Jeremiah 23:18 Meaning and Explanation
“For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The false prophets lack the true experience of God's word; they have not stood before Him.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:18
God questions the prophets' credibility by asking if they have genuine access to His word.
What Does Jeremiah 23:18 Mean?
To 'stand in the counsel of the LORD' is to be present when God reveals His word—the experience of true prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. To 'perceive and hear his word' and then 'mark his word and hear it' emphasizes the total engagement required: paying attention, listening carefully, receiving fully.
God's question is rhetorical. The false prophets have not had this encounter. They invent without having heard; they speak with authority they do not possess. This verse is the ultimate test of a true prophet: can they point to genuine experience of God's presence and word?
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:18
What does Jeremiah 23:18 mean?
The false prophets lack the true experience of God's word; they have not stood before Him.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:18?
God questions the prophets' credibility by asking if they have genuine access to His word.