Jeremiah 23:14
I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
Jeremiah 23:14 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah is a powerful condemnation of the prophets of Jerusalem. The prophet here is denouncing the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem for their corrupt and sinful behavior. The verse mentions the prophets committing adultery, walking in lies, and supporting evildoers, thus preventing anyone from turning away from their wickedness. This imagery of adultery and lies emphasizes the betrayal of trust and deceitful practices of these prophets. By allowing evil to flourish and not guiding people towards righteousness, the prophets are likened to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, known for their extreme wickedness and moral decadence in the Bible. This comparison underscores the severity of the prophets' actions and warns against the consequences of their deceit and betrayal. Overall, this verse serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophets and the importance of staying true to God's teachings.
Theological Overview
In this verse, God is expressing his dismay and disapproval towards the prophets of Jerusalem who have turned away from Him and engaged in immoral and sinful behavior. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals God's righteous anger towards those who claim to speak on His behalf but instead lead others astray. The imagery of adultery symbolizes the prophets' unfaithfulness to God, while the walking in lies represents their deceitful ways. By strengthening the hands of evildoers, the prophets are enabling sin to flourish without consequences, further leading people away from repentance. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the severity of their actions and the impending judgment that awaits them. This verse serves as a cautionary tale against false prophets and the importance of staying true to God's commandments. It reminds readers to be vigilant in discerning true from false teachings and to always seek righteousness in their actions.
Jeremiah 23:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
In the prophets of Jerusalem also I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies; and they strengthen the hands of evil-doers, so that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them become unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.
World English Bible
In the prophets of Jerusalem also I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies; and they strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one returns from his wickedness: they have all become to me as Sodom, and its inhabitants as Gomorrah.
Douay-Rheims
And I have seen the likeness of adulterers, and the way of lying in the prophets of Jerusalem: and they strengthened the hands of the wicked, that no man should return from his evil doings, they are all become unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrha.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I haue seene also in the prophets of Ierusalem filthines: they commit adulterie and walke in lies: they strengthen also the hands of the wicked that none can returne from his wickednesse: they are all vnto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorah.