Jeremiah 27:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 27:14 mean?

Jeremiah 27:14 warns the people not to listen to prophets who claim they will not have to serve the king of Babylon, because those prophets are not telling the truth. The verse makes clear that these reassuring messages are actually false prophecies.

In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah is speaking to the people of Judah during a time when Babylon is threatening their nation. Jeremiah tells them not to "hearken"—that is, not to pay attention—to prophets who say they will escape Babylonian rule. Instead, Jeremiah insists that these prophets are lying, and that their messages do not come from God but are misleading the people about what is really going to happen.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 27:14

• "hearken" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ): This word means to listen or pay attention, often with the sense of obedience. Here, Jeremiah is urging the people not just to ignore, but to actively reject the authority of the false prophets’ words.
• "prophesy" (נָבָא, navaʾ): This verb means to speak as a prophet or claim to deliver a message from God. Jeremiah highlights that these individuals are presenting themselves as true prophets, but their message is not from God.
• "lie" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means a deliberate falsehood or deception. Jeremiah is clear that the message of these prophets is not just mistaken, but intentionally false.

Why Jeremiah 27:14 matters

• Jeremiah 27:14 clarifies that not everyone who claims to speak for God is actually delivering a true message, especially when their words contradict what God has already revealed.
• The verse highlights the danger of listening to messages that sound comforting but are not grounded in truth, especially in times of crisis.
• In the wider context, this warning sets up the contrast between Jeremiah’s unpopular but truthful message and the popular but false assurances of other prophets, helping readers understand the tension in Judah at this time.