Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
But if they had stood {H5975} in my counsel {H5475}, and had caused my people {H5971} to hear {H8085} my words {H1697}, then they should have turned {H7725} them from their evil {H7451} way {H1870}, and from the evil {H7455} of their doings {H4611}.
If they have been present at my council, they should let my people hear my words and turn them from their evil way and the evil of their actions.
But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.β
But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.
Cross-References
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Jeremiah 23:18 (4 votes)
For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard [it]? -
Jeremiah 25:5 (4 votes)
They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever: -
Zechariah 1:4 (4 votes)
Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and [from] your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD. -
Jeremiah 35:15 (3 votes)
I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me. -
Ezekiel 13:22 (3 votes)
Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: -
Acts 20:27 (3 votes)
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. -
1 Thessalonians 5:6 (2 votes)
ΒΆ Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.
Commentary
Context of Jeremiah 23:22
Jeremiah 23 is a powerful indictment against the false prophets of Judah who misled the people with their own dreams and imaginations, rather than speaking God's true message. The nation was on the brink of exile due to widespread sin and spiritual corruption, and these prophets offered false hope and peace, preventing genuine repentance. In this chapter, God contrasts these deceitful leaders with what a true prophet, or indeed any spiritual leader, should be. Verse 22 specifically presents a hypothetical scenario, highlighting the missed opportunity for spiritual revival if these prophets had been faithful to their calling.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "stood in my counsel" (Hebrew: ba-sod YHWH) is significant. The word sod (Χ‘ΧΦΉΧ) can mean 'council,' 'secret,' or 'intimate counsel.' It refers to being part of God's inner circle, privy to His plans and intentions. This isn't about human wisdom, but divine revelation. True prophets were those who literally "stood" in God's presence, receiving His direct instructions, similar to an advisor in a king's court. This contrasts sharply with prophets who ran without being sent and spoke visions from their own hearts, as described earlier in the chapter (Jeremiah 23:21).
Practical Application
Jeremiah 23:22 offers vital lessons for believers today. It challenges us to:
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.