The True Shepherd and False Prophets

Jeremiah 23

The Lord condemns the shepherds who have scattered his people and promises to gather the remnant and raise up a righteous king from David's line who will reign with justice and judgment. He then pronounces judgment on the false prophets of Jerusalem and Samaria, who prophesy lies and false dreams out of their own hearts rather than speaking the true word of the Lord.

About these editions

The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.

Thomson 1808Septuagint

Brenton 1851Septuagint

Greek · BrentonSeptuagint

KJV 1769Masoretic

JPS 1917Masoretic

ThomsonHA! the shepherds are destroying and scattering the sheep of their pasture.

BrentonWoe to the shepherds that destroy and scatter the sheep of their pasture!

GreekὪ ποιμένες οἱ ἀπολλύοντες καὶ διασκορπίζοντες τὰ πρόβατα τῆς νομῆς αὐτῶν.

KJVWoe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

JPSWoe unto the shepherds that destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture! saith the LORD.

ThomsonTherefore thus saith the Lord to the shepherds and have not watched them; behold I will punish you according to your malignant doings.

BrentonTherefore thus saith the Lord against them that tend my people; Ye have scattered my sheep, and driven them out, and ye have not visited them: behold, I will take vengeance upon you according to your evil practices.

GreekΔιατοῦτο τάδε λέγει Κύριος ἐπὶ τοὺς ποιμαίνοντας τὸν λαόν μου, ὑμεῖς διεσκορπίσατε τὰ πρόβατά μου, καὶ ἐξώσατε αὐτὰ, καὶ οὐκ ἐπεσκέψασθε αὐτὰ, ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἐκδικῶ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς κατὰ τὰ πονηρὰ ἐπιτηδεύματα ὑμῶν.

KJVTherefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

JPSTherefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds that feed My people: Ye have scattered My flock, and driven them away, and have not taken care of them; behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

ThomsonAnd I will gather the remains of My people in every land whither I have driven them and bring them back to their own pasture and they shall increase and multiply.

BrentonAnd I will gather in the remnant of my people in every land, whither I have driven them out, and will set them in their pasture; and they shall increase and be multiplied.

GreekΚαὶ ἐγὼ εἰσδέξομαι τοὺς καταλοίπους τοῦ λαοῦ μου ἐπὶ πάσης τῆς γῆς, οὗ ἔξωσα αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖ, καὶ καταστήσω αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν νομὴν αὐτῶν, καὶ αὐξηθήσονται, καὶ πληθυνθήσονται.

KJVAnd I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

JPSAnd I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.

ThomsonAnd I will raise up shepherds for them who will feed them. And they shall no more be terrified nor affrighted, saith the Lord.

BrentonAnd I will raise up shepherds to them, who shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be alarmed, saith the Lord.

GreekΚαὶ ἀναστήσω αὐτοῖς ποιμένας, οἳ ποιμανοῦσιν αὐτοὺς, καὶ οὐ φοβηθήσονται ἔτι, οὐδὲ πτοηθήσονται, λέγει Κύριος.

KJVAnd I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

JPSAnd I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, saith the LORD.

ThomsonBehold the days are coming, saith the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous shoot who shall reign as king and shall understand and execute judgment and justice on the earth.

BrentonBehold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, and a king shall reign and understand, and shall execute judgment and righteousness on the earth.

GreekἸδοὺ ἡμέραι ἔρχονται, λέγει Κύριος, καὶ ἀναστήσω τῷ Δαυὶδ ἀνατολὴν δικαίαν, καὶ βασιλεύσει βασιλεὺς, καὶ συνήσει, καὶ ποιήσει κρίμα καὶ δικαιοσύνην ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς.

KJVBehold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

JPSBehold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous shoot, and he shall reign as king and prosper, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

ThomsonIn his days Juda shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell securely.

BrentonIn his days both Juda shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell securely: and this is his name, which the Lord shall call him, Josedec among the prophets.

