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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 23:21 I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/jeremiah/23-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/24_Jer_23_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Jeremiah 23:21 - Lying Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/jeremiah/23-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/jeremiah/23-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/">Jeremiah</a> > <a href="/jeremiah/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.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/23-20.htm" title="Jeremiah 23:20">◄</a> Jeremiah 23:21 <a href="/jeremiah/23-22.htm" title="Jeremiah 23:22">►</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 />I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“I have not sent these prophets, yet they run around claiming to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they go on prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/jeremiah/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/jeremiah/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/jeremiah/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I did not send <i>these</i> prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to them, But they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I did not send these prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to them, But they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/jeremiah/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I did not send <i>these</i> prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to them, But they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I did not send <i>these</i> prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to them, But they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/jeremiah/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I did not send [these counterfeit] prophets, Yet they ran; I did not speak to them, Yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/jeremiah/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I did not send out these prophets, yet they ran. I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/jeremiah/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets, yet they ran with a message. I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/jeremiah/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/jeremiah/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets or speak to them, but they ran to find you and to preach their message. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/jeremiah/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I spake not unto them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/jeremiah/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I didn't send these prophets, yet they ran [with their message]. I didn't speak to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/jeremiah/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said, "I did not send these prophets, but even so they went. I did not give them any message, but still they spoke in my name. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/jeremiah/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I didn't send these prophets, but they ran anyway. I didn't speak to them, but they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/jeremiah/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/jeremiah/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I did not send those prophets. Yet they were in a hurry to give their message. I did not tell them anything. Yet they prophesied anyway. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/jeremiah/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/jeremiah/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/jeremiah/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I didn’t send these prophets, yet they ran. I didn’t speak to them, yet they prophesied. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/jeremiah/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“I have not sent the prophets, and they have run, "" I have not spoken to them, and they have prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/jeremiah/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I have not sent the prophets, and they have run, I have not spoken unto them, and they have prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/jeremiah/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I sent not the prophets, and they ran; I spake not to them, and they prophesied.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/jeremiah/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I did not send prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/jeremiah/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“I did not send these prophets, yet they hurry forward. I was not speaking to them, yet they were prophesying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/jeremiah/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/jeremiah/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/jeremiah/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I have not sent these prophets, yet they have gone forth; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/jeremiah/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I have not sent the Prophets and they went, and I have not spoken to them, and they prophesied<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/jeremiah/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/jeremiah/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I sent not the prophets, yet they ran: neither spoke I to them, yet they prophesied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/jeremiah/23-21.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=6876" 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">20</span>The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has fully accomplished the purposes of His heart. In the days to come you will understand this clearly. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">send</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nə·ḇi·’îm (Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">these prophets,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">yet they</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: rā·ṣū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">have run with their message;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ḏib·bar·tî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">yet they</a> <a href="/hebrew/5012.htm" title="5012: nib·bā·’ū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To prophesy. A primitive root; to prophesy, i.e. Speak by inspiration.">have prophesied.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>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.”…<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/matthew/24-24.htm">Matthew 24:24</a></span><br />For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-23.htm">1 Kings 22:23</a></span><br />So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”<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="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-18.htm">Romans 16:18</a></span><br />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="/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="/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.<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="/hosea/9-7.htm">Hosea 9:7</a></span><br />The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm">Jeremiah 23:32</a></b></br> Behold, I <i>am</i> against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/14-14.htm">Jeremiah 14:14</a></b></br> Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/27-15.htm">Jeremiah 27:15</a></b></br> 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.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/22-1.htm">Message</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-13.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-14.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/psalms/133-2.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/jeremiah/18-14.htm">Run</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Running</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-16.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-18.