Jeremiah 5:13

KJV

And the prophets shall become wind, and the word [is] not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the prophets {H5030} shall become wind {H7307}, and the word {H1696} is not in them: thus shall it be done {H6213} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The prophets are merely wind, they do not have the word; the things that they are predicting will happen only to them."

Berean Standard Bible

The prophets are but wind, for the word is not in them. So let their own predictions befall them.”

American Standard Version

and the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 5:13 serves as a severe indictment against the false prophets in Judah, declaring their messages to be utterly devoid of divine authority and substance, likening them to mere wind. It underscores that their pronouncements do not originate from God's authentic word, and consequently, the very judgment they deny will inevitably befall them, highlighting the grave consequences of speaking presumptuously in the Lord's name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 5:13 is situated within a broader section (Jeremiah 5:1-19) where the prophet meticulously details Judah's widespread spiritual corruption, moral decay, and persistent rebellion against the Lord. The preceding verses lament the nation's refusal to repent, their hardened hearts, and their rejection of God's ways (Jeremiah 5:1-6). Specifically, Jeremiah 5:12 directly precedes our verse, stating, "They have belied the LORD, and said, It is not he; neither shall evil come upon us; neither shall we see sword nor famine." Jeremiah 5:13 then directly attributes this false assurance to the prophets, exposing their emptiness. The subsequent verse, Jeremiah 5:14, immediately declares God's response: "Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them." This sequence powerfully contrasts the empty words of false prophets with the destructive, consuming power of God's true word, which Jeremiah himself delivers. The entire chapter builds a case for impending divine judgment due to Judah's deep-seated apostasy and the complicity of its spiritual leaders.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah ministered during a tumultuous period in Judah's history, spanning the reigns of the last kings before the Babylonian exile (Josiah, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah). This era was characterized by political instability, shifting alliances with regional powers (Egypt, Babylon), and a pervasive spiritual decline marked by idolatry, social injustice, and a superficial adherence to religious rituals without true heart change. In ancient Near Eastern societies, prophets held significant social and religious influence, acting as intermediaries between the divine and humanity. However, alongside true prophets like Jeremiah, who often delivered unpopular messages of repentance and judgment, there were numerous false prophets. These individuals often prophesied peace and prosperity, catering to the desires of the people and the ruling elite, thereby undermining the genuine warnings of God. Their messages provided a false sense of security, making the people complacent and resistant to Jeremiah's calls for national repentance, ultimately contributing to Judah's downfall.

* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 5:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Jeremiah and biblical prophecy. Foremost is the **contrast between true and false prophecy**. Jeremiah's ministry is defined by his unwavering commitment to delivering God's authentic, often harsh, word, even when it brought him persecution. This verse highlights the defining characteristic of false prophecy: the absence of God's actual word, rendering their pronouncements unsubstantial and ultimately deceptive. This ties into the theme of **divine judgment and accountability**, as the verse explicitly states that the consequences of their deceit will "be done unto them." It underscores God's justice and His intolerance for those who misrepresent His character or message. Furthermore, the verse implicitly emphasizes the **nature and power of God's Word** itself. By contrasting the "wind" of false prophets with the implied power of God's true word, it affirms that God's utterances are not empty but carry inherent authority, truth, and the power to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment or salvation, a theme seen throughout Scripture, as in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word"). Finally, the verse speaks to the critical need for **spiritual discernment**, urging the audience to recognize the emptiness of words not truly from God and to cling to divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_):** From the root meaning "to bubble up, to pour forth," referring to one who is inspired or speaks on behalf of another, specifically God. In this context (H5030), it refers to those who claim to be God's spokespersons. Jeremiah's indictment here is precisely against those who bear the title but lack the divine commission and message, thus being "false" prophets.
* **Wind (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This word (H7307) carries a wide semantic range, including "breath," "spirit," or "wind." In Jeremiah 5:13, its use emphasizes unsubstantiality, emptiness, and lack of power. Just as wind cannot be grasped or relied upon, so too the words of these prophets are fleeting, without foundation, and ultimately ineffective in averting divine judgment or providing true guidance.
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root (H1696) signifies "to speak," "to arrange," or "to command." It refers to a spoken utterance, a message, or a divine decree. In this verse, "the word [is] not in them" is the crucial indictment. It signifies the complete absence of God's authoritative, life-giving, and truth-revealing communication within these prophets. Their messages are self-generated, not divinely inspired.
* **Done (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This versatile primitive root (H6213) means "to do or make" in the broadest sense. Here, in "thus shall it be done unto them," it conveys the certainty of divine action and retribution. The consequences of their deceitful prophecy will be brought to bear upon them, demonstrating God's justice and the inevitable outcome for those who presume to speak in His name without His true word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prophets shall become wind":** This clause delivers a powerful metaphor. The prophets, who should be conduits of divine truth and substance, are here declared to be like "wind" – empty, fleeting, and without any true power or lasting effect. This directly contrasts with the expectation that prophets would convey a weighty, authoritative message from God.
* **"and the word [is] not in them":** This is the core accusation and the theological justification for the preceding metaphor. The definitive mark of a true prophet is the presence of God's "word" (dabar) within them, empowering and directing their speech. For these prophets, this essential divine element is absent. Their pronouncements are not divinely inspired but originate from their own imaginations, desires, or deceit, rendering them spiritually bankrupt.
* **"thus shall it be done unto them":** This concluding phrase serves as a pronouncement of inevitable judgment and retribution. The very emptiness and deceit that characterized their prophecies will boomerang back upon them. The consequences of their false words—the destruction and calamity they denied would come upon Judah—will ultimately be visited upon them personally. This highlights the seriousness of misrepresenting God and the certainty of His justice against those who lead His people astray with lies.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 5:13 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "the prophets shall become wind." This vivid comparison immediately communicates the utter lack of substance, power, and truth in the messages of the false prophets. Just as wind is insubstantial and cannot be grasped, so their words are empty and offer no genuine guidance or protection. This metaphor also implies futility, as their pronouncements will ultimately achieve nothing. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** at play. The "wind" of false prophecy is implicitly contrasted with the substantial, powerful, and effective "word" of the Lord that Jeremiah himself delivers. This highlights the fundamental difference between human fabrication and divine revelation. Furthermore, the verse carries an underlying **Irony**: those who speak empty words, denying impending judgment, will themselves experience the very judgment they dismissed. Their own deceptive messages will not shield them from the consequences of their actions and the divine wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 5:13 profoundly speaks to the nature of divine revelation and the grave responsibility of those who claim to speak for God. It underscores that true prophecy is not a product of human imagination or desire, but a direct, authoritative impartation of God's own "word." The absence of this divine word renders any prophetic utterance as mere "wind"—empty, unsubstantial, and ultimately deceptive. This verse serves as a timeless warning against spiritual counterfeits and emphasizes the critical importance of discerning the source of any message claiming divine origin. It reminds us that God holds His messengers to a strict standard, and those who mislead His people will face His certain judgment, for His word, unlike human words, never returns void but accomplishes His purposes.

