Old Testament

Jeremiah 28:17

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ClearClear Bible Translation

Hananiah the prophet died that same year, in the 7th month.

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KJVKing James Version

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

What Jeremiah 28:17 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In Jeremiah 28:17, we learn about the death of Hananiah, a prophet who had previously opposed Jeremiah's message. Hananiah had falsely prophesied that the Babylonian exile would end soon, which was a comforting but misleading message to the people of Judah. His death in the seventh month of the same year serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of speaking against God's true word. It highlights the seriousness of prophetic responsibility and the importance of discerning true prophecy from falsehood. Hananiah's demise underscores that God holds His messengers accountable for their words, especially when they lead others astray. This event also reinforces the theme of divine judgment and the fulfillment of God's plans, as Jeremiah had warned that the exile would last longer than Hananiah claimed. The timing of Hananiah's death serves as a divine confirmation of Jeremiah's true prophecy, illustrating that God's word prevails over human opinions and desires.

How to apply Jeremiah 28:17 to your life

This verse encourages us to be cautious about the messages we accept and share. It reminds us to seek truth and discernment in spiritual matters, ensuring that our beliefs align with God's word. We should also be aware of the consequences of misleading others with false information.

Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary

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A painting of the prophet Hananiah taking the wooden yoke from Jeremiah's neck and breaking it, as the people watch

Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: The Yoke (Jeremiah 28:1–17)

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Jeremiah

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

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Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

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At a Glance — the Book of Jeremiah

Author
Jeremiah the prophet, with Baruch
Written
Around 600 BC
Genre
Prophecy
Original Audience
Judah before and during the Babylonian exile

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Jeremiah 28:17 mean?

Jeremiah 28:17 reports the death of Hananiah, a prophet who falsely claimed that the Babylonian exile would end soon. His death serves as a warning about the consequences of speaking against God's true message.

What themes are present in Jeremiah 28:17?

Key themes in Jeremiah 28:17 include prophecy, the danger of false prophets, divine judgment, and the importance of truth. The verse emphasizes the need for discernment in spiritual matters.

How does Jeremiah 28:17 relate to the concept of false prophets?

Jeremiah 28:17 illustrates the consequences faced by false prophets like Hananiah, who mislead people with comforting but inaccurate messages. It serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's true word.

What lesson can we learn from Jeremiah 28:17?

The lesson from Jeremiah 28:17 is to be cautious about the messages we accept and share. It encourages seeking truth and discernment to avoid spreading false information.

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