Jeremiah 29:21
Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, which prophesy a lie unto you in my name; Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;
Jeremiah 29:21 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Jeremiah is a stern warning to those who falsely prophesy in the name of the Lord. Ahab and Zedekiah were two individuals who had deceived the people by claiming to speak on behalf of God when in reality, they were spreading lies. The Lord, in His righteous judgement, declares that he will deliver these false prophets into the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who will execute them in front of the people. This serves as a powerful reminder that the Lord will not tolerate deception and falsehood in His name. It underscores the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones and the consequences that await those who lead others astray. This verse also highlights the sovereignty of God, who holds ultimate authority over all kingdoms and rulers, even using them as instruments to carry out His justice.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from Jeremiah, we see a clear warning from the Lord to the false prophets, Ahab and Zedekiah, who were deceiving the people in God's name. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" emphasizes the authority of God's word being proclaimed. The names of the false prophets are mentioned as a way to call them out specifically for their deceitful actions. The mention of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, signifies that God's judgment will come in the form of defeat and death at the hands of their enemies. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of spreading lies in the name of God and the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones.
Jeremiah 29:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie unto you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;
World English Bible
Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and he shall kill them before your eyes;
Douay-Rheims
Thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel, to Achab the son of Colias, and to Sedecias the son of Maasias, who prophesy unto you in my name falsely: Behold I will deliver them up into the hands of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon: and he shall kill them before your eyes.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus saith the Lord of hostes, the God of Israel, of Ahab the sonne of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the sonne of Maaseiah, which prophecie lyes vnto you in my Name, Beholde, I will deliuer them into the hande of Nebuchad-nezzar King of Babel, and he shall slay them before your eyes.