* [Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True from False Prophets")
* [Ezekiel 13:3-7](/ezekiel/13-3 "Ezekiel 13:3-7 - Woe to Foolish Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 5:13 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a vital call to spiritual discernment in a world saturated with diverse voices claiming authority and insight. It challenges us to critically evaluate all spiritual messages, ensuring they align with the unchanging truth of God's revealed Word. In an era where information—and misinformation—spreads rapidly, this verse compels us to prioritize substance over superficiality, divine truth over human opinion, and genuine revelation over comforting lies. It reminds us that authentic spiritual nourishment comes only from the eternal Word of God, which is living and active, not from transient, human-derived pronouncements or self-serving prophecies. We are called to be vigilant, to "test the spirits," and to cling to the authoritative Scriptures as our ultimate guide, recognizing that those who speak presumptuously in God's name, or who neglect to speak His truth, face serious accountability before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between messages that are "wind" and those that carry the true "word" of God in my own life and in the broader spiritual landscape?**
* **What are the potential dangers of uncritically accepting all spiritual claims, and how can I cultivate a deeper reliance on Scripture for discernment?**
* **In what ways might I, or others, be tempted to speak or live as if God's word is not truly "in" us, leading to empty or ineffective spiritual expressions?**

### FAQ

**What defines a "false prophet" according to Jeremiah 5:13?**

Answer: According to Jeremiah 5:13, a false prophet is fundamentally defined by the absence of God's true "word" (H1696, _dâbar_) within them. Their messages are likened to "wind" (H7307, _rûwach_), signifying that they are empty, unsubstantial, and lack divine authority or inspiration. Unlike true prophets who speak God's revealed will, false prophets in this context speak from their own imaginations, desires, or deceit, often promising peace and prosperity when judgment is due, as seen in [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets and Deceptive Visions").

**How does God deal with false prophets, according to this verse?**

Answer: Jeremiah 5:13 states, "thus shall it be done unto them." This indicates a certain and inevitable divine retribution. The very emptiness and deceit that characterized their prophecies will ultimately be visited upon them. While the verse doesn't specify the exact nature of the judgment, the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecies suggests that they would share in the calamities and destruction that befell Judah, which they falsely claimed would not come. This principle of divine accountability for those who mislead God's people is consistently taught throughout Scripture, including in [Deuteronomy 18:20](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20 - Punishment for False Prophets").

**What is the significance of "the word [is] not in them" for understanding true prophecy?**

Answer: The phrase "the word [is] not in them" is crucial because it highlights the essential nature of authentic prophecy. True prophecy is not merely human opinion or clever speech; it is the direct, authoritative communication of God's "word" (H1696, _dâbar_). This word is living, powerful, and effective, as described in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God"). The absence of this divine word means the prophet is speaking presumptuously, without God's commission or inspiration, rendering their message null and void in God's eyes and ultimately leading to their condemnation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeremiah 5:13, with its stark warning against empty words and false prophets, finds its ultimate fulfillment and contrast in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets were human vessels through whom God's Word came, Jesus *is* the Word incarnate, the perfect and final revelation of God (as proclaimed in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike the false prophets whose words were "wind" and in whom "the word [was] not," Jesus perfectly embodies and speaks God's truth with unparalleled authority. He declared, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" ([Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - The Permanence of Jesus' Words")), demonstrating the eternal substance and power of His message, a stark contrast to the fleeting pronouncements of the false prophets. Furthermore, Jesus Himself warned His disciples to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets")), thereby affirming the ongoing need for discernment and reiterating the judgment that awaits those who mislead God's people. In Christ, we find the true Prophet, the one in whom the "word" is not merely present but *is* His very being, offering eternal life and truth that stands in absolute opposition to all forms of spiritual emptiness and deception.

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 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 14:13

Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, the prophets say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

Job 8:2

How long wilt thou speak these [things]? and [how long shall] the words of thy mouth [be like] a strong wind?

Job 6:26

Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, [which are] as wind?

Jeremiah 18:18

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Jeremiah 20:8

For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily.