Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:33
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 is responding to the people, including prophets and priests, who are inquiring about His message.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
"When anyone from this people — or a prophet or a priest — asks you, 'What message does the LORD have?' you are to tell them, 'What message? I'm going to cast you off,' declares the LORD.
And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is responding to the people, including prophets and priests, who are inquiring about His message. Instead of a reassuring word, God declares that He will reject them. This indicates a serious consequence for their unfaithfulness and lack of true understanding of His will. The term 'burden' refers to the message or responsibility that God gives to His prophets. However, in this context, God is emphasizing that their questions are futile because they have turned away from Him. The rejection signifies a breaking of the covenant relationship due to their disobedience and false teachings. This verse serves as a warning about the seriousness of seeking God with a sincere heart and the dangers of complacency in faith. It highlights the importance of genuine communication with God rather than superficial inquiries that lack true intent. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 23:33 to your life
This verse reminds us to approach God sincerely and with a genuine desire to understand His will. It warns against taking our relationship with God lightly and encourages us to seek Him earnestly, ensuring our hearts are aligned with His purposes.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:33 mean for today's believers?
Jeremiah 23:33 serves as a reminder for today's believers to approach God with sincerity and a genuine heart. It warns against complacency in faith and the dangers of asking superficial questions without true intent. Believers are encouraged to seek a deeper understanding of God's will and to maintain a faithful relationship with Him, avoiding the pitfalls of false teachings and spiritual apathy.
Why does God say He will cast off the people in this verse?
In this verse, God declares He will cast off the people, including prophets and priests, because they have turned away from Him and failed to uphold their covenant relationship. Their inquiries about His message are seen as insincere, reflecting a lack of true understanding and commitment to His will. This rejection emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and the importance of genuine faith.
What is the significance of the term 'burden' in this context?
The term 'burden' in Jeremiah 23:33 refers to the message or responsibility that God gives to His prophets. In this context, God uses it to highlight the futility of the people's questions, as they have strayed from His path. Instead of receiving a message of hope, they are met with rejection, underscoring the seriousness of their spiritual condition and the need for true repentance.
How can we avoid spiritual complacency as warned in this verse?
To avoid spiritual complacency, believers should actively seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, study of Scripture, and genuine worship. It's important to reflect on one's faith regularly, ensuring that it is not merely routine or superficial. Engaging in community with other believers and being open to God's guidance can also help maintain a sincere and active faith.

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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