GreekἘν ταῖς ἡμέραις αὐτοῦ καὶ σωθήσεται Ἰούδας, καὶ Ἰσραὴλ κατασκηνώσει πεποιθὼς, καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, ὃ καλέσει αὐτὸν Κύριος, Ἰωσεδὲκ ἐν τοῖς προφήταις.

KJVIn his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

JPSIn his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, the LORD is our righteousness.

ThomsonAnd the name which the Lord will give him by the prophets shall be Josedek [Lord of righteousness]. (p) My heart within me was broken. All my bones quivered. I was like a man sore bruised and like a man staggering with wine, at the presence of the Lord, and at the comeliness of His glory;

BrentonMy heart is broken within me; all my bones are shaken: I am become as a broken-down man, and as a man overcome with wine, because of the Lord, and because of the excellence of his glory.

GreekΣυνετρίβη ἡ καρδία μου ἐν ἐμοὶ, ἐσαλεύθη πάντα τὰ ὀστᾶ μου, ἐγενήθην ὡς ἀνὴρ συντετριμμένος, καὶ ὡς ἄνθρωπος συνεχόμενος ἀπὸ οἶνου ἀπὸ προσώπου Κυρίου καὶ ἀπὸ προσώπου εὐπρεπείας δόξης αὐτοῦ.

KJVMine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

JPSConcerning the prophets. My heart within me is broken, All my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, And like a man whom wine hath overcome; Because of the LORD, And because of His holy words.

Thomsonbecause on account of them the land mourned and the pastures of the wilderness were parched up-because their course was bad and suitably thereto, their strength.

BrentonFor because of these things the land mourns; the pastures of the wilderness are dried up; and their course is become evil, and so also their strength.

GreekὍτι ἀπὸ προσώπου τούτων ἐπένθησεν ἡ γῆ, ἐξηράνθησαν αἱ νομαὶ τῆς ἐρήμου· καὶ ἐγένετο ὁ δρόμος αὐτῶν πονηρὸς, καὶ ἡ ἰσχὺς αὐτῶν οὕτως.

KJVFor the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

JPSFor the land is full of adulterers; For because of swearing the land mourneth, The pastures of the wilderness are dried up; And their course is evil, And their force is not right.

Thomson(J) Because priest and prophet are polluted, and in My house I have seen their wickedness;

BrentonFor priest and prophet are defiled; and I have seen their iniquities in my house.

GreekὍτι ἱερεὺς καὶ προφήτης ἐμολύνθησαν, καὶ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ μου εἶδον πονηρίας αὐτῶν.

KJVFor both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

JPSFor both prophet and priest are ungodly; Yea, in My house have I found their wickedness, Saith the LORD. .

Thomsonlet their way therefore be slippery and dark, that they may stumble and fall therein. For I will bring evils upon them in the year of their visitation.

BrentonTherefore let their way be to them slippery and dark: and they shall be tripped up and fall in it: for I will bring evils upon them, in the year of their visitation.

GreekΔιατοῦτο γενέσθω ἡ ὁδὸς αὐτῶν αὐτοῖς εἰς ὀλίσθημα ἐν γνόφῳ, καὶ ὑποσκελισθήσονται, καὶ πεσοῦνται ἐν αὐτῇ· διότι ἐπάξω ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς κακὰ, ἐν ἐνιαυτῷ ἐπισκέψεως αὐτῶν.

KJVWherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

JPSWherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery places in the darkness, They shall be thrust, and fall therein; For I will bring evil upon them, Even the year of their visitation, Saith the LORD.

ThomsonAmong the prophets of Samaria I saw indeed unlawful doings-they prophesied in the name of Baal and led My people Israel astray:

BrentonAnd in the prophets of Samaria I have seen lawless deeds; they prophesied by Baal, and led my people Israel astray.

GreekΚαὶ ἐν τοῖς προφήταις Σαμαρείας εἶδον ἀνομήματα· ἐπροφήτευσαν διὰ τῆς Βάαλ, καὶ ἐπλάνησαν τὸν λαόν μου Ἰσραήλ.

KJVAnd I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

JPSAnd I have seen unseemliness in the prophets of Samaria: They prophesied by Baal, And caused My people Israel to err.

