Jeremiah 23:32
New International Version
Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” declares the LORD. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people. I, the LORD, have spoken!

English Standard Version
Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the LORD, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them. So they do not profit this people at all, declares the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

King James Bible
Behold, I am 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.

New King James Version
Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the LORD, “and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,” declares the LORD, “and reported them and led My people astray by their lies and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them nor command them, nor do they provide this people the slightest benefit,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1995
“Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,” declares the LORD, “and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit,” declares the LORD.

NASB 1977
“Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,” declares the LORD, “and related them, and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit,” declares the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
Behold, I am against those who have prophesied lying dreams,” declares Yahweh, “and who recounted them and led My people astray by their lying and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them, and I did not command them, and they do not furnish this people the slightest benefit,” declares Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
Hear this, I am against those who have prophesied false and made-up dreams,” says the LORD, “and have told them and have made My people err and go astray by their lies and by their reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them nor do they benefit and enhance [the life of] these people in the slightest way,” says the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
I am against those who prophesy false dreams” —the LORD’s declaration—“telling them and leading my people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people”—this is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I am against those who prophesy false dreams"—the LORD’s declaration—"telling them and leading My people astray with their falsehoods and their boasting. It was not I who sent or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people"—this is the LORD’s declaration.

American Standard Version
Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith Jehovah, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, saith Jehovah.

English Revised Version
Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither shall they profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I'm against those who prophesy dreams they made up," declares the LORD. "They tell the dreams they made up and lead my people astray with their lies and their wild talk. I didn't send them or command them to go. They don't help these people at all," declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
Listen to what I, the LORD, say! I am against the prophets who tell their dreams that are full of lies. They tell these dreams and lead my people astray with their lies and their boasting. I did not send them or order them to go, and they are of no help at all to the people. I, the LORD, have spoken."

International Standard Version
Look, I'm against those who prophesy based on false dreams," declares the LORD, "and relate them and lead my people astray with their lies and their recklessness. I didn't send them; I didn't command them, and they provide no benefit at all to these people," declares the LORD.

Majority Standard Bible
“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy false dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

NET Bible
I, the LORD, affirm that I am opposed to those prophets who dream up lies and report them. They are misleading my people with their reckless lies. I did not send them. I did not commission them. They are not helping these people at all. I, the LORD, affirm it!"

New Heart English Bible
Look, I am against the prophets who prophesy lying dreams,' says the LORD, 'and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I did not send them, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all,' says the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Behold, I am 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.

World English Bible
Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams,” says Yahweh, “who tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting; yet I didn’t send them or command them. They don’t profit this people at all,” says Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Behold, I [am] against the prophets of false dreams,” "" A declaration of YHWH, "" “And they recount them, and cause My people to err, "" By their falsehoods, and by their instability, "" And I have not sent them, "" Nor have I commanded them, "" And they are not profitable to this people at all,” "" A declaration of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
Lo, I am against the prophets of false dreams, An affirmation of Jehovah, And they recount them, and cause my people to err, By their falsehoods, and by their instability, And I -- I have not sent them, Nor have I commanded them, And they are not at all profitable to this people, An affirmation of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
Behold me against them prophesying dreams of falsehood, says Jehovah, and they will recount them, and will cause my people to wander by their falsehoods and by their boasting; and I sent them not, and I commanded them not; and helping, they shall be of no profit to this people, says Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Behold I am against the prophets that have lying dreams, saith the Lord: and tell them, and cause my people to err by their lying, and by their wonders: when I sent them not, nor commanded them, who have not profited this people at all, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Behold, I am against the prophets, who dream what is false, says the Lord; who explain and so seduce my people with their falsehoods and with their miracles, though I did not send them, nor did I command them. They have offer nothing beneficial to this people, says the Lord.

New American Bible
Yes, I am against the prophets who tell lying dreams—oracle of the LORD—those who lead my people astray by recounting their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them; they do this people no good at all—oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
See, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, says the LORD, and who tell them, and who lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or appoint them; so they do not profit this people at all, says the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, I am against the prophets who see false dreams, says the LORD, and tell them, and lead my people astray by their lies and their wantonness; yet I did not command them nor send them; so they do not profit this people at all.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Behold, I am against the Prophets who see lying dreams, says LORD JEHOVAH, and are relating them and deceive my people with their lies and with their licentiousness, and I have not sent them and I have not commanded them, and they profit this people nothing!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Behold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies, and by their wantonness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither can they profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets that prophesy false dreams, and have not told them truly, and have caused my people to err by their lies, and by their errors; yet I sent them not, and commanded them not; therefore, they shall not profit this people at all.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Lying Prophets
31“Yes,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’ ” 32“Indeed,” declares the LORD, “I am against those who prophesy FALSE dreams and retell them to lead My people astray with their reckless lies. It was not I who sent them or commanded them, and they are of no benefit at all to these people,” declares the LORD.

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.

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 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

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.

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.

Revelation 19:20
But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.

Hosea 9:7
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.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ...


Treasury of Scripture

Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, said 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, said the LORD.

to err.

Jeremiah 23:16
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

Jeremiah 27:14
Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.

Jeremiah 28:15-17
Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie…

and by.

Zephaniah 3:4
Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

2 Corinthians 1:17
When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

therefore.

Jeremiah 23:22
But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

Jeremiah 7:8
Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

Lamentations 2:14
Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment.

