Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:31
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 strong disapproval of false prophets who speak on His behalf without true authority.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
I am against these prophets," declares the LORD, "who wag their own tongues and then announce, 'The LORD declares.'
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His strong disapproval of false prophets who speak on His behalf without true authority. These prophets are characterized by their self-serving speech, using their own words rather than conveying God's genuine message. The phrase 'wag their own tongues' suggests that they are not only speaking freely but are also misleading others by claiming divine inspiration. This warning highlights the seriousness of misrepresenting God's words and the consequences that come with it. God is clear that He stands against those who distort His message for personal gain or popularity. The verse serves as a reminder that true prophecy must align with God's will and that individuals should be cautious of those who claim to speak for Him without genuine revelation. It emphasizes the importance of discernment in spiritual matters and the need for accountability among those who teach or lead others in faith. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 23:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to be discerning about the teachings we follow. We should seek to understand God's true message and be wary of those who speak without His authority. It reminds us to verify teachings against Scripture and to hold leaders accountable for their words.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:31 say about false prophets?
Jeremiah 23:31 highlights God's strong opposition to false prophets who speak on His behalf without true authority. The verse indicates that these prophets use their own words, misrepresenting God's message and misleading others. God emphasizes the seriousness of this misrepresentation and warns of the consequences for those who distort His words for personal gain.
How can I identify a false prophet according to Jeremiah 23:31?
To identify a false prophet, look for those who speak without genuine revelation from God and rely on their own words rather than Scripture. Jeremiah 23:31 encourages discernment; if a teacher's message does not align with biblical truth or seems self-serving, it may indicate they are not speaking with divine authority.
What is the significance of 'wag their own tongues' in this verse?
The phrase 'wag their own tongues' in Jeremiah 23:31 suggests that false prophets are not only speaking freely but are also misleading others by claiming divine inspiration. It signifies a lack of genuine authority and highlights the danger of self-serving speech that distorts God's true message.
What should I do if I suspect a leader is a false prophet?
If you suspect a leader is a false prophet, it's important to verify their teachings against Scripture. Engage in prayer and seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors. Hold leaders accountable for their words and ensure that their messages align with God's will, as emphasized in Jeremiah 23:31.

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.
Unlock the full Jeremiah summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Jeremiah — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 52 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Jeremiah summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.