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.

For I have not sent {H7971} them, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, yet they prophesy {H5012} a lie {H8267} in my name {H8034}; that I might drive you out {H5080}, and that ye might perish {H6}, ye, and the prophets {H5030} that prophesy {H5012} unto you.

'For I have not sent them,' says ADONAI, 'and they are prophesying falsely in my name, with the result that I will drive you out, and you will perish - you and the prophets prophesying to you.'"

For I have not sent them, declares the LORD, and yet they are prophesying falsely in My name; therefore I will banish you, and you will perish—you and the prophets who prophesy to you.”

For I have not sent them, saith Jehovah, but they prophesy falsely in my name; that I may drive you out, and that ye may perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

Commentary

Context

Jeremiah 27:15 is set during the reign of King Zedekiah in Judah, a period of immense national crisis as the Babylonian empire loomed large. The prophet Jeremiah had been commanded by God to declare that Judah must submit to Babylon, symbolized by a yoke of wood, as this was God's will and judgment for their sins. However, many other prophets were proclaiming messages of peace and swift deliverance from Babylonian subjugation, directly contradicting Jeremiah's divine message. This verse encapsulates God's stern condemnation of these dissenting voices, clarifying that He had not sent them, and their prophecies were nothing but destructive lies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority vs. Human Deception: The verse starkly contrasts God's truth with human falsehood. God unequivocally states, "I have not sent them," highlighting that the false prophets operated without any divine mandate, despite claiming to speak "in my name." This underscores the danger of those who prophesy out of their own hearts or for their own gain.
  • The Peril of False Prophecy: The ultimate consequence of believing these lies is severe: "that I might drive you out, and that ye might perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you." This reveals God's judgment not only on the deceptive prophets but also on the people who choose to believe comforting falsehoods over uncomfortable truth. It is a powerful warning about the destructive nature of spiritual deception.
  • God's Sovereign Purpose: Even in condemnation, God's sovereignty is evident. He declares that the consequence of these lies is "that I might drive you out," implying that even the spread of falsehood, in a twisted way, serves God's ultimate purpose of bringing judgment upon a disobedient nation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "prophesy a lie" uses the Hebrew word sheqer (שֶׁקֶר), which translates to falsehood, deceit, or emptiness. It emphasizes that their message was not simply mistaken but fundamentally untrue and deceptive, lacking any basis in divine revelation. The claim to speak "in my name" (בִּשְׁמִי, bishmi) signifies a usurpation of God's authority, a grave offense that implies divine endorsement where none exists.

Practical Application

Jeremiah 27:15 offers timeless lessons for discerning truth in a world full of competing voices. It serves as a crucial reminder to:

  • Discern Spiritual Messages: We are called to test the spirits and evaluate all teachings against the clear word of God. A message that contradicts biblical truth, even if popular or comforting, is a lie.
  • Seek Authentic Authority: True spiritual guidance comes from those genuinely sent by God, whose words align with His revealed character and purposes. Beware of those who claim divine authority but lead people away from God's will.
  • Understand Consequences: Both those who propagate lies and those who embrace them face severe consequences. God's truth, though sometimes challenging, always leads to life, while deception ultimately leads to ruin.

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 27:10 (4 votes)

    For they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land; and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.

  • Jeremiah 6:13 (3 votes)

    For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one [is] given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

  • Jeremiah 6:15 (3 votes)

    Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

  • Jeremiah 14:15 (3 votes)

    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 14:16 (3 votes)

    And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

  • Matthew 24:24 (2 votes)

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.