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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.














Indeed, declares the LORD
The word "Indeed" serves as a strong affirmation, emphasizing the certainty and seriousness of the message that follows. In Hebrew, the phrase "declares the LORD" is often rendered as "נְאֻם־יְהוָה" (ne'um-YHWH), which is a solemn pronouncement from God Himself. This phrase underscores the divine authority and authenticity of the message, contrasting sharply with the falsehoods of the false prophets. It reminds us that God’s declarations are absolute and trustworthy, unlike the deceitful words of those who claim to speak for Him without His commission.

I am against those who prophesy false dreams
The phrase "I am against" is a direct expression of God’s opposition and judgment. The Hebrew root for "against" (עַל, al) conveys a sense of being over or upon, indicating God’s active stance against the offenders. "Prophesy false dreams" refers to the act of delivering messages that are not from God, but rather from the imagination or deceit of the prophets themselves. In the ancient Near Eastern context, dreams were often considered a medium of divine communication. However, these false prophets were exploiting this belief to mislead the people. This highlights the danger of spiritual deception and the importance of discerning true prophecy from falsehood.

and tell them and lead My people astray with their reckless lies
The act of telling and leading astray indicates a deliberate and harmful influence. The Hebrew word for "astray" (תָּעָה, ta'ah) suggests wandering or being led off the correct path, which in this context means deviating from God’s truth. "Reckless lies" implies a careless disregard for the truth and the well-being of others. The false prophets were not only lying but doing so with a reckless abandon, showing no concern for the spiritual damage they were causing. This serves as a warning about the destructive power of false teachings and the responsibility of leaders to guide people in truth.

It was not I who sent or commanded them
This phrase emphasizes God’s disassociation from the false prophets. The Hebrew verbs for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) and "commanded" (צִוָּה, tzivah) are often used in the context of divine commissioning. By stating that He neither sent nor commanded these prophets, God is making it clear that their messages lack divine origin and authority. This distinction is crucial for understanding the legitimacy of true prophecy, which always originates from God’s initiative and command.

nor do they benefit this people in the least
The phrase "nor do they benefit" highlights the futility and harm of the false prophets’ messages. The Hebrew word for "benefit" (יָעַל, ya'al) means to profit or be of use. The false prophecies were not only unhelpful but detrimental, offering no true guidance or hope. This underscores the importance of seeking and adhering to God’s true word, which is always beneficial and life-giving. The phrase "in the least" further emphasizes the complete lack of value in the false messages, reinforcing the need for discernment and faithfulness to God’s true revelation.

declares the LORD
The repetition of "declares the LORD" at the end of the verse serves as a bookend, reinforcing the divine authority and seriousness of the message. It is a reminder that God’s word is final and authoritative, and that He will hold accountable those who mislead His people. This closing affirmation calls believers to trust in God’s true word and to be vigilant against the dangers of false teachings.

(32) False dreams.--The words may mean either actual dreams, which have nothing answering to them in the world of facts, or dreams which are not really such, but simply, as in Jeremiah 23:31, the form in which the deceiver seeks to work out his plans.

By their lightness.--The Hebrew word is the same in meaning as the "unstable as water" of Genesis 49:4, the "light persons" of Judges 9:4; Zephaniah 3:4, and points primarily to the gushing or spurting forth of water. Here it points to what we may call the "babbling" of the false prophets. We are almost reminded of the words in which an English poet describes a hollow and pretentious eloquence as poured out--

"In one weak, washy, everlasting flood."

Therefore . . .--Better, simply, and they shall not profit. . . .

Verse 32. - That prophesy false dreams (see on ver. 25). By their lightness. The word is an uncommon one, and implies arrogance or boastfulness (comp. Zephaniah 3:4); the root means "to bubble over." Therefore they shall not profit; rather, and they cannot profit.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Indeed,”
הִ֠נְנִי (hin·nî)
Interjection | first person common singular
Strong's 2005: Lo! behold!

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

“I am against
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

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

FALSE
שֶׁ֙קֶר֙ (še·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood

dreams
חֲלֹמ֥וֹת (ḥă·lō·mō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2472: A dream

they tell
וַֽיְסַפְּרוּם֙ (way·sap·pə·rūm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5608: To count, recount, relate

to lead My people
עַמִּ֔י (‘am·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

astray
וַיַּתְע֣וּ (way·yaṯ·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8582: To vacillate, reel, stray

with their reckless
וּבְפַחֲזוּתָ֑ם (ū·ḇə·p̄a·ḥă·zū·ṯām)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6350: Recklessness, extravagance

lies.
בְּשִׁקְרֵיהֶ֖ם (bə·šiq·rê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8267: Deception, disappointment, falsehood

It was not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

I
וְאָנֹכִ֨י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

who sent
שְׁלַחְתִּ֜ים (šə·laḥ·tîm)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

or commanded them,
צִוִּיתִ֗ים (ṣiw·wî·ṯîm)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

and they are of no
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

benefit
וְהוֹעֵ֛יל (wə·hō·w·‘êl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3276: To confer or gain profit or benefit

at all
יוֹעִ֥ילוּ (yō·w·‘î·lū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3276: To confer or gain profit or benefit

to these
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people,”
לָֽעָם־ (lā·‘ām-)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 23:32 Behold I am against those who prophesy (Jer.)
Jeremiah 23:31
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