They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

JEREMIAH 23:17KJV
Know the Bible

Jeremiah 23:17 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 23:17 mean?

Jeremiah 23:17 describes how certain people were falsely assuring those who rejected God that everything would be peaceful and safe for them, even though they were following their own stubborn desires. The verse highlights that these misleading voices promised security and denied any coming trouble, despite the people's disregard for God's ways.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking about false prophets in Judah who tell those who "despise" God that the LORD has promised peace. These false prophets also reassure anyone who follows their own heart's imagination that no harm will come to them. The context is a warning against listening to leaders who comfort people in their rebellion, rather than calling them back to faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:17

  • "Despise" (נָאַץ, nā’ats) means to treat with contempt or to reject. The verse points out that these reassurances are given even to those openly rejecting God, showing the depth of the false prophets' deception.
  • "Imagination" (שְׁרִרוּת, sherirut) refers to stubbornness or the inclinations of one's own heart. Here, it emphasizes that people are being told they can safely follow their own stubborn desires without consequence.
  • "Peace" (שָׁלוֹם, shalom) means more than just the absence of conflict; it often refers to well-being or wholeness. The false prophets are promising a deep sense of security that is not actually grounded in God's message.
  • "Evil" (רָעָה, ra‘ah) means harm or disaster. The verse stresses that the false prophets are denying any threat of coming judgment or trouble, which is misleading the people.

Why Jeremiah 23:17 matters

  • Jeremiah 23:17 clears up the misunderstanding that God automatically promises peace and safety to everyone, regardless of their actions or attitudes toward Him.
  • The verse reveals the danger of listening to leaders who tell people only what they want to hear, rather than the truth, especially when it comes to spiritual matters.
  • In the wider context of Jeremiah 23, this verse highlights the contrast between true and false prophets, showing how misleading messages can keep people from recognizing the need to change their ways.

Where else these words appear

“imagination” Hebrew H8307 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
  • Jeremiah 7:24 But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.
  • Jeremiah 13:10 This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing.

“despise” Hebrew H5006 · used in 24 verses

  • Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
  • Psalms 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
  • Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: