Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They keep telling those who despise me, 'The LORD says you will have peace.' And to everyone who follows the imagination of their own heart, they say, 'No evil will come upon you.'
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They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.
What Jeremiah 23:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 23:17, the prophet addresses false prophets who mislead the people by assuring them of peace despite their disobedience to God. They tell those who reject God that everything will be fine, ignoring the consequences of their actions. This reflects a common human tendency to seek comfort in lies rather than face the truth. The false prophets encourage people to follow their own desires, claiming that no harm will come to them. This message is dangerous because it fosters a false sense of security, leading people away from genuine repentance and a relationship with God. The verse highlights the importance of discerning true messages from God versus those that simply cater to our desires. It serves as a warning against complacency and the dangers of ignoring God's commands, emphasizing that true peace comes from obedience to Him, not from empty reassurances.
How to apply Jeremiah 23:17 to your life
We should be cautious of messages that promise peace without accountability. It's essential to seek God's truth and not just what we want to hear. Regularly examine our hearts and actions to ensure they align with God's will, fostering genuine peace through obedience.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Keep studying Jeremiah 23:17
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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 23:17 mean?
Jeremiah 23:17 warns against false prophets who falsely assure people of peace despite their disobedience to God. It highlights the danger of ignoring God's commands and following one's own desires.
What is the meaning of false prophets in Jeremiah 23:17?
In Jeremiah 23:17, false prophets are individuals who mislead others by claiming that God promises peace, even when people are living in disobedience. They provide comforting messages that ignore the consequences of sin.
How does Jeremiah 23:17 relate to self-deception?
Jeremiah 23:17 illustrates self-deception by showing how people prefer comforting lies over the truth of their disobedience. It warns that following one's own heart without accountability can lead to spiritual danger.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 23:17?
Key themes in Jeremiah 23:17 include false prophets, deception, the pursuit of peace, disobedience to God, self-deception, and the consequences of ignoring God's judgment.
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