Thomsonbut among the prophets of Jerusalem I saw horrible things-some committing adultery, and some walking in lies, and some strengthening the hands of the multitude, that none might turn from his evil way. To Me they are all become like Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof like Gomorra.

BrentonAlso in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen horrible things: as they committed adultery, and walked in lies, and strengthened the hands of many, that they should not return each from his evil way: they are all become to me as Sodoma, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrha.

GreekΚαὶ ἐν τοῖς προφήταις Ἱερουσαλὴμ ἑώρακα φρικτὰ, μοιχωμένους, καὶ πορευομένους ἐν ψεύδεσι, καὶ ἀντιλαμβανομένους χειρῶν πολλῶν, τοῦ μὴ ἀποστραφῆναι ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῆς ὁδοῦ αὐτοῦ τῆς πονηρᾶς· ἐγενήθησάν μοι πάντες ὡς Σόδομα, καὶ οἱ κατοικοῦντες αὐτὴν ὥσπερ Γόμοῤῥα.

KJVI have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

JPSBut in the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery, and walk in lies, And they strengthen the hands of evil-doers, That none doth return from his wickedness; They are all of them become unto Me as Sodom, And the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

ThomsonTherefore thus saith the Lord: Behold I will feed them with wormwood, and give them the water of gall to drink. Because from the prophets of Jerusalem pollution has gone forth through all the land,

BrentonTherefore thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will feed them with pain, and give them bitter water to drink: for from the prophets of Jerusalem has defilement gone forth into all the land.

GreekΔιατοῦτο τάδε λέγει Κύριος, ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ψωμιῶ αὐτοὺς ὀδύνην, καὶ ποτιῶ αὐτοὺς ὕδωρ πικρὸν, ὅτι ἀπὸ τῶν προφητῶν Ἱερουσαλὴμ ἐξῆλθε μολυσμὸς πάσῃ τῇ γῇ.

KJVTherefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

JPSTherefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, And make them drink the water of gall; For from the prophets of Jerusalem Is ungodliness gone forth into all the land.

Thomsonthus saith the Lord Almighty: Hearken not to the words of these prophets; for they contrive for themselves a foolish vision: they speak from their own hearts and not from the mouth of the Lord.

BrentonThus saith the Lord Almighty, Hearken not to the words of the prophets: for they frame a vain vision for themselves; they speak from their own heart, and not from the mouth of the Lord.

GreekΟὕτως λέγει Κύριος παντοκράτωρ, μὴ ἀκούετε τοὺς λόγους τῶν προφητῶν, ὅτι ματαιοῦσιν ἑαυτοῖς ὅρασιν, ἀπὸ καρδίας αὐτῶν λαλοῦσι, καὶ οὐκ ἀπὸ στόματος Κυρίου.

KJVThus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

JPSThus saith the LORD of hosts: Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you, They lead you unto vanity; They speak a vision of their own heart, And not out of the mouth of the LORD.

ThomsonThey say to them who reject the word of the Lord, You shall have peace. Even to all who are walking by their own desires, and to every one walking in the error of his own heart they say, Evils shall not come upon thee.

BrentonThey say to them that reject the word of the Lord, There shall be peace to you; and to all that walk after their own lusts, and to every one that walks in the error of his heart, they have said, No evil shall come upon thee.

GreekΛέγουσι τοῖς ἀπωθουμένοις τὸν λόγον Κυρίου, εἰρήνη ἔσται ὑμῖν, καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς πορευομένοις τοῖς θελήμασιν αὐτῶν, καὶ παντὶ τῷ πορευομένῳ πλάνῃ καρδίας αὐτοῦ, εἶπαν, οὐχ ἥξει ἐπὶ σὲ κακά.

KJVThey say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

JPSThey say continually unto them that despise Me: ‘The LORD hath said: Ye shall have peace’; And unto every one that walketh in the stubbornness of his own heart they say: ‘No evil shall come upon you’;

ThomsonFor which &earkened and heard His voice?

BrentonFor who has stood in the counsel of the Lord, and seen his word? who has hearkened, and heard?

