Jeremiah 23:26
New International Version
How long will this continue in the hearts of these lying prophets, who prophesy the delusions of their own minds?

New Living Translation
How long will this go on? If they are prophets, they are prophets of deceit, inventing everything they say.

English Standard Version
How long shall there be lies in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart,

Berean Standard Bible
How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?

King James Bible
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;

New King James Version
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart,

New American Standard Bible
How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the deceitfulness of their own heart,

NASB 1995
“How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart,

NASB 1977
“How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart,

Legacy Standard Bible
How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy a lie, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart,

Amplified Bible
How long [shall this state of affairs continue]? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart,

Christian Standard Bible
How long will this continue in the minds of the prophets prophesying lies, prophets of the deceit of their own minds?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
How long will this continue in the minds of the prophets prophesying lies, prophets of the deceit of their own minds?

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?

Contemporary English Version
But everything they say comes from their own twisted minds. How long can this go on?

English Revised 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?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
How long will these prophets continue to lie and deceive?

Good News Translation
How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented?

International Standard Version
How long will this go on? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy from the deceit that is in their hearts?

Majority Standard Bible
How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds?

NET Bible
Those prophets are just prophesying lies. They are prophesying the delusions of their own minds.

New Heart English Bible
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart,

Webster's Bible Translation
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

World English Bible
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Until when is it in the heart of the prophets? The prophets of falsehood, "" Indeed, prophets of the deceit of their heart,

Young's Literal Translation
Till when is it in the heart of the prophets? The prophets of falsehood, Yea, prophets of the deceit of their heart,

Smith's Literal Translation
How long is it in the heart of the prophets prophesying a lie, and prophesying the deceit of their heart?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, and that prophesy the delusions of their own heart?

Catholic Public Domain Version
How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who predict what is false, and who prophesy deceptions from their own heart?

New American Bible
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets who prophesy lies and their own deceitful fancies ever turn back?

New Revised Standard Version
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
How long shall there be in the mouth of the false prophets, prophecies of lies? prophecies of the deceit of their own heart?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
How long are lying prophecies in the mouths of the Prophets, lying prophecies of the deceit of their heart?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
How long shall this be? Is it in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, And the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
How long shall these things be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, when they prophesy the purposes of their own heart?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Lying Prophets
25“I have heard the sayings of the prophets who prophesy lies in My name: ‘I had a dream! I had a dream!’ 26How long will this continue in the hearts of these prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the delusion of their own minds? 27They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:20-22
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.” / You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” / When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Ezekiel 13:6-9
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? / Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Because you have uttered vain words and seen false visions, I am against you, declares the Lord GOD. ...

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

2 Peter 2:1-3
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. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

1 John 4:1
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.

Isaiah 30:10
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.

Micah 3:5-7
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: / Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.”

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
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.

Matthew 24:11
and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.

1 Timothy 4:1-2
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.

Zechariah 10:2
For idols speak deceit and diviners see illusions; they tell false dreams and offer empty comfort. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd.

Acts 20:29-30
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.

Romans 16:17-18
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.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
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.

Isaiah 9:15-16
The head is the elder and honorable man, and the tail is the prophet who teaches lies. / For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.


Treasury of Scripture

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

How.

Jeremiah 4:14
O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

Jeremiah 13:27
I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! wilt thou not be made clean? when shall it once be?

Psalm 4:2
O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

prophets of.

Jeremiah 14:14
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.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Isaiah 30:10
Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

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Jeremiah 23
1. He prophesies a restoration of the scattered flock.
5. Christ shall rule and save them.
9. Against false prophets;
33. and mockers of the true prophets.














How long
This phrase reflects a deep sense of exasperation and urgency. In Hebrew, the phrase "ad-matay" is often used in contexts where there is a longing for change or divine intervention. It suggests God's patience is being tested by the persistent disobedience and deceit of the prophets. Historically, this echoes the repeated calls for repentance throughout the Old Testament, where God’s patience is juxtaposed with His justice.

will this continue
The Hebrew root here implies an ongoing action, suggesting that the false prophecies are not isolated incidents but a persistent problem. This continuity of falsehood indicates a systemic issue within the religious leadership of Israel, highlighting the need for reform and genuine repentance.

in the hearts
The heart, or "lev" in Hebrew, is considered the center of thought, emotion, and will in biblical anthropology. This phrase indicates that the problem is not merely external or superficial but deeply rooted in the inner being of these prophets. It underscores the biblical theme that true transformation must begin in the heart, aligning with the call for internal purity found throughout Scripture.

of these prophets
The term "prophets" here refers to those who claim to speak on behalf of God. In the historical context of Jeremiah, many prophets were leading the people astray with messages that contradicted God’s true word. This highlights the critical role of discernment in identifying true prophetic voices, a theme that resonates with the New Testament warnings against false teachers.

who prophesy falsehood
The Hebrew word for "falsehood" is "sheqer," which denotes deception and lies. This phrase condemns the deliberate distortion of God’s message. It serves as a warning against the dangers of false teachings and the responsibility of leaders to uphold truth, a principle that is echoed in the New Testament’s emphasis on sound doctrine.

these prophets of the delusion
The word "delusion" suggests a self-deception or a departure from reality. In Hebrew, "tarmit" implies a misleading or deceptive vision. This phrase indicates that the prophets are not only deceiving others but are themselves deceived, highlighting the blinding nature of sin and pride.

of their own minds
This phrase points to the origin of the false prophecies: the prophets’ own imaginations rather than divine revelation. It underscores the biblical principle that true prophecy comes from God, not human invention. This serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning one’s thoughts and teachings with Scripture, as human wisdom is fallible and often leads to error.

(26) How long shall this be . . .?--The Hebrew text gives a double interrogative: How long? Is it in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, prophets of the deceit of their own hearts? Do they think to cause my people . . .? A conjectural alteration of the text gives "How long is the fire in the heart of the prophets . . .?" as if anticipating the thought of Jeremiah 23:29, and reproducing that of Jeremiah 20:9.

Verse 26. - How long shall this be in the heart, etc.? i.e. how long shall this be their purpose, viz. to prophesy lies? But this rendering leaves out of account a second interrogative which in the Hebrew follows "how long." It is better to translate this difficult passage, with De Dieu and many moderns, thus: "How long (quousque durabit haec ipsorum impudentia)? Is it in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, and the prophets of the deceit of their own heart; are they thinking (I say) to cause my people to forget," etc.? On this view, ver. 27 resumes the question interrupted in ver. 26.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
How long
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

will this continue
הֲיֵ֛שׁ (hă·yêš)
Adverb
Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is

in the hearts
בְּלֵ֥ב (bə·lêḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

of these prophets
הַנְּבִאִ֖ים (han·nə·ḇi·’îm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

who prophesy
נִבְּאֵ֣י (nib·bə·’ê)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration

falsehood,
הַשָּׁ֑קֶר (haš·šā·qer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood

these prophets
וּנְבִיאֵ֖י (ū·nə·ḇî·’ê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

of the delusion
תַּרְמִ֥ת (tar·miṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8649: Perhaps treachery

of their own minds?
לִבָּֽם׃ (lib·bām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 23:26 How long shall this be (Jer.)
Jeremiah 23:25
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