And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 23:33KJV
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Jeremiah 23:33 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 23:33 mean?

Jeremiah 23:33 shows God instructing Jeremiah on how to respond when people, prophets, or priests sarcastically ask about “the burden of the LORD.” God tells Jeremiah to answer that there is no “burden,” and instead, God will abandon them because of their attitude. The verse highlights God’s rejection of those who treat His message with contempt.

In this setting, God is speaking to Jeremiah, warning him about people—especially religious leaders—who mockingly ask about God’s message (called “burden” in the text). The word “burden” here refers to a prophetic message, often one of warning or judgment. The people’s disrespectful attitude leads God to declare that He will “forsake” them, showing the seriousness of treating God’s words lightly.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 23:33

  • “Burden” (מַשָּׂא, massa’): This word means a prophetic message, often one that is heavy or difficult. The people’s sarcastic use of it shows they are tired of Jeremiah’s warnings and are mocking God’s word.
  • “Forsake” (נָטַשׁ, natash): This word means to abandon or leave behind. God’s use of it here is a strong statement that He will withdraw His presence and protection from those who scorn His message.
  • “People” (עָם, ‘am), “prophet” (נָבִיא, navi’), “priest” (כֹּהֵן, kohen): These words show that not just ordinary people, but also religious leaders, are included in this warning, emphasizing how widespread the disrespect for God’s word had become.

Why Jeremiah 23:33 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that God’s warnings can be taken lightly or mocked without consequence; God responds seriously to contempt for His message.
  • Jeremiah 23:33 emphasizes that even religious leaders are not exempt from accountability when they disrespect God’s word, highlighting the depth of the nation’s spiritual problem.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where God rebukes false prophets and those who misuse spiritual language, showing that God values sincerity and reverence in how people receive His word.

Where else these words appear

“forsake” Hebrew H5203 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
  • 1 Samuel 30:16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.
  • Isaiah 16:8 For the fields of Heshbon languish, and the vine of Sibmah: the lords of the heathen have broken down the principal plants thereof, they are come even unto Jazer, they wandered through the wilderness: her branches are stretched out, they are gone over the sea.

“burden” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 22:25 In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.