Old Testament
Jeremiah 23:37
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 23:37, God instructs the people on how to engage with prophets.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
This is how you should speak to a prophet: 'What has the LORD answered you?' and 'What has the LORD said?'
Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 23:37, God instructs the people on how to engage with prophets. The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance and understanding what God has communicated through His messengers. It highlights the role of prophets as intermediaries who convey God's messages. The questions posed—"What has the LORD answered you?" and "What has the LORD said?"—encourage believers to actively seek clarity and insight from God’s word. This reflects a relationship where communication is vital, and it shows that God desires His people to be informed about His will. The verse serves as a reminder that prophets are not just to be followed blindly; instead, their messages should be examined and understood in the context of God’s overall plan. This engagement fosters a deeper faith and reliance on God’s guidance in daily life, ensuring that believers are aligned with His purposes and teachings. Explore related fear.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 23:37 to your life
When seeking guidance in life, ask questions that help clarify God's direction. Engage with spiritual leaders and scripture to understand what God is saying. This practice fosters a deeper relationship with God and ensures you are aligned with His will.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 23:37 teach about prophets?
Jeremiah 23:37 instructs the people on how to engage with prophets by asking them what the LORD has answered or spoken. This highlights the role of prophets as communicators of God's messages and emphasizes the importance of seeking understanding and clarity regarding divine guidance.
How can I apply Jeremiah 23:37 in my life?
To apply Jeremiah 23:37, actively seek guidance from God by asking questions about His will and direction in your life. Engage with spiritual leaders and study scripture to gain insight into what God is communicating. This practice helps deepen your relationship with God and ensures you are aligned with His purposes.
Why is it important to ask prophets about God's messages?
Asking prophets about God's messages, as suggested in Jeremiah 23:37, is important because it encourages believers to actively seek understanding of God's will. It fosters a relationship where communication is vital, ensuring that the messages received are examined and understood in the context of God's overall plan.
What should I ask a prophet according to Jeremiah 23:37?
According to Jeremiah 23:37, you should ask a prophet, 'What has the LORD answered you?' and 'What has the LORD said?' These questions are designed to elicit clear communication about God's messages and guidance, helping you to discern His will more effectively.

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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