Jeremiah 29:9

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

For they prophesy {H5012} falsely {H8267} unto you in my name {H8034}: I have not sent {H7971} them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.

For they are prophesying falsely in my name; I have not sent them,' says ADONAI.

For they are falsely prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, declares the LORD.”

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

Commentary

Jeremiah 29:9 delivers a potent warning against spiritual deception, emphasizing the LORD's clear distinction between His authentic message and the falsehoods propagated by unauthorized individuals. This verse is part of a pivotal letter sent by the prophet Jeremiah to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, guiding them through a challenging period of displacement and uncertainty.

Context of Jeremiah 29:9

This verse is found within Jeremiah's famous letter (Jeremiah chapter 29) addressed to the Jewish community deported to Babylon following Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem. During this exile, many false prophets emerged, promising the people a swift return to their homeland, contrary to God's true message delivered through Jeremiah. Jeremiah's letter urged the exiles to settle, build, and pray for the peace of Babylon, as their captivity was decreed to last 70 years (Jeremiah 29:10). Verse 9 specifically targets those who were spreading lies "in my name," undermining the true hope and instructions God had for His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Condemnation of False Prophecy: The verse unequivocally exposes and condemns those who "prophesy falsely." This highlights the significant danger of spiritual deception and the importance of discerning truth.
  • Divine Authorization: God's emphatic statement, "I have not sent them, saith the LORD," underscores that genuine prophecy and divine communication originate solely from His direct command and authority.
  • Discerning Truth from Deception: For the exiles, this message was crucial for distinguishing between comforting lies and the often-difficult truth of God's plan. It teaches the timeless lesson of testing spiritual claims.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "prophesy falsely" is derived from the Hebrew word shaker, meaning a lie or falsehood. This emphasizes that the messages were not merely incorrect but deliberately deceptive, lacking any divine truth. The claim "in my name" signifies that these false prophets were illicitly invoking God's authority to legitimize their own deceitful words, making their actions a direct affront to the LORD.

Practical Application and Significance

Jeremiah 29:9 remains highly relevant in contemporary times. It serves as a vital reminder for believers to exercise spiritual discernment and critically evaluate all teachings and prophecies against the unchanging Word of God. In an age of abundant information and diverse spiritual claims, this verse encourages us to be vigilant against those who might speak "in the name of the Lord" but whose messages do not align with biblical truth or God's character. It calls us to seek and adhere to sound doctrine, understanding that true guidance comes from God alone, often requiring patience and faith, rather than instant gratification or comforting falsehoods. This principle of testing the spirits is crucial for spiritual health and growth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 27:15

    For I have not sent them, saith the LORD, yet they prophesy a lie in my name; that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

  • 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 29:23

    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.
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