Definition: Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 14:14. It’s a really important passage that speaks to the role of prophets and their potential for causing trouble. Here's a simplified explanation: Core Idea: The verse is saying that the prophets, in their messaging, are intentionally misleading people. They aren’t truly speaking on God’s behalf; they’re creating a false narrative and leading people astray with deception. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The LORD said unto me…” : This establishes Jeremiah as receiving this message from God. It emphasizes that the truth is coming from a higher source. “…the prophets prophesy lies in my name…” : This is the key part. The prophets are pretending to speak for God, but they’re actually saying things that aren't true and aren't aligned with God’s will. It’s like someone pretending to be a doctor when they don’t have the qualifications! “I sent them not, neither have I commanded them…” : This is crucial. The prophets are not being guided or instructed by God. They’re acting independently. They're not working for God; they're creating their own messages. “…neither spake unto them…” : They didn't speak to the people, they were speaking to them. “they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination…” : This is where it gets really serious. They’re presenting a false picture of things – a “vision” (an idea or understanding) that isn't based on God’s truth. It's like they’re offering a misleading view of the world. “and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.” : This is the most impactful part. "Nought" means nothing. “Deceit” means dishonesty or trickery. The prophets are creating something that is empty , pointless, and built on lies. Their hearts are filled with deception. In essence, Jeremiah is warning us about the danger of false prophets. They can manipulate people with their words, leading them down paths of wrongness and causing harm to society. Why is this important? Jeremiah wrote this as a warning to the people of Judah, especially during a time of great political instability and spiritual crisis. He was concerned that the prophets were becoming corrupt and using their power to sow discord and deception. Does this mean we should just ignore them? No! This verse is a call to be discerning. It’s important to: Question what they say: Don't blindly accept everything they tell you. Seek God's Word: Rely on the Bible as your ultimate source of truth and guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this concept applies today?