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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 26

23:26
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

Meaning

This verse from the Book of Jeremiah speaks to the problem of false prophets who deceive others with lies that come from their own hearts. In this passage, Jeremiah questions how long these prophets will continue to spread falsehoods and mislead others. The verse serves as a warning against false prophecy and the dangers of being deceived by those who claim to speak on behalf of God. It highlights the importance of discerning truth from lies and being wary of those who manipulate others for their own gain. By questioning the motives and intentions of these deceitful prophets, Jeremiah urges readers to remain vigilant and seek out the true word of God rather than being swayed by false teachings. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in prophesying and warns against the consequences of following those who preach deceit.

Theological Overview

When exploring the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it is situated. In Jeremiah 23:26, the prophet Jeremiah is rebuking false prophets who are deceiving the people with lies that they claim are from God. The verse highlights the danger of prophets who speak not on behalf of God, but rather from the deceit of their own hearts. This verse serves as a warning against those who put their own desires and motives above the truth of God. The theological message here is clear – God despises falsehood and deception, especially when it comes from those who claim to speak in His name. It is a call to discernment and a reminder to seek the truth of God's word above the empty promises of false prophets.

American Standard Version

How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?
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