GreekὍτι τίς ἔστη ἐν ὑποστήματι Κυρίου, καὶ εἶδε τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ; τίς ἠνωτίσατο, καὶ ἤκουσεν;

KJVFor who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?

JPSFor who hath stood in the council of the LORD, That he should perceive and hear His word? Who hath attended to His word, and heard it?

ThomsonBehold a tempest from the Lord and wrath like a hurricane issuinc forth: it will come like a whirlwind upon the wicked; is -.

BrentonBehold, there is an earthquake from the Lord, and anger proceeds to a convulsion, it shall come violently upon the ungodly.

GreekἸδοὺ σεισμὸς παρὰ Κυρίου, καὶ ὀργὴ ἐκπορεύεται εἰς συσσεισμὸν, συστρεφομένη ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς ἥξει.

KJV—

JPS—

Thomsonand-from the purpose of his heart the wrath of the Lord will not turn away; until it hath executed it; and until He hath established it. In the last of these days they shall perceive this.

BrentonAnd the Lord's wrath shall return no more, until he have accomplished it, and until he have established it, according to the purpose of his heart: at the end of the days they shall understand it.

GreekΚαὶ οὐκ ἔτι ἀποστρέψει ὁ θυμὸς Κυρίου, ἕως ποιήσῃ αὐτὸ, καὶ ἕως ἂν στήσῃ αὐτὸ, ἀπὸ ἐγχειρήματος καρδίας αὐτοῦ· ἐπʼ ἐσχάτου τῶν ἡμερῶν νοήσουσιν αὐτό.

KJVThe anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

JPSThe anger of the LORD shall not return, until He have executed, and till He have performed the purposes of His heart; in the end of days ye shall consider it perfectly.

ThomsonI did not send these prophets, but they ran of themselves; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.

BrentonI sent not the prophets, yet they ran: neither spoke I to them, yet they prophesied.

GreekΟὐκ ἀπέστελλον τοὺς προφήτας, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔτρεχον· οὐδὲ ἐλάλησα πρὸς αὐτοὺς, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐπροφήτευον.

KJVI have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

JPSI have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

ThomsonNow had they stood in the firm belief of Me and heard My word, they might have turned My people from their wicked pursuits.

BrentonBut if they had stood in my counsel, and if they had hearkened to my words, then would they have turned my people from their evil practices.

GreekΚαὶ εἰ ἔστησαν ἐν τῇ ὑποστάσει μου, καὶ εἰ ἤκουσαν τῶν λόγων μου, καὶ τὸν λαόν μου ἂν ἀπέστρεφον αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν πονηρῶν ἐπιτηδευμάτων αὐτῶν.

KJVBut if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

JPSBut if they have stood in My council, Then let them cause My people to hear My words, And turn them from their evil way, And from the evil of their doings.

ThomsonI am God when near, saith the Lord; and am I not God when far off?

BrentonI am a God nigh at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off.

GreekΘεὸς ἐγγίζων ἐγώ εἰμι, λέγει Κύριος, καὶ οὐχὶ Θεὸς πόῤῥωθεν.

KJVAm I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

JPSAm I a God near at hand, saith the LORD, And not a God afar off?

ThomsonCan anyone hide himself in secret places and I not see him? Do I not fill the heaven and the earth? saith the Lord.

BrentonShall any one hide himself in secret places, and I not see him? Do I not fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

GreekΕἰ κρυβήσεταί τις ἐν κρυφαίοις, καὶ ἐγὼ οὐκ ὄψομαι αὐτόν; μὴ οὐχὶ τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν ἐγὼ πληρῶ; λέγει Κύριος.

KJVCan any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

JPSCan any hide himself in secret places That I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? Saith the LORD.

ThomsonI have heard what these prophets speak-what they prophesy in My name, saying falsely, I have dreamed a dream.

BrentonI have heard what the prophets say, what they prophesy in my name, saying falsely, I have seen a night vision.