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/jeremiah/27-4.htm">Message</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-32.htm">Prophesied</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-25.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Prophet's</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-14.htm">Ran</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-6.htm">Run</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-31.htm">Running</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/jeremiah/23-26.htm">Word</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>I did not send these prophets</b><br>This phrase highlights the issue of false prophets in ancient Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God often sent prophets to deliver His messages to the people. However, during Jeremiah's time, many individuals claimed to be prophets without being commissioned by God. This reflects a broader theme in the Bible where true prophets are distinguished by their divine calling, as seen in the stories of Moses (<a href="/exodus/3-10.htm">Exodus 3:10</a>) and Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm">Isaiah 6:8</a>). The false prophets in Jeremiah's time were misleading the people, often promoting messages of peace and prosperity contrary to God's warnings of impending judgment.<p><b>yet they have run with their message</b><br>The imagery of "running" suggests urgency and eagerness. These false prophets were quick to spread their own messages, which were not from God. This eagerness can be contrasted with the true prophets who often hesitated or were reluctant to deliver God's difficult messages, such as Jonah (<a href="/jonah/1-3.htm">Jonah 1:3</a>) and Jeremiah himself (<a href="/jeremiah/1-6.htm">Jeremiah 1:6</a>). The false prophets' messages were likely more appealing to the people, as they often promised peace and security (<a href="/jeremiah/6-14.htm">Jeremiah 6:14</a>), which were contrary to the warnings of judgment that God was actually delivering through His true prophets.<p><b>I did not speak to them</b><br>This phrase underscores the divine authority behind true prophecy. In the biblical context, a prophet's legitimacy is based on whether God has spoken to them. The false prophets lacked this divine communication, making their messages void of true spiritual authority. This is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God emphasizes that His words are the source of truth and guidance (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18-22</a>). The absence of God's voice in these false prophets' messages highlights their deception and the danger they posed to the community.<p><b>yet they have prophesied</b><br>Despite not receiving a word from God, these individuals still claimed to speak on His behalf. This act of false prophecy is condemned throughout Scripture, as it leads people away from God's true intentions and plans. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves (<a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a>). The persistence of false prophecy throughout biblical history serves as a warning to discern the true voice of God amidst many competing claims. The false prophets' actions in Jeremiah's time were not only misleading but also a direct challenge to God's authority and truth.<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 who claimed to speak on behalf of God but were not sent by Him. They delivered messages that contradicted God's true word.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel during the time of Jeremiah, facing impending judgment due to widespread idolatry and disobedience.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The one true God who communicates His will through true prophets and condemns those who falsely claim His authority.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophecy.htm">Prophecy</a></b><br>The act of delivering messages from God, which in this context, is being misused by false prophets.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>Believers must exercise discernment in identifying true spiritual leaders. Not everyone who claims to speak for God is genuinely sent by Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_authority_of_god's_word.htm">The Authority of God's Word</a></b><br>The Bible is the ultimate authority for truth. Any message or teaching must align with Scripture to be considered valid.<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 spiritual harm. It is crucial to be vigilant and grounded in biblical truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_in_ministry.htm">Accountability in Ministry</a></b><br>Those in positions of spiritual leadership are accountable to God for their words and actions. They must ensure they are truly called and sent by Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth. Relying on the Spirit's guidance helps in discerning true messages from God.<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/why_allow_false_prophets,_god_disapproves.htm">Jeremiah 23:21–22: Why would God allow false prophets to speak in His name if He disapproves of their messages? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_babylonian_captivity.htm">What are the Babylonian Captivity and Exile?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_supports_jeremiah_21's_timeframe.htm">What scientific or historical data supports Jeremiah 21's timeframe and events, given the lack of external records mentioning these specific warnings to King Zedekiah?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_nebuchadnezzar_care_about_jeremiah.htm">Jeremiah 39:11-14: Why would Nebuchadnezzar personally care about Jeremiah, and does this detail align with known Babylonian policies toward conquered prophets or officials?</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>(21) <span class= "bld">Yet they ran.</span>--The image is that of messengers who rush eagerly, as from the king's council-chamber, on their self-appointed mission, without waiting for the command of the Master in whose name they profess to come. (Comp. the question, "Who will go for us?<span class= "ital">" </span>in <a href="/isaiah/6-8.htm" title="Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.">Isaiah 6:8</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/jeremiah/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21, 22.</span> - In vers. 17-20 Jeremiah has shown that these cannot be true prophets, because their message is diametrically opposed to the true revelation. He now proves it from the absence of any moral effect from their preaching. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/jeremiah/23-21.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">I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">send</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁלַ֥חְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(šā·laḥ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these prophets,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַנְּבִאִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(han·nə·ḇi·’îm)</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">yet they</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have run with their message;</span><br /><span class="heb">רָ֑צוּ</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ṣū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> </span><span class="str2">To run</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speak</span><br /><span class="heb">דִבַּ֥רְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ḏib·bar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yet they</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהֵ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">prophesied.</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבָּֽאוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nib·bā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5012.htm">Strong's 5012: </a> </span><span class="str2">To prophesy, speak, by inspiration</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/jeremiah/23-21.htm">OT Prophets: Jeremiah 23:21 I sent not these prophets yet they (Jer.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/jeremiah/23-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jeremiah 23:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 23:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/jeremiah/23-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jeremiah 23:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jeremiah 23:22" /></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>