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⇱ Jeremiah 23:34 As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, 'This is the burden of the LORD,' I will punish that man and his household.

Bible > Jeremiah > Chapter 23 > Verse 34
◄ Jeremiah 23:34 ►
New International Version
If a prophet or a priest or anyone else claims, ‘This is a message from the LORD,’ I will punish them and their household.

New Living Translation
“If any prophet, priest, or anyone else says, ‘I have a prophecy from the LORD,’ I will punish that person along with his entire family.

English Standard Version
And as for the prophet, priest, or one of the people who says, ‘The burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

Berean Standard Bible
As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

King James Bible
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

New King James Version
“And as for the prophet and the priest and the people who say, ‘The oracle of the LORD!’ I will even punish that man and his house.

New American Standard Bible
Then as for the prophet or the priest or the people who say, ‘The pronouncement of the LORD,’ I will bring punishment upon that person and his household.

NASB 1995
“Then as for the prophet or the priest or the people who say, ‘The oracle of the LORD,’ I will bring punishment upon that man and his household.

NASB 1977
“Then as for the prophet or the priest or the people who say, ‘The oracle of the LORD,’ I shall bring punishment upon that man and his household.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then as for the prophet or the priest or the people who say, ‘The oracle of Yahweh,’ I will bring punishment upon that man and his household.

Amplified Bible
And as for the prophet, the priest, or [any of] the people, whoever says, ‘The oracle of the LORD,’ [as if he knows God’s will], I will punish that man and his household.

Christian Standard Bible
As for the prophet, priest, or people who say, ‘The burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
“As for the prophet, priest, or people who say, ‘The burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

American Standard Version
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of Jehovah, I will even punish that man and his house.

Contemporary English Version
If any of you say, "Here is news from the LORD," I will punish you and your families, even if you are a prophet or a priest.

English Revised Version
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Suppose the prophets, the priests, or these people say, 'This is the LORD's revelation!' I will punish them and their families.

Good News Translation
If any of my people or a prophet or a priest even uses the words 'the LORD's burden,' I will punish them and their families.

International Standard Version
"As for the prophet, the priest, or the people who say, 'I have an oracle of the LORD,' I'll judge that person and his household.

NET Bible
I will punish any prophet, priest, or other person who says "The LORD's message is burdensome." I will punish both that person and his whole family.'"

New Heart English Bible
As for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, who shall say, "The burden of the LORD," I will even punish that man and his house.

Webster's Bible Translation
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household.

World English Bible
As for the prophet, the priest, and the people, who say, ‘The message from Yahweh,’ I will even punish that man and his household.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“And the prophet, and the priest, and the people, "" That says, The burden of YHWH, "" I have seen after that man, and after his house.

Young's Literal Translation
And the prophet, and the priest, and the people, That saith, The burden of Jehovah, I have seen after that man, and after his house.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the prophet and the priest and the people which shall say, The burden of Jehovah, and I reviewed upon that man, and upon his house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people that shall say: The burden of the Lord: I will visit upon that man, and upon his house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people who say, ‘The burden of the Lord!’ I will visit upon that man and upon his house.

New American Bible
If a prophet or a priest or anyone else mentions “the burden of the LORD,” I will punish that man and his household.

New Revised Standard Version
And as for the prophet, priest, or the people who say, “The burden of the LORD,” I will punish them and their households.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as for the prophet or the priest or the people who shall speak the word of the LORD, I will punish that man and his house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a Prophet or a Priest or the people who will say, "The word of LORD JEHOVAH”, I shall adjudicate against that man and against his house
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say: 'The burden of the LORD', I will even punish that man and his house.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As for the prophet, and the priests, and the people, who shall say, The burden of the Lord, I will even take vengeance on that man, and on his house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
False Oracles
33“Now when this people or a prophet or priest asks you, ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ you are to say to them, ‘What burden? I will forsake you, declares the LORD.’ 34As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ I will punish that man and his household. 35This is what each man is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 18:20
But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.”

