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Book of Jeremiah - Chapter 23 - Verse 30

23:30
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

Meaning

In this verse, the Lord declares that he is against the prophets who steal his words from each other. This passage highlights the seriousness of the offense of falsely claiming to speak on behalf of God. By plagiarizing the divine message and passing it off as their own, these prophets are not only deceiving others but also disrespecting the sacred nature of God's word. The Lord holds these prophets accountable for their actions and makes it clear that such behavior will not go unpunished.

Furthermore, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in delivering God's message. True prophets are called to speak the truth and faithfully transmit the word of the Lord without distortion or manipulation. By condemning those who steal his words, God underscores the need for sincerity and authenticity in prophetic communication. This warning emphasizes the gravity of misrepresenting divine revelations and serves as a cautionary tale for all who claim to speak on behalf of God.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Jeremiah, the Lord expresses His disapproval of false prophets who claim to speak on His behalf but actually steal words from one another. This condemnation sheds light on the detrimental impact of dishonesty and deceit within religious communities. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of authenticity and integrity in conveying divine messages. It serves as a warning against those who manipulate religious teachings for personal gain or to deceive others. The Lord's assertion that He is against such prophets underscores the seriousness of misrepresenting His word and the consequences that accompany such actions. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the significance of the term "steal" in this context, highlighting the violation of trust and the perversion of sacred communication. By exploring the nuances of language and context, we gain a richer understanding of the ethical responsibility that comes with interpreting and sharing spiritual teachings. Ultimately, this verse underscores the need for sincerity and faithfulness in proclaiming the truth of God's message.

American Standard Version

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that steal my words every one from his neighbor.
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