Jeremiah 23:11 Meaning and Explanation
“For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Religious leaders themselves are spiritually corrupt and defiled.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:11
The corruption is not limited to laity but runs through religious leadership.
What Does Jeremiah 23:11 Mean?
Calling priests and prophets 'profane' (ḥānēp̱) is shocking because they should embody holiness. That God finds 'their wickedness' 'in my house'—the temple itself—shows the desecration is not hidden but brazen, at the very center of worship. This is not ignorance but deliberate corruption of sacred space.
The convergence of two groups—prophet and priest—indicates that both channels through which God's word should reach the people are poisoned. When those who speak God's word and lead God's worship become the corrupt ones, the entire spiritual foundation crumbles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:11
What does Jeremiah 23:11 mean?
Religious leaders themselves are spiritually corrupt and defiled.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:11?
The corruption is not limited to laity but runs through religious leadership.