Jeremiah 29:25

KJV

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that [are] at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus speaketh {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, Because thou hast sent {H7971} letters {H5612} in thy name {H8034} unto all the people {H5971} that are at Jerusalem {H3389}, and to Zephaniah {H6846} the son {H1121} of Maaseiah {H4641} the priest {H3548}, and to all the priests {H3548}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

'This is a word from ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, because of the letters you sent in your own name to all the people in Yerushalayim, including Tz'fanyah the son of Ma'aseiyah the cohen and all the cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “In your own name you have sent out letters to all the people of Jerusalem, to the priest Zephaniah son of Maaseiah, and to all the priests. You said to Zephaniah:

American Standard Version

Thus speaketh Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thine own name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, and to all the priests, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 29:25 introduces a direct divine indictment against Shemaiah the Nehelamite, a false prophet who contradicted the true word of the Lord delivered through Jeremiah. This verse reveals God's specific knowledge of Shemaiah's deceptive actions, particularly his unauthorized letters sent to the Jewish exiles in Jerusalem, including the priest Zephaniah and other priests, thereby sowing confusion and undermining the legitimate prophetic message. It serves as the preamble to God's pronouncement of judgment upon Shemaiah for his presumptuous and misleading communications.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 29:25 is situated within Jeremiah's broader letter to the exiles in Babylon, a crucial section of the book. This letter, beginning in [Jeremiah 29:1](/jeremiah/29 "Jeremiah 29 - Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles"), counseled the exiles to settle in Babylon, build homes, and seek the welfare of the city, promising a return to Jerusalem only after seventy years ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Restoration")). However, false prophets, like Shemaiah the Nehelamite, were actively opposing Jeremiah's message, promising an immediate return and fostering false hope, thereby causing unrest and disobedience among the people ([Jeremiah 29:8-9](/jeremiah/29-8 "Jeremiah 29:8-9 - Warning Against False Prophets")). Verse 25 marks the beginning of God's specific, direct response to Shemaiah's deceitful actions, leading into the detailed judgment against him in [Jeremiah 29:31-32](/jeremiah/29-31 "Jeremiah 29:31-32 - God's Judgment on Shemaiah").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this verse is the early period of the Babylonian exile, specifically after Nebuchadnezzar's first deportation of Judeans in 597 BC, which included King Jehoiachin, many nobles, and skilled craftsmen. While a significant portion of the population was in Babylon, a remnant remained in Jerusalem, including priests and other leaders. Communication between these two groups, often by letter, was vital but also susceptible to misuse by those seeking to spread alternative narratives. In ancient Israel, priests held significant spiritual and social authority, making them prime targets for false prophets seeking to gain credibility or sow discord. The cultural expectation was that a true prophet spoke only the word of Yahweh, and any deviation was considered a serious offense, punishable by death according to Mosaic Law ([Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Punishment for False Prophets")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Jeremiah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between **authentic prophecy** and **false prophecy**, emphasizing God's absolute authority as the source of truth versus human deception. Secondly, it underscores God's **sovereignty and omniscience**, demonstrating that He sees and responds to all human actions, even those conducted in private correspondence. Thirdly, the verse touches on the theme of **spiritual discernment**, implicitly calling the people to distinguish between God's true messengers and those who speak "in their own name." Finally, it foreshadows God's **divine judgment** against those who mislead His people, particularly those in positions of spiritual influence like the priests mentioned, echoing warnings found in other prophetic books like [Ezekiel 13](/ezekiel/13 "Ezekiel 13 - Prophecy Against False Prophets").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This majestic title, often translated as Yahweh, emphasizes God's eternal, unchanging nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. Its use here immediately establishes the divine authority behind the message, contrasting sharply with Shemaiah's human-originated "letters in thy name."
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** From H6635, "a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship)." When combined with "LORD," "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, signifying His supreme power, omnipotence, and ability to execute His will against all opposition, including false prophets.
* **letters (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** From H5612, "properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book; bill, book, evidence, letter, register, scroll." In this context, "letters" refers to written communications, highlighting Shemaiah's deliberate and widespread dissemination of his false message. The act of sending letters implies a calculated effort to reach and influence a broad audience, including key spiritual figures.
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** From H3548, "literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, priest, prince, principal officer." The specific mention of Zephaniah and "all the priests" underscores Shemaiah's attempt to subvert or corrupt the religious leadership in Jerusalem, aiming to gain legitimacy or spread his erroneous doctrines through influential channels.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saying,"**: This opening clause serves as a powerful divine oracle formula, unequivocally establishing the source and authority of the message that follows. It immediately contrasts the divine word with the human, self-authored messages of Shemaiah. The titles "LORD of hosts" and "God of Israel" underscore God's universal sovereignty and His specific covenant relationship with His people, signifying that this is a direct, authoritative communication from the ultimate Ruler and Guardian of His covenant.
* **"Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that [are] at Jerusalem,"**: This clause reveals the specific transgression of Shemaiah. He is accused of sending "letters in thy name," meaning they were not divinely authorized but originated from his own deceptive agenda. These letters were widely distributed "unto all the people that are at Jerusalem," indicating a broad campaign of misinformation aimed at those who remained in the homeland, potentially stirring up false hopes or rebellion against God's decreed plan of exile.
* **"and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,"**: This final part of the verse specifies the targets of Shemaiah's deception, highlighting his particular focus on the religious leadership. By sending letters to Zephaniah, a prominent priest, and "all the priests," Shemaiah sought to corrupt or influence those in positions of spiritual authority, thereby undermining the true prophetic word and potentially leading the entire community astray. The repetition of "saying" (from the opening clause) frames the entire indictment as God's direct verbal confrontation of Shemaiah's actions.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 29:25 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse begins with a strong declaration using **Apostrophe**, as the divine speaker directly addresses Shemaiah ("Because *thou* hast sent letters"). This direct address emphasizes the personal nature of God's indictment against the false prophet. There is a clear **Contrast** established between the divine authority ("Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel") and human presumption ("sent letters in thy name"). This highlights the fundamental conflict between God's truth and Shemaiah's deception. The phrase "in thy name" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for Shemaiah's personal authority, agenda, and lack of divine commission. The repetition of "saying" at the beginning and end of the verse creates a **Framing Device** or **Inclusio**, emphasizing that the entire message is a direct, authoritative pronouncement from God, exposing Shemaiah's actions. Finally, the specific naming of "Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests" uses **Specificity** to underscore the deliberate and targeted nature of Shemaiah's attempts to undermine legitimate spiritual leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 29:25 powerfully articulates God's unwavering commitment to truth and His active opposition to deception, particularly when it masquerades as divine revelation. The theological weight of "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" establishes that God is not a passive observer but an engaged, sovereign deity who holds individuals accountable for their words and actions, especially those who claim to speak on His behalf. This verse underscores the sanctity of prophetic utterance and the severe consequences for those who corrupt it for personal gain or to sow discord. It reveals God's deep concern for the spiritual well-being of His people, whom He protects from misleading voices by exposing falsehood and upholding His authentic word. The targeting of priests by Shemaiah also highlights the vulnerability of spiritual leaders to manipulation and the critical importance of their discernment and fidelity to God's truth.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "How to Discern a False Prophet")
* [Ezekiel 13:3-7](/ezekiel/13-3 "Woe to Foolish Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1 "Warning Against False Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information and competing narratives, Jeremiah 29:25 serves as a timeless and urgent call for spiritual discernment. Just as Shemaiah used letters to spread his false message, today, misinformation can proliferate rapidly through digital media, social platforms, and even within religious circles. Believers are challenged to critically evaluate every message, testing its alignment with the unchanging truth of God's Word, rather than being swayed by charismatic personalities, popular opinions, or emotionally appealing but unsubstantiated claims. This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, observing and responding to those who seek to mislead His people. It calls us to cultivate a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and to cling steadfastly to the authentic voice of God found consistently in the Scriptures. Furthermore, it highlights the profound responsibility of spiritual leaders to guard against deception and to faithfully shepherd their flocks according to divine truth, recognizing that they, too, are targets for those who seek to undermine God's work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between true and false messages in my daily life, especially concerning spiritual matters?**
* **What is my responsibility to ensure that the information I share, particularly in spiritual contexts, aligns with God's truth?**
* **How can I support and pray for true spiritual leaders to remain faithful and discerning in the face of deceptive influences?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and what was his role?**

Answer: Shemaiah the Nehelamite was a false prophet among the exiles in Babylon. Unlike Jeremiah, who prophesied a long period of exile before restoration, Shemaiah was sending messages that contradicted God's true word, promising an immediate return to Jerusalem. His actions were a direct challenge to Jeremiah's legitimate prophetic authority and God's sovereign plan for His people. He is specifically condemned by God in [Jeremiah 29:31-32](/jeremiah/29-31 "Jeremiah 29:31-32 - God's Judgment on Shemaiah").

**Why was sending letters significant in this context?**

Answer: In the ancient world, letters were a primary means of long-distance communication. Shemaiah's act of "sending letters in thy name" signifies a deliberate, organized, and widespread campaign to disseminate his false prophecies. This method allowed him to bypass direct confrontation with Jeremiah and reach a broad audience, including those in Jerusalem, thereby sowing confusion and undermining the true prophet's message among both the exiles and those who remained in the homeland.

**Who was Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest?**

Answer: Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah was a prominent priest in Jerusalem during the time of Jeremiah. He is mentioned again in [Jeremiah 37:3](/jeremiah/37-3 "Jeremiah 37:3 - Zephaniah Sent to Jeremiah") and [Jeremiah 52:24](/jeremiah/52-24 "Jeremiah 52:24 - Zephaniah Executed"), indicating his significant role. Shemaiah's targeting of Zephaniah and "all the priests" highlights his strategic attempt to influence or corrupt the religious leadership, knowing that their endorsement or acceptance of his message would lend it considerable weight among the people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 29:25, with its stark contrast between divine authority and human deception, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the **True Prophet** par excellence, 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 and speaks only what He hears from Him ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). Unlike Shemaiah, who spoke "in his own name" and disseminated falsehoods, Jesus consistently spoke with unparalleled authority, declaring, "Truly, truly, I say to you" ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Words of Eternal Life")). He is the embodiment of God's authentic message, fulfilling the promise of a prophet like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ exposed the ultimate deception of sin and death, offering the singular truth that leads to eternal life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Moreover, Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, protects His flock from the destructive influence of false teachers and wolves in sheep's clothing ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets")), ensuring that His people hear His voice and follow Him alone ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sent, continues this work of discernment, guiding believers into all truth and exposing every lie ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of 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 37:3

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us.

Jeremiah 52:24

¶ And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

Jeremiah 29:29

And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet.

2 Kings 25:18

And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:

2 Kings 25:21

And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.

2 Chronicles 32:17

He wrote also letters to rail on the LORD God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, As the gods of the nations of [other] lands have not delivered their people out of mine hand, so shall not the God of Hezekiah deliver his people out of mine hand.

2 Kings 19:14

And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.