25 “I have (A)heard what the prophets have said who (B)prophesy falsely in My name, saying, ‘I had a (C)dream, I had a dream!’ 26 How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, these prophets of the (D)deceitfulness of their own heart, 27 who intend to (E)make My people forget My name by their dreams which they report to one another, just as their fathers (F)forgot My name because of Baal? 28 The prophet who has a dream may report his dream, but let him who has (G)My word speak My word truthfully. (H)What does straw have in common with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is My word not like (I)fire?” declares the Lord, “and like a (J)hammer which shatters a rock? 30 Therefore behold, (K)I am against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who steal My words from each other. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who [a]use their tongues and declare, ‘The Lord declares!’ 32 Behold, I am against those who have prophesied (L)false dreams,” declares the Lord, “and reported them and led My people astray by their lies and (M)reckless boasting; yet (N)I did not send them nor command them, nor do they (O)provide this people the slightest benefit,” declares the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 23:31 Lit take

25 “I’ve heard what the prophets who prophesy lies in my name have said: ‘I had a dream; I had a dream.’ 26 How long will this go on?[a] Is there anything[b] in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy lies, and who prophesy from the deceit that is in their hearts? 27 With their dreams that they relate to one another,[c] they plan to make my people forget my name just as their ancestors forgot my name by embracing[d] Baal. 28 Let the prophet who has a dream relate the dream, but let whoever receives my message[e] speak my message truthfully. What does straw have in common with wheat?” declares the Lord. 29 “My message is like fire or like a hammer that shatters rock, is it not?” declares the Lord.

30 “Therefore, look, I’m against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who steal my words from each other. 31 Look, I’m against the prophets,” declares the Lord, “who use their tongues to issue a declaration.[f] 32 Look, I’m against those who prophesy based on false dreams,” declares the Lord, “and relate them and lead my people astray with their lies and their recklessness. I didn’t send them; I didn’t command them, and they provide no benefit at all to these people,” declares the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 23:26 The Heb. lacks will this go on
  2. Jeremiah 23:26 The Heb. lacks anything
  3. Jeremiah 23:27 Lit. each to his colleague
  4. Jeremiah 23:27 The Heb. lacks embracing
  5. Jeremiah 23:28 Lit. my word is with him
  6. Jeremiah 23:31 I.e. a message that they claim came from God