Jeremiah 29:23
New International Version
For they have done outrageous things in Israel; they have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and in my name they have uttered lies—which I did not authorize. I know it and am a witness to it,” declares the LORD.

New Living Translation
For these men have done terrible things among my people. They have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have lied in my name, saying things I did not command. I am a witness to this. I, the LORD, have spoken.”

English Standard Version
because they have done an outrageous thing in Israel, they have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and they have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them. I am the one who knows, and I am witness, declares the LORD.’”

Berean Standard Bible
For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”

King James Bible
Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

New King James Version
because they have done disgraceful things in Israel, have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken lying words in My name, which I have not commanded them. Indeed I know, and am a witness, says the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
because they acted foolishly in Israel, and committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and falsely spoke words in My name which I did not command them. I am He who knows, and a witness,” declares the LORD.’”

NASB 1995
because they have acted foolishly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have spoken words in My name falsely, which I did not command them; and I am He who knows and am a witness,” declares the LORD.’”

NASB 1977
because they have acted foolishly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken words in My name falsely, which I did not command them; and I am He who knows, and am a witness,” declares the LORD.’”

Legacy Standard Bible
because they have acted with wicked foolishness in Israel and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have spoken words in My name falsely, which I did not command them; and I am He who knows and am a witness,” declares Yahweh.’”

Amplified Bible
because they have acted foolishly in Israel and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives and in My Name have spoken false and concocted words, which I did not command them. I am He who knows and I am a witness,” says the LORD.’”

Christian Standard Bible
because they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have spoken in my name a lie, which I did not command them. I am he who knows, and I am a witness.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with their neighbors’ wives and have spoken a lie in My name, which I did not command them. I am He who knows, and I am a witness.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

American Standard Version
because they have wrought folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I commanded them not; and I am he that knoweth, and am witness, saith Jehovah.

English Revised Version
because they have wrought folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I commanded them not; and I am he that knoweth, and am witness, saith the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They have done shameful things in Israel. They committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and spoke lies in my name. I didn't command them to do this. I know what they have done. I'm a witness, declares the LORD.

Good News Translation
This will be their fate because they are guilty of terrible sins--they have committed adultery and have told lies in the LORD's name. This was against the LORD's will; he knows what they have done, and he is a witness against them. The LORD has spoken."

International Standard Version
because they did something stupid in Israel. They committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and in my name they spoke lies that I didn't command them. I'm the one who knows, and I'm a witness," declares the LORD.'"

Majority Standard Bible
For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”

NET Bible
This will happen to them because they have done what is shameful in Israel. They have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and have spoken lies while claiming my authority. They have spoken words that I did not command them to speak. I know what they have done. I have been a witness to it,' says the LORD."

New Heart English Bible
because they have worked folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I did not command them; and I am he who knows, and am witness,' says the LORD."

Webster's Bible Translation
Because they have committed villainy in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbor's wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

World English Bible
because they have done foolish things in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I didn’t command them. I am he who knows, and am witness,” says Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because that they have done folly in Israel, and commit adultery with the wives of their neighbors, and falsely speak a word in My Name that I have not commanded them, and I [am] He who knows and a witness—a declaration of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
Because that they have done folly in Israel, and commit adultery with the wives of their neighbours, and speak a word in My name falsely that I have not commanded them, and I am He who knoweth and a witness -- an affirmation of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
Because they did folly in Israel, and they will commit adultery with their neighbors' wives, and they will speak the word of a lie in my name, which I commanded them not; and I know, and a witness, says Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because they have acted folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with the wives of their friends, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I commanded them not: I am the judge and the witness, saith the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For they have acted foolishly in Israel, and they have committed adultery with the wives of their friends, and they have spoken lying words in my name, which I did not command them. I am the Judge and the Witness, says the Lord.

New American Bible
because they have committed an outrage in Israel, committing adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and alleging in my name things I did not command. I know, I am witness—oracle of the LORD.

New Revised Standard Version
because they have perpetrated outrage in Israel and have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and have spoken in my name lying words that I did not command them; I am the one who knows and bears witness, says the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because they have done wickedness in Israel and have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know and I am a witness, says the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because they had done evil in Israel, and they committed adultery with the wives of their neighbors, and they spoke words in my name in falsehood that I did not command them, and I know and I testify, says LORD JEHOVAH’
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
because they have wrought vile deeds in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken words in My name falsely, which I commanded them not; but I am He that knoweth, and am witness, saith the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
because of the iniquity which they wrought in Israel, and because they committed adultery with the wives of their fellow-citizens; and spoke a word in my name, which I did not command them to speak, and I am witness, saith the Lord.
Audio Bible



Context
Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles
22Because of them, all the exiles of Judah who are in Babylon will use this curse: ‘May the LORD make you like Zedekiah and Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire!’ 23For they have committed an outrage in Israel by committing adultery with the wives of their neighbors and speaking lies in My name, which I did not command them to do. I am He who knows, and I am a witness, declares the LORD.”

Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:20
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.”

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. ...

2 Peter 2:1
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.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

2 Timothy 3:13
while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

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.

Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:20
But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.

1 Kings 22:23
So you see, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouths of all these prophets of yours, and the LORD has pronounced disaster against you.”

Zechariah 13:3
And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.

Micah 3:11
Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”

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.

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.

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.


Treasury of Scripture

Because they have committed villainy in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, said the LORD.

and have.

Jeremiah 7:9,10
Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; …

Jeremiah 23:14,21
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah…

Psalm 50:16-18
But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? …

lying.

Jeremiah 29:8,9,21
For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed…

even I.

