Devine Scripture

Jeremiah 29:9

What does Jeremiah 29:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Jeremiah 29:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Jeremiah 29:9 means

This verse explains *why* the exiles should reject the messages of the false prophets and diviners mentioned previously: "For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith Jehovah." The core issue was not merely that their prophecies were wrong, but that these false prophets dared to speak in the Lord's name without His authorization. Their deceitful claims brought discredit to God and offered destructive false hope to the people, emphasizing the grave sin of counterfeiting divine authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith Jehovah.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith Jehovah.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For they are saying to you what is false in my name: I have not sent them, says the Lord.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For with falsehood they are prophesying to you in My name; I have not sent them, an affirmation of Jehovah.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For they prophesy falsely to you in my name: and I have not sent them, saith the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith Jehovah.

Context

This verse directly supports the warning in the preceding verse by explaining the source of the false prophecies. It identifies the critical flaw: these prophets claimed divine authority without actually being sent by God. This explanation is essential for the exiles to distinguish true prophecy from false, reinforcing Jeremiah's authoritative message.

v.8For thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel: Let not your prophets that are in the midst of you, and your diviners, deceive you; neither hearken ye to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.

v.9This passage

v.10For thus saith Jehovah, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 29:23

    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.

  • Jeremiah 27:15

    For I have not sent them, saith Jehovah, but they prophesy falsely in my name; that I may drive you out, and that ye may perish, ye, and the prophets that prophesy unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:31

    Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith Jehovah concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he hath caused you to trust in a lie;

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