Jeremiah 29:24

KJV

¶ [Thus] shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus shalt thou also speak {H559} to Shemaiah {H8098} the Nehelamite {H5161}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

"To Sh'ma'yah the Nechelami you are to communicate this message:

Berean Standard Bible

You are to tell Shemaiah the Nehelamite that

American Standard Version

And concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite thou shalt speak, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:24 serves as a pivotal introductory statement, signaling the divine command to the prophet Jeremiah to deliver a specific message of rebuke and judgment against Shemaiah the Nehelamite. This verse is not merely a procedural instruction but underscores the direct, authoritative nature of God's communication, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation between divine truth, delivered through Jeremiah, and the deceptive, self-serving prophecies of Shemaiah, who had actively undermined Jeremiah's legitimate message to the exiles in Babylon.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 29:24 is positioned within a larger narrative arc concerning Jeremiah's ministry to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The preceding verses (Jeremiah 29:1-23) detail Jeremiah's letter to the exiles, a crucial message urging them to settle, build, and pray for the peace of Babylon, as their welfare was intrinsically linked to its prosperity. This counsel directly contradicted the popular, yet false, prophecies circulating among the exiles that promised an imminent return to Judah. Shemaiah the Nehelamite was a prominent purveyor of these false hopes, actively sending letters back to Jerusalem to discredit Jeremiah and advocate for his imprisonment (as revealed in [Jeremiah 29:25-28](/jeremiah/29-25 "Jeremiah 29:25-28 - God's Judgment on Shemaiah")). Thus, verse 24 acts as a divine interjection, shifting the focus from the general message to the exiles to a direct, personal confrontation with a specific individual who was actively opposing God's revealed will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Babylonian exile, a traumatic period for the Judahites following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC. In this context of displacement and despair, there was a strong desire for messages of immediate restoration and comfort. This environment was ripe for false prophets who would speak "peace, peace" when there was no peace, catering to the people's longing rather than God's difficult truth. Prophets played a critical role in ancient Israelite society, serving as God's spokespersons. However, distinguishing true prophets from false ones was a constant challenge, often determined by the fulfillment of their prophecies or the consistency of their message with established divine revelation (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Testing a Prophet")). Shemaiah's actions, sending letters from Babylon to Jerusalem, highlight the interconnectedness of the exiled community with those remaining in the land and the pervasive nature of prophetic influence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, even in exile, and directly intervenes to correct false narratives. The phrase "Thus shalt thou also speak" emphasizes that the forthcoming message is not Jeremiah's personal opinion but a direct, unadulterated word from the Lord. Secondly, it highlights the critical theme of **Confrontation of False Prophecy**. Jeremiah's ministry was largely defined by his struggle against those who claimed to speak for God but offered deceptive messages, often leading the people astray (see [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets Speak Lies") and [Jeremiah 23:21-32](/jeremiah/23-21 "Jeremiah 23:21-32 - Against the False Prophets")). This verse initiates a direct divine judgment against a specific false prophet, illustrating God's intolerance for spiritual deception and His commitment to protecting His people from harmful lies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root is used with remarkable latitude throughout the Old Testament, signifying not just verbal utterance but also appointment, command, declaration, and even determination. In Jeremiah 29:24, its repetition ("shalt thou also speak... saying") emphasizes the divine imperative and the authoritative nature of the message Jeremiah is commanded to deliver. It highlights that the words are not Jeremiah's own, but God's direct and intentional communication, carrying the weight of divine will and judgment.
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Shᵉmaʻyâh'_):** Derived from the Hebrew words for "hear" (שָׁמַע, _shama_) and "Yah" (יָהּ, a shortened form of Yahweh), Shemaiah's name literally means "Jah has heard" or "Yahweh has heard." This etymology introduces a profound irony, as Shemaiah, whose name proclaims God's attentiveness, is precisely the one being rebuked for not listening to God's true word and for misleading others with falsehoods that God certainly heard and would judge.
* **Nehelamite (Hebrew, _Nechĕlâmîy'_):** This term is apparently a patronymic from an unused name, derived from a root meaning "dreamed" (חָלַם, _chalam_). The connection to "dreamed" is highly significant in the context of prophecy, as false prophets often claimed to receive their messages through dreams or visions that were not from God (cf. [Jeremiah 23:25-32](/jeremiah/23-25 "Jeremiah 23:25-32 - False Prophets and Dreams")). Thus, Shemaiah the Nehelamite may be subtly identified as one whose prophecies originated from his own "dreams" or imagination rather than from divine revelation, further underscoring the deceptive nature of his ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite":** This clause establishes the divine origin and specific target of the forthcoming message. "Thus" (`כֹּה`, _koh_) is a common prophetic formula, signaling that the words immediately following are a direct oracle from Yahweh. The command is personal and direct to Jeremiah, indicating the seriousness with which God views Shemaiah's actions. The explicit naming of "Shemaiah the Nehelamite" ensures there is no ambiguity about the recipient of this divine rebuke, highlighting God's precise knowledge of those who oppose His will.
* **"saying,":** This single word acts as a crucial bridge, introducing the content of the divine message that Jeremiah is to deliver. It signifies that the subsequent verses (Jeremiah 29:25-32) are the direct words of God concerning Shemaiah, emphasizing the immediate transition from the directive to the divine pronouncement itself.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:24, though brief, employs several potent literary devices. **Direct Address** is evident as God speaks directly to Jeremiah, commanding him to deliver a message to a specific individual. This highlights the personal nature of divine communication and accountability. The phrase "Thus shalt thou also speak" serves as a **Divine Command**, a common prophetic trope that emphasizes the absolute authority of the sender (God) and the mandatory nature of the message for the recipient (Jeremiah). This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the significant and severe divine judgment that is about to be pronounced upon Shemaiah in the subsequent verses. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Irony** present in the very name of Shemaiah ("Jah has heard"), as the one whose name suggests divine attentiveness is precisely the one who has failed to hear God's true word and is now subject to divine judgment. The patronymic "Nehelamite," potentially linked to "dreamed," adds another layer of **Symbolism**, subtly associating Shemaiah with false, self-generated visions rather than genuine divine revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:24 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to truth and His active opposition to spiritual deception. It reveals that God does not passively observe the spread of falsehood among His people but directly intervenes to expose and judge those who mislead in His name. This verse establishes a theological precedent for the critical importance of prophetic discernment and the severe consequences awaiting those who corrupt divine revelation for personal gain or popularity. It highlights God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even in exile, demonstrating His meticulous attention to the spiritual well-being of His covenant people. The divine command to confront Shemaiah emphasizes that God's word is not merely a comforting balm but often a sharp sword, dividing truth from error and bringing judgment where necessary.

