Jeremiah 23:31 Meaning: When We Claim God Said What We Want
Behold, I am against the prophets,” says Yahweh, “who use their tongues, and say, ‘He says.’
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.
Lo, I am against the prophets, An affirmation of Jehovah, Who are making smooth their tongue, And they affirm--an affirmation.
Behold, I am against the prophets, saith Jehovah, that use their tongues, and say, He hath said.
Meaning in one sentence
God warns against prophets who use their own words and attach His name. This verse calls us to handle God's truth with honesty and humility.
Context
Jeremiah 23 reads like a courtroom. God has a case against the prophets who were supposed to speak for Him. Just before this verse, He accuses them of stealing His words from one another (v.30). Here in v.31 He names a second crime: they take their own tongues and say “He says.” They have no message from heaven, only their own ideas dressed in the language of prophecy. The chapter contrasts the true word of God, which is like fire and a hammer that breaks rock (v.29), with smooth, stolen, and self-made messages that lead the people astray. Jeremiah was surrounded by men who claimed to speak for God but never consulted Him.
Key Words
The Hebrew verb behind “use” is laqach, “to take.” These prophets take their tongue as if it were a tool they own. The word suggests grabbing something and making it yours, pulling it out of your pocket. They do not receive a message from God; they produce one from themselves. And the word for “say” here is na’am, a technical term for pronouncing an oracle, the formula that usually introduces a direct word from the Lord: “The utterance of Yahweh.” So they take their own words and stamp them with God’s seal. The contrast with verse 29 is sharp: God’s word is fire and a crushing hammer. Their word is just tongue, human talk with a divine label. It is a warning for anyone who has ever been tempted to say “God told me” when really they only want what they want.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have understood the phrase “take their tongue” in different ways. Calvin noted that some interpreters read it as “smooth their tongue”, flattering the people to gain popularity and income. Others, like the Geneva Bible, see “sweete tongues” that speak pleasing lies. Another reading, also mentioned by Calvin, is that they “raise their tongue”, boasting arrogantly as if they had direct authority from heaven. Whatever the exact nuance, all traditions agree on the core: these prophets used speech to claim God’s endorsement for their own inventions. The sin is not in speaking boldly for God, but in speaking for God when He has not spoken.
A common misunderstanding
Some think this verse only warns about ancient false prophets in Jeremiah’s day. In fact, it exposes a temptation every believer faces. When we say “God told me” about a decision, or “The Bible clearly says” about a disputable matter, we can be taking our own tongue and calling it His. The verse is not just history, it is a mirror.
Living This Out
This week, before you say “God said” or “The Lord led me,” pause. Ask yourself: did I hear this from Scripture, or is it my own desire dressed in spiritual language? In a conversation where you are tempted to claim divine authority for your opinion, try honesty instead: “I think this is wise,” or “I feel strongly about this.” Leave room for God to be God. The prophets in Jeremiah used God’s name to strengthen their own position. You can trust that God’s real word, the truth He has already spoken in Scripture, stands on its own. It does not need our help or our embellishment.
Main takeaway: God knows when we use our own words and pretend they are His, and He calls us to speak His truth faithfully.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
The Bible tells us not to say God said something if He didn’t. It’s like using God’s name to get what you want. Instead, we can learn what God really says by reading His Word together.
For ages 9, 12
These prophets used their tongues to claim God’s authority for their own ideas. It’s easy to do the same. When you want something, it’s tempting to say “God told me” or “God wants this.” But Jeremiah 23:31 reminds us that God sees through that. He wants us to speak His truth faithfully. If you’re unsure what God says, it’s better to say “I think” than to pretend God spoke. God honors honesty. This week, try to notice when you are tempted to attach God’s name to your opinion.
Questions People Ask
What does 'use their tongues' mean in Jeremiah 23:31?
The Hebrew verb is laqach, meaning 'to take.' These prophets took their tongue like a tool, producing a message from themselves rather than receiving it from God. They then stamped that message with the divine formula 'He says,' pretending God had spoken. It is a strong warning against using religious speech to promote our own ideas.
Does Jeremiah 23:31 apply to Christians today?
Yes. While we are not prophets in the Old Testament sense, the principle remains: we should not claim God said something He did not say. When we say 'God told me' about a personal decision or 'The Bible clearly says' on a disputable matter, we risk the same sin. The verse calls us to humility and honesty in how we speak about God's will.
Why is God 'against' these prophets?
God is against them because they misuse His name and lead His people astray. They claim divine authority for their own words, which confuses the people and dishonors God. He takes His reputation seriously and will not tolerate those who speak falsely in His name, especially when it harms His people.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study