For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?

JEREMIAH 23:18KJV
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Jeremiah 23:18 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 23:18 mean?

Jeremiah 23:18 asks who has truly stood in the presence of the LORD to listen and pay close attention to His word. The verse challenges whether anyone has genuinely received and understood God’s message, not just heard it but carefully considered it.

The prophet Jeremiah is speaking to people in Judah, especially false prophets who claimed to speak for God. Jeremiah points out that these people have not actually been in God’s inner circle or received His true guidance. The verse underlines the difference between truly hearing from God and simply claiming to speak for Him.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:18

  • "counsel" (סוֹד, sôd): This word means a secret council or close, confidential meeting. It suggests an intimate setting where God reveals His plans, not just public teaching.
  • "marked" (קָשַׁב, qāshav): This word means to pay close attention or to listen carefully. Jeremiah is highlighting that it is not enough to hear God’s word; one must thoughtfully consider and understand it.

Why Jeremiah 23:18 matters

  • Jeremiah 23:18 exposes the difference between truly hearing from God and merely pretending to have His message, which is a key issue in the chapter’s warning against false prophets.
  • The verse emphasizes that real spiritual insight comes from being close to God and paying careful attention, not just from outward religious activity or position.
  • Understanding the use of "counsel" (sôd) shows that Jeremiah is talking about a deep, personal relationship with God, not just public knowledge or tradition.

Where else these words appear

“counsel” Hebrew H5475 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 64:2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:
  • Proverbs 20:19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

“marked” Hebrew H7181 · used in 45 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
  • Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
  • Isaiah 48:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: