Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:26
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God expresses His frustration with false prophets who spread lies based on their own misguided thoughts and desires.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
How long will this go on? How long will these prophets keep pushing the lies that come from their own deceiving hearts?
How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His frustration with false prophets who spread lies based on their own misguided thoughts and desires. These prophets claim to speak on God's behalf, but their messages are rooted in deception rather than divine truth. God questions how long this behavior will continue, highlighting the seriousness of leading people astray. The verse serves as a warning against those who manipulate faith for personal gain, emphasizing the need for discernment in recognizing true prophecy versus falsehood. It reflects God's concern for His people, urging them to seek genuine guidance rather than being misled by self-serving individuals. This passage reminds us that not all who claim to speak for God are trustworthy, and it calls for vigilance in our spiritual lives to ensure we are following the truth.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 23:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to be discerning about the teachings we follow. We should critically evaluate the messages we receive, ensuring they align with God's truth rather than human deception. Engaging with Scripture and seeking wise counsel can help us navigate spiritual guidance effectively.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:26 mean?
Jeremiah 23:26 expresses God's frustration with false prophets who spread lies based on their own deceitful hearts. It highlights the danger of misleading messages that claim to be from God but are rooted in personal agendas.
What is the meaning of false prophets in Jeremiah 23:26?
In Jeremiah 23:26, false prophets are individuals who claim to speak for God but instead share deceptive messages that originate from their own misguided thoughts. This verse warns against trusting those who manipulate faith for their own benefit.
How does Jeremiah 23:26 relate to spiritual discernment?
Jeremiah 23:26 underscores the need for spiritual discernment by warning against false prophets. It encourages individuals to critically evaluate teachings to ensure they align with God's truth rather than human deception.
What warning does Jeremiah 23:26 give about prophets?
Jeremiah 23:26 warns that not all who claim to speak for God are trustworthy. It highlights the seriousness of false prophecies and the importance of seeking genuine guidance to avoid being misled.

The Book of Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1: The Call of Jeremiah
The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah, a priest from Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, are recorded. The word of the LORD comes to him in the thirteenth year of King Josiah's reign over Judah. It continues to come to him through the reign of King Jehoiakim and until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, when Jerusalem is carried into captivity. The LORD states that before He formed Jeremiah in the womb, He knew him and ordained him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah responds that he cannot speak because he is a child. The LORD commands him not to say he is a child, for he will go where the LORD sends him and speak what the LORD commands.
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