Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Among the prophets of Samaria, I saw folly; they prophesied in Baal's name and led my people Israel astray.
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And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
What Jeremiah 23:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing His disappointment with the prophets of Samaria, who are misleading the people of Israel. These prophets are not speaking the truth but are instead promoting false worship by prophesying in the name of Baal, a pagan god. This behavior is described as folly, indicating a lack of wisdom and understanding. By leading the people astray, these prophets are causing them to err from the true path that God desires for them. The mention of Baal highlights the danger of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. This verse serves as a warning against false teachings and the importance of discerning true prophecy from deception. It emphasizes the need for leaders to guide their followers in the right direction, rooted in faithfulness to God and His commands.
How to apply Jeremiah 23:13 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious about whom we listen to for spiritual guidance. We should seek out teachers and leaders who are grounded in the truth of God's Word. It's essential to discern between true and false teachings to avoid being led astray in our faith journey.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 23:13
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:13 mean?
Jeremiah 23:13 expresses God's disappointment with the prophets of Samaria who mislead the people of Israel by promoting false worship in the name of Baal. This verse highlights the folly of their actions and the consequences of leading others away from God's truth.
What is the significance of Baal in Jeremiah 23:13?
Baal represents a pagan god associated with idolatry. In Jeremiah 23:13, the mention of Baal underscores the danger of turning away from God and the misleading influence of false prophets who promote such worship.
What does folly mean in Jeremiah 23:13?
In Jeremiah 23:13, folly refers to a lack of wisdom and understanding. It describes the foolishness of the prophets who lead the people astray by prophesying in the name of Baal instead of adhering to God's truth.
How does Jeremiah 23:13 relate to false prophets today?
Jeremiah 23:13 serves as a warning against false prophets who may mislead people with teachings that contradict God's Word. It emphasizes the importance of discernment in spiritual leadership and the need to seek truth.
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