Jeremiah 29:31 Meaning and Explanation
“Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the LORD concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God repudiates Shemaiah, declaring He never sent him and that Shemaiah caused the exiles to trust in lies.
The Context of Jeremiah 29:31
God disowns Shemaiah and declares his prophecies are lies.
What Does Jeremiah 29:31 Mean?
God's response is direct and clear: Shemaiah is not God's prophet. God did not send him. More than that, Shemaiah's entire project is rooted in lies—he has caused the exiles to trust in false hopes. His words are not merely opinions or alternative perspectives; they are lies that undermine God's true purpose.
By publicly repudiating Shemaiah through Jeremiah, God vindicates His true word. The exiles now have God's explicit judgment on who is speaking truth and who is deceiving them. The contrast between false hope and true word is made unmistakable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeremiah 29:31
What does Jeremiah 29:31 mean?
God repudiates Shemaiah, declaring He never sent him and that Shemaiah caused the exiles to trust in lies.
What is the context of Jeremiah 29:31?
God disowns Shemaiah and declares his prophecies are lies.