Ezekiel 13:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.

Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Zechariah 13:3
And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
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. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Micah 3:5
This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

Isaiah 30:10
They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Hosea 9:7
The days of punishment have come; the days of retribution have arrived—let Israel know it. The prophet is called a fool, and the inspired man insane, because of the greatness of your iniquity and hostility.

Matthew 24:11
and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.

Revelation 19:20
But the beast was captured along with the false prophet, who on its behalf had performed signs deceiving those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.


Jeremiah 23:2
Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

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Jeremiah 23
1. He prophesies a restoration of the scattered flock.
5. Christ shall rule and save them.
9. Against false prophets;
33. and mockers of the true prophets.














As for the prophet or priest or anyone who claims,
This phrase addresses the religious leaders of Israel, specifically prophets and priests, who were expected to guide the people in truth. In the historical context of Jeremiah, many prophets and priests were leading the people astray with false messages. The role of a prophet or priest was significant in Israelite society, as they were seen as intermediaries between God and the people. This highlights the gravity of their responsibility and the severity of their misconduct.

‘This is the burden of the LORD,’
The term "burden" refers to a prophetic message, often one of judgment or warning. In Jeremiah's time, false prophets were using this phrase to lend authority to their own words, misleading the people by claiming divine origin for their messages. This misuse of the phrase indicates a deep corruption within the religious leadership, as they were exploiting their positions for personal gain or influence, rather than faithfully conveying God's true messages.

I will punish that man and his household.
God's declaration of punishment underscores His intolerance for false prophecy and the misuse of His name. The inclusion of "his household" indicates that the consequences of false prophecy extend beyond the individual to affect their family, reflecting the communal nature of sin and its repercussions in ancient Israelite culture. This also serves as a warning to others about the seriousness of claiming divine authority falsely. The punishment aligns with the broader biblical theme of divine justice, where God holds individuals accountable for leading others astray, as seen in other scriptures like Deuteronomy 18:20-22.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeremiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, called by God to deliver messages of warning and hope to the people of Judah.

2. Prophets and Priests
Religious leaders in ancient Israel who were responsible for conveying God's messages and leading the people in worship.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature.

4. The People of Judah
The audience of Jeremiah's prophecies, often straying from God's commands and facing impending judgment.

5. The Burden of the LORD
A phrase used to describe a prophetic message, often one of judgment or warning.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Misrepresenting God
Misusing God's name or claiming false messages in His name is a grave offense. It leads to divine punishment, emphasizing the need for integrity and truthfulness in spiritual leadership.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment and test the messages they hear against the truth of Scripture. This requires a deep understanding of God's Word and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Accountability in Leadership
Spiritual leaders are held to a high standard and are accountable not only for their actions but also for the influence they have on others. This calls for humility and a commitment to faithfully represent God's truth.

The Impact of False Teachings
False teachings can lead entire households and communities astray. It is crucial to guard against such influences and to seek sound doctrine.

The Role of the Community
The community of believers plays a role in holding leaders accountable and ensuring that teachings align with Scripture. This involves active participation and vigilance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 23:34?

2. How does Jeremiah 23:34 warn against falsely claiming "the burden of the LORD"?

3. What consequences does God declare for false prophets in Jeremiah 23:34?

4. How can we discern true prophecy today, based on Jeremiah 23:34?

5. Connect Jeremiah 23:34 with Deuteronomy 18:20 on false prophecy consequences.

6. How should believers respond to false teachings, considering Jeremiah 23:34?

7. What does Jeremiah 23:34 reveal about false prophets and their consequences?

8. How does Jeremiah 23:34 challenge the authority of religious leaders?

9. What historical context influenced the message of Jeremiah 23:34?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Jeremiah 23?

11. How does God's guidance through the ephod in 1 Samuel 23 contrast with other Old Testament passages that emphasize prophets rather than priestly objects for divine messages?

