Jeremiah 23:31

31 I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the LORD !’

Jeremiah 23:31 Meaning and Commentary

Jeremiah 23:31

Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the Lord
Not another sort of prophets distinct from the former, or those that follow; but the same under another character, and against whom he was, and set his face on another occasion; that use their tongues;
at their pleasure, their lips being their own. So the Targum,

``who prophesy according to the will of their own hearts;''
talk in a haughty and insolent manner, speaking bold and daring things of the divine Being; or in a boasting bragging manner, extolling themselves, and speaking highly in their own commendations; or rather in a flattering way to the people: so some read it, by a transposition of a radical letter F18, "that smooth their tongues", as Kimchi; or speak smooth things with their tongues, to please the people: and say, he saith;
that is, "the Lord", as the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions express it; that so they, night be the more easily believed by the people; but this was highly provoking to God, to father their lies and falsehoods upon him.
FOOTNOTES:

F18 (Myxqwlh) "hic pro" (Myqylxmh) "qui lenificant linguam suam", Pagninus, Gataker; "sumentes blandam linguan suam", Schmidt.

Jeremiah 23:31 In-Context

29 Does not my word burn like fire?” says the LORD . “Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?
30 “Therefore,” says the LORD, “I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me.
31 I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the LORD !’
32 I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people. I, the LORD, have spoken!
33 “Suppose one of the people or one of the prophets or priests asks you, ‘What prophecy has the LORD burdened you with now?’ You must reply, ‘You are the burden! The LORD says he will abandon you!’
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.