Old Testament
Jeremiah 27:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Jeremiah 27:14, God warns the people of Judah not to listen to false prophets who claim that they will not have to serve the king of Babylon.
- Author
- Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
- Written
- Around 600 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah before and during the Babylonian exile
Don't listen to the prophets who keep telling you, 'You won't have to serve the king of Babylon.' They are lying to you.
Therefore hearken not unto the words of the prophets that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Jeremiah 27:14, God warns the people of Judah not to listen to false prophets who claim that they will not have to serve the king of Babylon. These prophets are spreading lies, encouraging the people to resist Babylonian rule. God, through Jeremiah, emphasizes the importance of accepting the reality of their situation and the consequences of their actions. The message is clear: the people must submit to Babylonian authority as part of God's judgment for their disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder that not all messages claiming to be from God are true, and discernment is necessary to recognize genuine guidance. The people are urged to trust in God's plan, even when it seems difficult or contrary to what they want to hear. This passage highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will, illustrating the need for humility and acceptance of God's will in challenging times. Explore related deception.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Jeremiah 27:14 to your life
In today's context, we should be cautious about whom we listen to regarding spiritual guidance. Not all voices claiming to speak for God are truthful. It's essential to seek wisdom and discernment through prayer and scripture to understand God's will, especially in difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jeremiah 27:14 mean?
Jeremiah 27:14 warns the people of Judah against listening to false prophets who claim they will not have to serve Babylon. God is emphasizing the need for acceptance of their circumstances as part of His judgment.
What is the significance of false prophets in Jeremiah 27:14?
In Jeremiah 27:14, false prophets are significant because they mislead the people by denying the reality of Babylonian rule. This highlights the danger of believing messages that contradict God's truth.
What does the phrase 'you won't have to serve the king of Babylon' mean in Jeremiah 27:14?
The phrase 'you won't have to serve the king of Babylon' reflects the false hope given by prophets who deny the impending Babylonian dominance. It illustrates the conflict between God's judgment and the people's desire for freedom.
How does Jeremiah 27:14 relate to discernment in faith?
Jeremiah 27:14 emphasizes the need for discernment in faith by warning against trusting false prophets. It teaches that not all spiritual messages are true, urging believers to seek genuine guidance from God.

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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