GreekἬκουσα ἃ λαλοῦσιν οἱ προφῆται, ἃ προφητεύουσιν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου, ψευδῆ λέγοντες, ἠνυπνιασάμην ἐνύπνιον.

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

JPSI have heard what the prophets have said, That prophesy lies in My name, saying: ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed.’

ThomsonHow long shall it be in the heart of these prophets, who prophesy lies, that by prophesying the desires of their own hearts -

BrentonHow long shall these things be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, when they prophesy the purposes of their own heart?

GreekἝως πότε ἔσται ἐν καρδίᾳ τῶν προφητῶν τῶν προφητευόντων ψευδῆ, ἐν τῷ προφητεύειν αὐτοὺς τὰ θελήματα τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν,

KJVHow long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

JPSHow long shall this be? Is it in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies, And the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?

Thomsonthey may count upon causing My name to be forgotten, by their dreams which they tell, every one to his neighbour; as their fathers forgot My name by using Baal?

Brentonwho devise that men may forget my law by their dreams, which they have told every one to his neighbour, as their fathers forgot my name in the worship of Baal.

Greekτῶν λογιζομένων τοῦ ἐπιλαθέσθαι τοῦ νόμου μου ἐν τοῖς ἐνυπνίοις αὐτῶν, ἃ διηγοῦντο ἕκαστος τῷ πλησίον αὐτοῦ, καθάπερ ἐπελάθοντο οἱ πατέρες αὐτῶν τοῦ ὀνόματός μου ἐν τῇ Βάαλ;

KJVWhich think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.

JPSThat think to cause My people to forget My name By their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, As their fathers forgot My name for Baal.

ThomsonLet the prophet, who hath a dream, tell his dream: and let him, to whom My word cometh, declare it with truth. Why is the ch& added to the wheat? Is not this the case with My words? saith the Lord.

BrentonThe prophet who has a dream, let him tell his dream; and he in whom is my word spoken to him, let him tell my word truly: what is the chaff to the corn? so are my words, saith the Lord.

GreekὉ προφήτης ἐν ᾧ τὸ ἐνύπνιόν ἐστι, διηγησάσθω τὸ ἐνύπνιον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐν ᾧ ὁ λόγος μου πρὸς αὐτὸν, διηγησάσθω τὸν λόγον μου ἐπʼ ἀληθείας· τί τὸ ἄχυρον πρὸς τὸν σῖτον; οὕτως οἱ λόγοι μου, λέγει Κύριος.

KJVThe prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

JPSThe prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; And he that hath My word; let him speak My word faithfully. What hath the straw to do with the wheat? Saith the LORD.

ThomsonBehold are not My words like fire? saith the Lord; and like a sledge which breaketh a rock?

BrentonBehold, are not my words as fire? saith the Lord; and as an axe cutting the rock?

GreekΟὐκ ἰδοὺ οἱ λόγοι μου, ὥσπερ πῦρ, λέγει Κύριος, καὶ ὡς πέλυξ κόπτων πέτραν;

KJVIs not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

JPSIs not My word like as fire? Saith the LORD; And like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

ThomsonTherefore behold I am against those prophets, saith the Lord, who steal My words every one from his neighbour.

BrentonBehold, I am therefore against the prophets, saith the Lord God, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

GreekἸδοὺ ἐγὼ διατοῦτο πρὸς τοὺς προφήτας, λέγει Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς, τοὺς κλέπτοντας τοὺς λόγους μου ἕκαστον παρὰ τοῦ πλησίον αὐτοῦ.

KJVTherefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

JPSTherefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal My words every one from his neighbour.

ThomsonBehold I am against those prophets, who belch forth prophesies of the tongue and drowse their dozy drowsings:

BrentonBehold, I am against the prophets that put forth prophecies of mere words, and slumber their sleep.

GreekἸδοὺ ἐγὼ πρὸς τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς ἐκβάλλοντας προφητείας γλώσσης, καὶ νυστάζοντας νυσταγμὸν αὐτῶν.

KJVBehold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

JPSBehold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use there tongues and say: ‘He saith.’

