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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Jeremiah 23:31 "Yes," declares the LORD, "I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, 'The LORD declares it.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/23-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/24_Jer_23_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 23:31 - Lying Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Yes, declares the LORD, I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, 'The LORD declares it.'" /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/jeremiah/23-30.htm" title="Jeremiah 23:30">◄</a> Jeremiah 23:31 <a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm" title="Jeremiah 23:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/jeremiah/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Yes,&#8221 declares the LORD, &#8220I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, &#8216The LORD declares.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the LORD!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, declares the LORD, who use their tongues and declare, ‘declares the LORD.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I <i>am</i> against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Behold, I <i>am</i> against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He says.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the LORD, “who use their tongues and declare, ‘<i>The Lord</i> declares!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Behold, I am against the prophets,&#8221 declares the LORD, &#8220who use their tongues and declare, &#8216The Lord declares.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the LORD, “who use their tongues and declare, ‘<i>The Lord</i> declares.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares Yahweh, “who take their tongues and declare, ‘<i>Yahweh</i> declares.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Hear this, I am against the prophets,” says the LORD, “who use their [own deceitful] tongues and say, ‘Thus says <i>the Lord.’</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am against the prophets”—the LORD’s declaration—“who use their own tongues to make a declaration.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am against the prophets"—the LORD&#8217s declaration—"who use their own tongues to make a declaration. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"I'm against the prophets who speak their own thoughts and say that they speak for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am also against those prophets who speak their own words and claim they came from me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Look, I'm against the prophets," declares the LORD, "who use their tongues to issue a declaration.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Yes,? declares the LORD, ?I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ?The LORD declares it.??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I, the LORD, affirm that I am opposed to those prophets who are using their own tongues to declare, 'The LORD declares. . ..'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Look, I am against the prophets,' says the LORD, 'who use their tongues, and say, "He says."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets,” says Yahweh, “who use their tongues, and say, ‘He says.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I [am] against the prophets,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “Who are making their tongue smooth, "" And they affirm—an affirmation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Lo, I am against the prophets, An affirmation of Jehovah, Who are making smooth their tongue, And they affirm -- an affirmation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Behold me against the prophets, says Jehovah, taking their tongue, and they will mutter an oracle.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Behold I am against the prophets, saith the Lord: who use their tongues, and say: The Lord saith it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, says the Lord, who take up their tongues and say: ‘The Lord says it.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Yes, I am against the prophets—oracle of the LORD—those who compose their own speeches and call them oracles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />See, I am against the prophets, says the LORD, who use their own tongues and say, “Says the LORD.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, says the LORD, who pervert their tongues, and say, Thus says the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the Prophets, says LORD JEHOVAH, who pervert their tongues and they are saying: ‘LORD JEHOVAH says so!’<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use there tongues and say: 'He saith.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I am against the prophets that put forth prophecies of mere words, and slumber their sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5k55c51ZGhs?start=6977" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Lying Prophets</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>“Therefore behold,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words they attribute to Me.” <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2005.htm" title="2005: hin·nî (Interjection:: 1cs) -- Lo! behold! A primitive particle; lo!; also if.">“Yes,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um- (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">declares</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">“I am against</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nə·ḇî·’im (Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">the prophets</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: hal·lō·qə·ḥîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">who wag</a> <a href="/hebrew/3956.htm" title="3956: lə·šō·w·nām (N-csc:: 3mp) -- Tongue. Or lashon; also feminine lshonah; from lashan; the tongue, used literally, and figuratively.">their own tongues</a> <a href="/hebrew/5001.htm" title="5001: way·yin·’ă·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter a prophecy, speak as a prophet. A primitive root; properly, to whisper, i.e. to utter as a oracle.">and proclaim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5002.htm" title="5002: nə·’um (N-msc) -- Utterance. From na'am; an oracle.">‘The LORD declares it.’”</a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20</a></span><br />But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-6.htm">Ezekiel 13:6-7</a></span><br />They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. / Haven’t you seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/4-1.htm">1 John 4:1</a></span><br />Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10</a></span><br />They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-5.htm">Micah 3:5</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-11.htm">Matthew 24:11</a></span><br />and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a></span><br />For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-20.htm">Revelation 19:20</a></span><br />But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/13-3.htm">Zechariah 13:3</a></span><br />And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29-30</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1-2</a></span><br />Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17-18</a></span><br />Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a></span><br />For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, I am against the prophets, said the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He said.</p><p class="hdg">use.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10</a></b></br> Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/2-11.htm">Micah 2:11</a></b></br> If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, <i>saying</i>, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.</p><p class="hdg">he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-17.htm">Jeremiah 23:17</a></b></br> They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/18-5.htm">2 Chronicles 18:5,10-12,19-21</a></b></br> Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver <i>it</i> into the king's hand… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Affirm</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-30.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-9.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-30.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-23.htm">Making</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-30.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-6.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-5.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-10.htm">Use</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-16.htm">Wag</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/3-8.htm">Affirm</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-33.htm">Affirmation</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-10.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm">Declares</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-12.htm">Making</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-4.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/ezekiel/12-24.htm">Smooth</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-4.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/micah/6-12.htm">Tongues</a> <a href="/jeremiah/24-2.htm">Use</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-27.htm">Wag</a><div class="vheading2">Jeremiah 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">He prophesies a restoration of the scattered flock.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/23-5.htm">Christ shall rule and save them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/23-9.htm">Against false prophets;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/jeremiah/23-33.htm">and mockers of the true prophets.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/jeremiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/jeremiah/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Yes,” declares the LORD,</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the certainty and authority of God's message. In the context of Jeremiah, God is speaking directly through the prophet, affirming His stance against false prophets. The use of "declares the LORD" is a common prophetic formula that underscores the divine origin of the message, distinguishing it from human words. This phrase is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His active role in guiding His people.<p><b>“I am against the prophets</b><br>Here, God explicitly states His opposition to certain prophets. In the historical context of Jeremiah, many prophets in Judah were misleading the people with false assurances of peace and prosperity, contrary to God's true message of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. This opposition highlights the seriousness of false prophecy and the responsibility of true prophets to faithfully convey God's word.<p><b>who wag their own tongues</b><br>This vivid imagery suggests deceit and manipulation. The phrase "wag their own tongues" implies that these prophets are speaking from their own imagination and desires rather than from divine inspiration. It reflects the cultural context where eloquence and persuasive speech were often valued, but here it is condemned when used to mislead God's people. This phrase warns against the danger of self-serving messages that deviate from God's truth.<p><b>and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’”</b><br>The false prophets were claiming divine authority for their messages, which was a grave offense. This misuse of God's name is a violation of the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain (<a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a>). It also connects to other scriptures where false prophecy is condemned, such as <a href="/deuteronomy/18-20.htm">Deuteronomy 18:20-22</a>. This phrase serves as a caution against attributing one's own words to God, emphasizing the need for discernment and faithfulness in conveying His messages.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_prophets.htm">False Prophets</a></b><br>Individuals in Jeremiah's time who claimed to speak for God but were actually delivering messages from their own imaginations.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking through Jeremiah to denounce the false prophets.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which was facing impending judgment due to its disobedience and idolatry.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophetic_declarations.htm">Prophetic Declarations</a></b><br>The false claims made by prophets who were not truly speaking on behalf of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_prophecy.htm">Discernment in Prophecy</a></b><br>Believers must exercise discernment when evaluating those who claim to speak for God. Not every message that is proclaimed in God's name is truly from Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_false_prophecy.htm">The Danger of False Prophecy</a></b><br>False prophets can lead people astray, causing them to trust in lies rather than the truth of God's Word. This can have devastating spiritual consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_for_words.htm">Accountability for Words</a></b><br>Those who speak on behalf of God are held to a high standard. It is crucial to ensure that one's words align with Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_scripture.htm">The Authority of Scripture</a></b><br>The Bible is the ultimate authority for testing prophetic words. Believers should be well-versed in Scripture to discern truth from falsehood.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_opposition_to_deception.htm">God's Opposition to Deception</a></b><br>God is actively against those who deceive others in His name. This underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in ministry.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_jeremiah_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_threats_to_jeremiah_align_with_divine_protection.htm">Jeremiah 11:18-23: How do these threats on Jeremiah's life align with the idea of divine protection for those who follow God's will?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_aren't_prophets'_betrayals_recorded.htm">In Jeremiah 2:8, why do historical records and other biblical accounts seemingly fail to mention the prophets and priests abandoning the Lord so decisively?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_trust_jeremiah_45_2-3_as_authentic.htm">Given Jeremiah 45:2-3, why should we accept these words as authentically from Jeremiah when we have no contemporary records verifying his conversations with Baruch?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_isaiah_63_15-16_question_god's_omnipresence.htm">In Isaiah 63:15-16, the prophet questions God's absence--does this contradict the belief in God's omnipresence throughout the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/jeremiah/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">That use their tongues, and say, He saith.--</span>Literally, <span class= "ital">that take their tongues. </span>There is no adequate evidence for the marginal rendering "that smooth their tongues." The scornful phrase indicates the absence of a true inspiration. These false prophets plan their schemes, and take their tongue as an instrument for carrying them into effect. The formula which they used, "He saith," was not the word for common speaking, but that which indicated that the speaker was delivering an oracle from God. (See Note on <a href="/jeremiah/23-17.htm" title="They say still to them that despise me, The LORD has said, You shall have peace; and they say to every one that walks after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come on you.">Jeremiah 23:17</a>.) Elsewhere the word is only used of God, but the prophet, in his stern irony, uses it of the false prophets, <span class= "ital">they say oracularly. This is an oracle.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">That use their tongues</span>; literally, <span class="accented">that take their tongue</span>, like a workman's tool - as if prophecy could be turned out to order. <span class="cmt_word">And say, He saith.</span> The word rendered "he saith" is one which the prophets habitually used to affirm the revealed character of their teaching. It is the participle of the verb rendered "say." Adopting a Miltonic verb, we might render, and oracle oracles." The "false prophets" adopt the same forms as the true; but they are to them only forms. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Yes,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנְנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2005.htm">Strong's 2005: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">declares</span><br /><span class="heb">נְאֻם־</span> <span class="translit">(nə·’um-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I am against</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the prophets</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּבִיאִ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·ḇî·’im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who wag</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלֹּקְחִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(hal·lō·qə·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their own tongues</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשׁוֹנָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šō·w·nām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and proclaim,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּנְאֲמ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yin·’ă·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5001.htm">Strong's 5001: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter a prophecy, speak as a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘[The Lord] declares [it].’”</span><br /><span class="heb">נְאֻֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·’um)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5002.htm">Strong's 5002: </a> </span><span class="str2">An oracle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/23-31.htm">Jeremiah 23:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/23-31.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 23:31 Behold I am against the prophets says (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/23-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 23:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 23:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 23:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 23:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>