Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 28

23:28
The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

Meaning

This verse is a message from the Lord emphasizing the importance of speaking His word faithfully. The analogy of chaff and wheat highlights the contrast between what is valuable and what is worthless. In this context, the prophet's dream is compared to chaff, which is the husk separated from the wheat during the harvesting process. The dream is fleeting and insignificant compared to the weight and significance of God's word. By urging the prophet to speak His word faithfully, the Lord is emphasizing the importance of staying true to His teachings and not getting distracted by frivolous or meaningless distractions. Just as wheat is essential for nourishment and sustenance, God's word provides guidance and wisdom for our lives. The comparison between chaff and wheat serves as a reminder to prioritize the eternal truth of God's word over temporary and insignificant things.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet is encouraged to speak only what God has given him to say, rather than relying on his own dreams or visions. The contrast between "the chaff" and "the wheat" serves as a metaphor for distinguishing between truth and falsehood. Chaff is the worthless husks separated from the wheat during threshing, while wheat is valuable grain that sustains and nourishes. In the same way, God is emphasizing the importance of speaking His true word faithfully rather than spreading empty or deceitful messages. This directive from the Lord highlights the significance of prophets conveying divine truths with integrity and accuracy, ensuring that their words align with God's will and teachings. By adhering to the Lord's command to speak His word faithfully, prophets fulfill their role as messengers of God's righteous purposes and contribute to the spiritual growth and edification of those who hear their messages.

American Standard Version

The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? saith Jehovah.
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