Old Testament
Jeremiah 29:8
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The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, also says: "Don't let the prophets and fortune-tellers among you deceive you, and don't pay attention to the dreams you encourage them to have.
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For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.
What Jeremiah 29:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God warns the exiled Israelites not to be misled by false prophets and diviners who claim to speak on His behalf. These individuals may offer comforting messages or predictions that are not aligned with God's true intentions. The Israelites are encouraged to be cautious about the dreams and visions they promote, as these can lead them away from God's actual plans for their future. Instead of relying on these deceptive messages, they should seek genuine guidance from God. This warning emphasizes the importance of discernment and the need to stay grounded in God's truth, especially during challenging times when hope may seem distant.
How to apply Jeremiah 29:8 to your life
In our lives, we should be wary of messages that sound good but do not align with God's word. It's essential to seek wisdom from the Bible and trusted spiritual leaders rather than relying on popular opinions or dreams. Staying grounded in God's truth helps us navigate life's challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Jeremiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jeremiah's story: A Letter to the Exiles (Jeremiah 29:1–14)
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Jeremiah
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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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 29:8 mean?
Jeremiah 29:8 warns the Israelites in exile not to be misled by false prophets and diviners who claim to speak for God. It emphasizes the need for discernment and encourages them to seek genuine guidance from God instead of relying on deceptive messages.
What is the warning in Jeremiah 29:8?
The warning in Jeremiah 29:8 is against being deceived by false prophets and the dreams they promote. God advises the Israelites to be cautious and not to trust messages that do not align with His true intentions.
What does 'false prophets' mean in Jeremiah 29:8?
In Jeremiah 29:8, 'false prophets' refers to individuals who falsely claim to speak on God's behalf, offering misleading messages that do not reflect God's actual plans for His people.
How can we apply Jeremiah 29:8 today?
We can apply Jeremiah 29:8 by being cautious of messages that sound appealing but do not align with the Bible. It's important to seek wisdom from Scripture and trusted spiritual leaders rather than popular opinions.
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