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?

Jeremiah 16:17
For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.

Jeremiah 23:23,24
Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off? …

Jump to Previous
Acted Adultery Command Commanded Committed Declares Deeds False. Falsely Folly Foolishly Israel Lying Neighbors Neighbor's Neighbours Orders Outrageous Shame Vile Villainy Villany Witness Wives Words Worked Wrought
Jump to Next
Acted Adultery Command Commanded Committed Declares Deeds False. Falsely Folly Foolishly Israel Lying Neighbors Neighbor's Neighbours Orders Outrageous Shame Vile Villainy Villany Witness Wives Words Worked Wrought
Jeremiah 29
1. Jeremiah sends a letter to the captives in Babylon to be quiet there,
8. and not to believe the dreams of their prophets;
10. and that they shall return with grace after seventy years.
15. He foretells the destruction of the rest for their disobedience.
20. He shows the fearful end of Ahab and Zedekiah, two false prophets.
24. Shemaiah writes a letter against Jeremiah.
30. Jeremiah foretells his doom.














For they have committed an outrage in Israel
The phrase "committed an outrage" is translated from the Hebrew word "nebalah," which signifies a disgraceful or senseless act. In the context of Israel, a nation chosen by God to be holy and set apart, such actions are particularly egregious. Historically, Israel was to be a light to the nations, and any moral or spiritual corruption within its borders was seen as a direct affront to God's covenant. This phrase underscores the severity of the sin and the betrayal of the covenant relationship with God.

they have committed adultery with their neighbors’ wives
Adultery, in the Hebrew context, is not merely a personal sin but a violation of the social and spiritual fabric of the community. The act of adultery is a breach of trust and covenant, both with one's spouse and with God. In ancient Israel, marriage was a sacred institution, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. The mention of "neighbors’ wives" highlights the communal impact of sin, as it disrupts the peace and trust within the community.

and have spoken lies in My name
Speaking lies in God's name is a grave sin, as it involves using the divine name to lend credibility to falsehoods. The Hebrew word for "lies" here is "sheqer," which implies deception and falsehood. This act is particularly heinous because it misrepresents God's character and intentions, leading people astray. In a historical context, false prophets often claimed divine authority to promote their own agendas, thus misleading the people and causing spiritual harm.

which I did not command them to do
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of true prophecy. The Hebrew word "tsavah" means to command or appoint, indicating that true prophetic messages are divinely ordained. The false prophets in Jeremiah's time were acting on their own initiative, not under God's direction. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights the need for discernment and obedience to God's true word.

I am He who knows and is a witness
God's omniscience and role as a witness are central to this phrase. The Hebrew word "yada" means to know intimately and completely. God is not only aware of all actions but also serves as a witness to them, ensuring that justice will be served. This assurance is meant to comfort the faithful and warn the unfaithful that nothing escapes God's notice.

declares the LORD
The phrase "declares the LORD" is a common prophetic formula, emphasizing the authority and finality of God's word. The Hebrew word "ne'um" is used here, which signifies a solemn declaration. This underscores that the message is not Jeremiah's own but is directly from God, carrying divine authority and requiring a response from the people. In a conservative Christian perspective, this serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's revealed word and the consequences of straying from it.

(23) Because they have committed villany . . .--The Hebrew noun is almost always used for sins of impurity. It is more commonly rendered "folly" (comp. Genesis 34:7; Deuteronomy 22:21; Judges 19:23-24). The English word "villainy" is used definitely with this meaning by Bishop Hall (Sat. i. 9).

Even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord.--The words find an echo in Malachi 3:5. We are left to conjecture whether the prophet refers his own knowledge of the facts to a direct supernatural source, or had received private information from his friends at Babylon. The special stress laid on the Lord's knowledge of their guilt suggests the thought that the false prophets with their restricted ideas of God had persuaded themselves that Jehovah the God of Israel hardly exercised his attributes of power in a distant place like Babylon. There they might sin without fear of detection or of punishment. They thought of him as a God not nigh at hand, but far off (Jeremiah 23:23). . . .

Verse 23. - An important and melancholy addition to our knowledge of these false prophets. They were not only misleading prophets, but immoral men in their private capacities. Villainy; rather, folly, as the word is always rendered elsewhere. The phrase "to commit folly in Israel" is always (except Joshua 7:15) used of sins of unchastity.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
יַ֡עַן (ya·‘an)
Adverb
Strong's 3282: Heed, purpose, to indicate the reason, cause

they have committed
עָשׂ֨וּ (‘ā·śū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

an outrage
נְבָלָ֜ה (nə·ḇā·lāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5039: Foolishness, wickedness, a crime, punishment

in Israel
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

by committing adultery
וַיְנַֽאֲפוּ֙ (way·na·’ă·p̄ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5003: To commit adultery, to apostatize

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the wives
נְשֵׁ֣י (nə·šê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of their neighbors
רֵֽעֵיהֶ֔ם (rê·‘ê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

and speaking
וַיְדַבְּר֨וּ (way·ḏab·bə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

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

in My name,
בִּשְׁמִי֙ (biš·mî)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034: A name

which
אֲשֶׁ֖ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I did not
ל֣וֹא (lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

command them [to do].
צִוִּיתִ֑ם (ṣiw·wî·ṯim)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

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

am He who knows,
הַיּוֹדֵ֥עַ (hay·yō·w·ḏê·a‘)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

and I am a witness,
וָעֵ֖ד (wā·‘êḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5707: A witness, testimony, a recorder, prince

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 29:23 Because they have worked folly in Israel (Jer.)
Jeremiah 29:22
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