12. Jeremiah 23:11-12: Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or refute the portrayal of corrupt prophets and priests in Jeremiah's era?

13. In Jeremiah 2:8, why do historical records and other biblical accounts seemingly fail to mention the prophets and priests abandoning the Lord so decisively?

14. Ezekiel 34:2 - How can we verify historically or archaeologically that corrupt leaders were truly the 'shepherds' described here?
What Does Jeremiah 23:34 Mean
As for the prophet or priest or anyone

Jeremiah 23:34 begins by sweeping every level of spiritual influence into view—prophets, priests, and “anyone.”

• God holds every voice that speaks for Him to the same standard (James 3:1).

• Whether you wear the prophetic mantle like Elijah or serve daily in the temple like a priest, your title does not shield you from accountability (Malachi 2:1-2).

• Even “anyone,” the ordinary person who presumes spiritual authority, stands before the same Judge (Numbers 16:3).

Cross-reference: Deuteronomy 18:18-20 reminds Israel that genuine spokesmen must faithfully reflect the Lord’s words, or face death.

who claims,

The focus narrows to speech—what a person “claims.”

• Words shape destinies; Proverbs 18:21 calls the tongue a dispenser of life or death.

• False claims are more than mistakes; they are deliberate misrepresentations of God (Jeremiah 14:14).

• Pretending divine endorsement turns personal opinion into a spiritual snare for listeners (Ezekiel 13:6-7).

Cross-reference: 1 John 4:1 commands believers to “test the spirits,” precisely because anyone can claim inspiration.

‘This is the burden of the LORD,’

“Burden” (oracle) was a recognized prophetic label. In Jeremiah’s day it had become a slogan for credibility.

• Instead of a genuine message of warning or comfort, people used the phrase as spiritual window dressing (Jeremiah 23:36).

• Repetition of holy language without holy content profanes God’s name (Exodus 20:7).

• The Lord refuses to let His reputation be hijacked for personal agendas (Isaiah 42:8).

Cross-reference: Micah 3:11 indicts leaders who divine “for money” yet claim, “Is not the LORD among us?”

I will punish that man and his household.

Judgment is personal yet also reaches the sphere the speaker influences—his household.

• False teaching spreads through families and communities; God’s response stops the contagion (Numbers 16:31-33).

• Household consequences underscore that private sin rarely stays private (Joshua 7:24-25).

• Divine punishment is both corrective and protective, guarding the flock from wolves (Matthew 7:15; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

Cross-reference: Jeremiah 20:6 announces a similar verdict on Pashhur, whose entire household goes into captivity for prophetic lies.

summary

Jeremiah 23:34 draws a hard line: if you speak for God, you must speak God’s truth. Title, training, or popularity cannot insulate the prophet, priest, or layperson who fabricates a “burden of the LORD.” Because false claims distort God’s character and mislead His people, He promises direct and decisive punishment that extends to the offender’s household. The verse challenges every believer to handle God’s Word reverently, test every supposed revelation, and value integrity in ministry, knowing the Lord jealously guards His name and His flock.

(34) That shall say, The burden of the Lord.--The language thus put into the mouths of the false prophets is not that of derision, but of boastful assumption. It is for that the boaster will, in due time, be punished.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As for the prophet
וְהַנָּבִ֤יא (wə·han·nā·ḇî)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

[or] priest
וְהַכֹּהֵן֙ (wə·hak·kō·hên)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

[or] anyone
וְהָעָ֔ם (wə·hā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

claims,
יֹאמַ֖ר (yō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘This is the oracle
מַשָּׂ֣א (maś·śā)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire

of the LORD,’
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

I will punish
וּפָקַדְתִּ֛י (ū·p̄ā·qaḏ·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

that
הַה֖וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

man
הָאִ֥ישׁ (hā·’îš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

and his household.
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT Prophets: Jeremiah 23:34 As for the prophet and the priest (Jer.)