I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

JEREMIAH 23:14KJV
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Jeremiah 23:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 23:14 mean?

Jeremiah 23:14 describes how God has seen terrible things among the prophets in Jerusalem: they commit adultery, tell lies, encourage wrongdoers, and prevent people from turning away from evil. God compares these prophets and the people of Jerusalem to Sodom and Gomorrah, cities known for their extreme wickedness.

In this verse, Jeremiah is speaking God's message to the people of Judah, specifically calling out the prophets in Jerusalem for their corruption. The verse highlights not only their personal sins but also how their actions influence others to continue in wrongdoing. By comparing them to Sodom and Gomorrah, Jeremiah emphasizes the seriousness of their behavior and the coming judgment.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:14

  • "seen" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means to observe or witness directly. God is not acting on rumors but on what He has clearly seen among the prophets.
  • "adultery" (נָאַף, na'af): This word refers to both literal unfaithfulness in marriage and, often in the prophets, spiritual unfaithfulness—turning away from God to other things.
  • "strengthen" (חָזַק, chazaq) and "hands" (יָד, yad): Together, these words mean to give support or encouragement. The prophets are not just passive; they actively help those doing evil to keep doing it.
  • "Sodom" (סְדֹם, Sedom) and "Gomorrah" (עֲמֹרָה, Amorah): These cities symbolize complete moral failure and divine judgment. The comparison is meant to show just how far the prophets and people have fallen.

Why Jeremiah 23:14 matters

  • Jeremiah 23:14 clears up the idea that religious leaders are always trustworthy by showing that even prophets in Jerusalem could become deeply corrupt.
  • The verse emphasizes that the actions of leaders have a powerful effect on the whole community, either turning people toward good or, as here, supporting evil.
  • By linking the prophets to Sodom and Gomorrah, Jeremiah connects their behavior to a well-known example of judgment, warning the people of Jerusalem about the seriousness of their situation.

Where else these words appear

“thing” Hebrew H8186 · used in 4 verses

  • Jeremiah 5:30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
  • Jeremiah 18:13 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing.
  • Hosea 6:10 I have seen an horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the whoredom of Ephraim, Israel is defiled.

“Gomorrah” Hebrew H6017 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 18:20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
  • Isaiah 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

“adultery” Hebrew H5003 · used in 26 verses

  • Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
  • Jeremiah 3:8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
  • Ezekiel 16:38 And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

“Sodom” Hebrew H5467 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 18:16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
  • Isaiah 3:9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves.