proverbs 6:32 - The Folly of Adultery")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Romans 2:16](/romans/2-16 "Romans 2:16 - God Judges the Secrets of Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:23 serves as a timeless and piercing mirror for both individuals and communities, urging a profound and honest self-examination of our moral and spiritual integrity. It challenges us to consider whether our lives genuinely align with the truth we profess and the God we claim to serve, or if there are hidden discrepancies. Are we, in any aspect of our lives, guilty of "villany" in our personal conduct, perhaps through secret sins, ethical compromises, or actions that erode our character and subtly harm those around us? Do we engage in "adultery" not only in its literal sense but also metaphorically, by allowing anything other than God to claim our ultimate devotion, or by betraying the sacred trusts placed in our relationships? Most critically, the verse confronts the insidious danger of "speaking lying words in God's name." This applies not only to formal religious leaders but to all believers called to represent Christ in the world. Do we misrepresent God's character, twist His word, or offer false comfort that deviates from biblical truth, perhaps to gain favor, avoid discomfort, or maintain a superficial peace? This verse calls us to a radical and unflinching honesty before God, reminding us that His omniscience means no sin, no deception, no hidden motive, no unspoken thought escapes His notice. Our ultimate security and peace lie not in outward appearance or self-deception, but in living authentically and transparently before the One who "knows, and is a witness" to every facet of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be committing "villany" or "adultery" in God's sight, even if these actions or attitudes remain hidden from others?**
* **How might I inadvertently or intentionally "speak lying words in God's name" through my actions, my casual speech, or my interpretations and applications of scripture?**
* **What comfort or conviction does it bring to truly internalize the truth that God "knows, and is a witness" to all my deeds, both the commendable and the culpable?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent commitment to truth, integrity, and genuine faithfulness in my personal life and in all my interactions, especially concerning spiritual matters?**

### FAQ

**What does "villany in Israel" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: "Villany" (Hebrew: _nᵉbâlâh'_) in this context refers to acts of profound moral depravity, disgraceful conduct, and outrageous folly that are a direct and severe affront to God and the community. While the term can encompass a wide range of heinous sins, in [Jeremiah 29:23](/jeremiah/29-23 "Jeremiah 29:23 - God's Judgment on False Prophets") it is immediately specified by the example of "adultery with their neighbours' wives." This particular emphasis suggests a strong focus on sexual immorality, the betrayal of trust within the social fabric, and the breakdown of covenantal purity. It signifies a shameful and senseless act that violates the sacred covenant standards God established for Israel, thereby undermining their identity as a holy people set apart for Him.

**Why is "speaking lying words in my name" such a severe offense to God?**

Answer: Speaking "lying words in my name" is an exceptionally severe offense because it constitutes a direct misrepresentation and profound abuse of God's holy character, truthfulness, and supreme authority. Prophets were divinely appointed to be faithful conduits of God's truth, but these individuals fabricated messages, falsely claiming divine inspiration and authority that they did not possess. This act not only egregiously deceived the people, leading them astray with false hopes and distorted realities, but also directly impugned God's integrity and undermined the sanctity and reliability of His divine word. It was a spiritual fraud that perverted the very essence of divine communication, making it an act of profound blasphemy and spiritual rebellion, as highlighted by the warnings against false prophets throughout scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "The Penalty for False Prophecy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:23, with its stark condemnation of moral depravity and the insidious nature of false prophecy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect counterpoint in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "villany" and "adultery" condemned in this verse powerfully underscore humanity's pervasive sinfulness and desperate need for redemption—a fallen condition from which only Christ can deliver. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering complete forgiveness, radical transformation, and true liberation for all who are entangled in such moral failings. More profoundly, Jesus stands in absolute contrast to the false prophets who spoke "lying words" in God's name. Jesus is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "The Incarnation of the Word"), the very embodiment of divine truth, who spoke only what the Father commanded and revealed ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). He is the [faithful and true witness](/revelation/19-11 "The Rider on the White Horse") ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Message to Laodicea")), perfectly revealing God's character, will, and redemptive plan, unlike those who distorted it for their own gain. While the false prophets were condemned because God "knew" their deceit and stood as a witness against them, Jesus, as our [great high priest](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"), knows our weaknesses and temptations, yet was [without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"), offering a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. His coming ensures that God's ultimate judgment will be perfectly righteous and true, and that all who trust in Him will find life and truth, not condemnation for their deceit ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "Belief and Condemnation")).

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

Hebrews 4:13

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Malachi 3:5

And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jeremiah 16:17

For mine eyes [are] upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

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.

Proverbs 5:21

For the ways of man [are] before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.