Definition: I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Jeremiah 23:25. It's a really complex verse, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about doubt and disbelief . It says that the prophet Jeremiah was saying that he (Jeremiah) was speaking truth – that he was prophesying (speaking out loud) about something that wasn't real. He believed that his words were false. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “I have heard what the prophets said…” : This tells us we're talking about a specific prophecy being made. “…that prophesy lies in my name…” : This is the key part. "Prophecy" means speaking or declaring something that is true, but it’s also about predicting the future. The prophet was saying his words were not actually happening. He felt like he was creating a prophecy. “…saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.” : This is a bit more figurative. “Dreamed” here means to imagine something that isn’t real. The prophet was claiming he had imagined the future and was making it into reality. What's the Big Picture? Jeremiah is writing during a time of great political turmoil in Israel. The king, Josiah, had been abandoning the covenant (a promise) between God and his people. Jeremiah’s prophecy accuses the king of breaking this covenant and causing suffering for the Israelites. He's essentially saying that the king's words are empty and meaningless because they aren’t based on real truth or a genuine commitment to God. Why is this important? This verse highlights a crucial point about faith and belief: faith can be deceptive. It warns against believing things without sufficient evidence or a solid foundation of truth. It suggests that people might create their own meaning and interpretations, even if those meanings are not based on reality. In short: Jeremiah was criticizing the king’s words as being untrue and fabricated, pointing out that people can sometimes invent or misinterpret things to make them seem true. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context of this verse? Explore the theological significance of this passage?