Bible Strands
Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Yahweh addresses Israel through Jeremiah, pronouncing judgment following the declaration that a horrible and shocking thing has occurred in the land.
The words — The Hebrew niḇʾû (they have prophesied) and yirdû (they are ruling) denote the active, unauthorized speech of the prophets and the self-directed governance of the priests.
The thread — This pattern of unauthorized prophetic speech and priestly self-rule recurs in Ezekiel 13:6, Jeremiah 14:14, and Micah 2:11.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that institutional corruption persists when the people prefer comforting lies to divine authority, leaving the final judgment to God alone.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 13:6 They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message.
- Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds.
- Micah 2:11 If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people!
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,
- 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
- Deuteronomy 32:29 If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
- Isaiah 10:3 What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth?
- Ezekiel 22:14 Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will act.
- Zephaniah 2:2 before the decree takes effect and the day passes like chaff, before the burning anger of the LORD comes upon you, before the Day of the LORD’s anger comes upon you.