Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours' wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.

JEREMIAH 29:23KJV
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Jeremiah 29:23 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 29:23 mean?

Jeremiah 29:23 says that certain people in Israel have done shameful things—committing adultery with their neighbors’ wives and falsely claiming to speak for God. God declares that He knows what they have done and personally testifies as a witness against them.

In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to warn about false prophets among the exiles in Babylon. These men have not only broken moral laws by committing adultery but have also lied in God’s name, pretending He gave them messages He did not. God’s statement that He knows and is a witness shows His personal involvement and authority in judging their actions.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 29:23

  • "Villany" (נְבָלָה, nevalah) means disgraceful or shameful conduct, often used for acts that deeply violate community standards, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions.
  • "Adultery" (נָאַף, na’af) specifically refers to sexual unfaithfulness, highlighting that their wrongdoing is both personal and relational, not just spiritual.
  • "Lying" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer) means falsehood or deception, pointing out that their claims to speak for God were deliberate lies, not mistakes.
  • "Witness" (עֵד, ed) means someone who testifies to what they have seen or know, stressing that God Himself is not relying on hearsay—He has firsthand knowledge of their guilt.

Why Jeremiah 29:23 matters

  • This verse makes clear that God sees both public and private wrongdoing, and that religious leaders are not above His judgment.
  • Jeremiah 29:23 connects to the wider chapter’s warnings against false prophets who mislead the people during a time of crisis, showing that God holds them accountable for both moral and spiritual corruption.
  • The verse clarifies that claiming to speak for God is a serious matter; God Himself will expose and judge those who misuse His name.

Where else these words appear

“villany” Hebrew H5039 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 34:7 And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done.
  • Judges 19:24 Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.
  • 2 Samuel 13:12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly.

“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.

“witness” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

“lying” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;