Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:36
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 addressing the false prophets who misuse His name and distort His messages.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
And you shall no longer mention 'the burden of the LORD,' for every man's word shall be his burden; for you have twisted the words of the living God, the LORD of hosts, our God.
And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is addressing the false prophets who misuse His name and distort His messages. The phrase 'the burden of the LORD' refers to the prophetic messages that were supposed to be serious and weighty. God is saying that these prophets should stop using His name to justify their misleading words. Instead, each person will be accountable for their own words and actions. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of speaking on behalf of God and warns against twisting His words for personal gain or to mislead others. It highlights the importance of integrity in communication and the responsibility that comes with proclaiming divine messages. God is asserting that He is the true authority, and any distortion of His words is unacceptable. This serves as a reminder to be cautious and respectful when discussing spiritual matters, ensuring that we represent God's truth accurately and faithfully. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 23:36 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of how we speak about God and His messages. We should strive for honesty and clarity in our communication, ensuring that we do not misrepresent His words. It reminds us to take responsibility for our own words and to seek truth in our spiritual discussions.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:36 mean?
Jeremiah 23:36 addresses false prophets who misuse God's name and distort His messages. God tells them to stop using the phrase 'the burden of the LORD' and emphasizes that each person will be accountable for their own words.
What is the meaning of 'the burden of the LORD' in Jeremiah 23:36?
'The burden of the LORD' refers to serious prophetic messages meant to convey God's truth. In this verse, God is instructing that this phrase should no longer be used by those who twist His words for personal gain.
How does Jeremiah 23:36 relate to false prophets?
Jeremiah 23:36 specifically addresses false prophets who misrepresent God's words. It highlights the consequences of twisting divine messages and the need for honesty in spiritual communication.
What themes are present in Jeremiah 23:36?
Key themes in Jeremiah 23:36 include false prophets, accountability for one's words, integrity in communication, divine authority, and the misuse of God's name.

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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