Jeremiah 23:30 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →False prophets plagiarize and misuse God's actual words.
The Context of Jeremiah 23:30
God identifies a specific category of false prophets: those who misappropriate Scripture.
What Does Jeremiah 23:30 Mean?
'Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.' This describes prophets who take true words of God (perhaps from genuine prophets or from earlier Scripture) and present them in a false context or with a false claim of originality and authority. 'Steal' indicates violation and theft.
This is a more subtle form of false prophecy than pure invention: it uses God's actual words but removes them from their true meaning and context. Like a coin stolen and spent in the wrong jurisdiction, God's words are made worthless through misapplication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 23:30
What does Jeremiah 23:30 mean?
False prophets plagiarize and misuse God's actual words.
What is the context of Jeremiah 23:30?
God identifies a specific category of false prophets: those who misappropriate Scripture.