* [Jeremiah 29:25-32](/jeremiah/29-25 "God's Judgment on Shemaiah the Nehelamite")
* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "The Test of a Prophet")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 29:24, though a brief command, carries profound implications for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that God takes seriously those who claim to speak on His behalf, and that spiritual truth is not a matter for casual disregard or manipulation. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, this verse calls us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, carefully weighing all teachings against the unchanging standard of God's revealed Word. It challenges us to embrace difficult truths from Scripture, even when they contradict popular opinion or our own desires, rather than seeking out comforting falsehoods. Furthermore, it impresses upon spiritual leaders the immense responsibility of handling God's Word with integrity and fear, knowing they are accountable for the truthfulness and faithfulness of their message. Our welfare, like that of the exiles, is tied to aligning ourselves with God's true message, not with comforting lies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between true and false spiritual messages in my own life and in the broader Christian community?**
* **Am I willing to embrace difficult truths from God's Word, even when they challenge my comfort or expectations?**
* **In what ways might I, or those I listen to, be tempted to offer "false prophecies" – messages that sound good but are not rooted in God's genuine will or character?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and why was God so displeased with him?**

Answer: Shemaiah the Nehelamite was a false prophet living among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. He actively opposed Jeremiah's true prophecy by sending letters to Jerusalem, specifically to the priest Zephaniah, criticizing Jeremiah and advocating for his imprisonment (as detailed in [Jeremiah 29:26-28](/jeremiah/29-26 "Shemaiah's Letter Against Jeremiah")). God was deeply displeased with Shemaiah because he was spreading deceptive messages of immediate return from exile, which contradicted God's revealed plan for a longer period of captivity (Jeremiah 29:5-7). Shemaiah was leading God's people astray with lies, causing them to trust in false hopes rather than God's sovereign will, which constituted a serious offense against divine truth and the spiritual well-being of the community.

**What is the significance of the phrase "Thus shalt thou also speak"?**

Answer: The phrase "Thus shalt thou also speak" (KJV) or "Thus says the Lord" (NIV/ESV) is a common prophetic formula in the Old Testament, indicating that the words that follow are a direct, authoritative oracle from God Himself. Its significance lies in emphasizing that the message Jeremiah is about to deliver is not his own opinion, speculation, or human wisdom, but a divinely inspired command and judgment. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His direct involvement in addressing specific individuals and situations, particularly when His truth is being distorted or opposed. This formula serves to authenticate the message and elevate its importance, demanding attention and obedience from all who hear it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:24, with its emphasis on a true prophet delivering God's authoritative word against a false one, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential true Prophet, the very Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike Shemaiah, who spoke from his own "dreams" or desires, Jesus spoke only what He heard from the Father ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). His ministry was marked by an unparalleled authority that astonished the crowds, for He taught "as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus' Authority")). Just as Jeremiah was commanded to expose Shemaiah's falsehood, Jesus consistently exposed the hypocrisy and false teachings of the religious leaders of His day, warning His disciples about "false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")). His life and teachings were the ultimate embodiment of divine truth, confronting all deception and leading humanity to the genuine path of salvation. In Christ, God's definitive word has been spoken, silencing all competing voices and offering the ultimate reality of God's plan for humanity, a plan that culminates not in earthly restoration but in eternal life through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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 29:31

Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:

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.