Jeremiah 27:15 Meaning: Prophesying Lies in God's Name

The word “prophesy” here (nib’im) is the same term used for true prophecy, but the attached “falsely” (sheqer) changes everything. Sheqer means deception, betrayal, something that disappoints trust, not a simple error but a deliberate lie. These prophets knew they were not sent, yet they spoke in God’s name anyway. The verb “drive you out” (haddichi) means to banish or scatter, like someone who is thrust away from home. And “perish” (avad) carries the weight of complete ruin, being destroyed. Together these words paint a sobering picture: claiming God’s authority for a lie does not end well for anyone involved. It is a call to take seriously what we claim God has said.

Calvin saw this as a call to careful discernment: we must test every message that claims God’s name, because the devil has always used that disguise. Matthew Henry emphasized the sinfulness of covering a lie with God’s authority, a bolder transgression can hardly be imagined. Barnes noted that the false prophets found a ready hearing because Zedekiah was restless under Babylonian rule. Across Christian traditions, there is agreement that this passage warns against those who tell people what they want to hear instead of what God actually says.

Some think the false prophets were simply mistaken, well-meaning people who guessed wrong. In fact, the Hebrew word sheqer (“falsely”) implies deliberate deception and betrayal of trust. They knew God had not sent them, yet they used His name to give their lies authority. This is not a tragic error but a willful sin.

This week, when you hear someone say “God told me” or “the Bible says,” stop and check. Does it match the whole counsel of Scripture, or does it feel too comfortable, too easy? Be willing to embrace hard truths that call you to obedience, even when they cost you. The false prophets promised peace without repentance. True prophets sometimes called God’s people to surrender. Let that difference guide how you listen.