Thomsontherefore behold I am against those prophets who prophesy false dreams. Have they not told them and led My people astray by their lies and their errors? As for Me, I neither sent them nor commanded them; therefore they cannot in anywise benefit this people. [

BrentonTherefore, behold, I am against the prophets that prophesy false dreams, and have not told them truly, and have caused my people to err by their lies, and by their errors; yet I sent them not, and commanded them not; therefore, they shall not profit this people at all.

GreekΔιατοῦτο ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ πρὸς τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς προφητεύοντας ἐνύπνια ψευδῆ, καὶ οὐ διηγοῦντο αὐτὰ, καὶ ἐπλάνησαν τὸν λαόν μου ἐν τοῖς ψεύδεσιν αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐν τοῖς πλάνοις αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐγὼ οὐκ ἀπέστειλα αὐτοὺς, καὶ οὐκ ἐνετειλάμην αὐτοῖς, καὶ ὠφέλειαν οὐκ ὠφελήσουσι τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον.

KJVBehold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

JPSBehold, I am against them that prophesy lying dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies, and by their wantonness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them; neither can they profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

ThomsonNow if this people or a priest or a prophet should ask, What is the burden of the Lord? Thou shalt say to them, You are that burden and I will cast you off, saith the Lord.

BrentonAnd if this people, or the priest, or the prophet, should ask, What is the burden of the Lord? then thou shalt say to them, Ye are the burden, and I will dash you down, saith the Lord.

GreekΚαὶ ἐὰν ἐρωτήσωσιν ὁ λαὸς οὗτος, ἢ ἱερεὺς, ἢ προφήτης, τί τὸ λῆμμα Κυρίου; καὶ ἐρεῖς αὐτοῖς, ὑμεῖς ἐστε τὸ λῆμμα, καὶ ῥάξω ὑμᾶς, λέγει Κύριος.

KJVAnd when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

JPSAnd when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying: ‘What is the burden of the LORD?’ then shalt thou say unto them: ‘What burden! I will cast you off, saith the LORD.’

ThomsonAs for the prophet and the priests and the people who say, The burden of the Lord; I will punish that man and his house.

BrentonAs for the prophet, and the priests, and the people, who shall say, The burden of the Lord, I will even take vengeance on that man, and on his house.

GreekὉ προφήτης, καὶ οἱ ἱερεῖς, καὶ ὁ λαὸς, οἳ ἂν εἴπωσι, λῆμμα Κυρίου, καὶ ἐκδικήσω τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἐκεῖνον, καὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ.

KJVAnd as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

JPSAnd as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say: ‘The burden of the LORD’, I will even punish that man and his house.

ThomsonThus you shall say everyone to his neighbour and everyone to his brother. What hath the Lord answered, and, What hath - the. Lord spoken. ’

BrentonThus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What has the Lord answered? and, what has the Lord said?

GreekΟὕτως ἐρεῖτε ἕκαστος πρὸς τὸν πλησίον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἕκαστος πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ, τί ἀπεκρίθη Κύριος, καὶ τί ἐλάλησε Κύριος;

KJVThus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

JPSThus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother: ‘What hath the LORD answered?’ and: ‘What hath the LORD spoken?’

ThomsonSo mention no more the burden of the Lord: since every man’s word shall be his burden.

BrentonAnd do ye name no more the burden of the Lord; for his own word shall be a man's burden.

GreekΚαὶ λῆμμα Κυρίου μὴ ὀνομάζετε ἔτι, ὅτι τὸ λῆμμα τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἔσται ὁ λόγος αὐτοῦ.

KJVAnd the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

JPSAnd the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more; for every man’s own word shall be his burden; and would ye pervert the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God?

ThomsonBut why hath the Lord our God spoken?

BrentonBut wherefore, say ye, has the Lord our God spoken?

GreekΚαὶ διατί ἐλάλησε Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν;

KJVThus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

JPSThus shalt thou say to the prophet: ‘What hath the LORD answered thee?’ and: ‘What hath the LORD spoken?’

ThomsonFor this cause, saith the Lord our God, because you have used this expression, The Burden of the Lord, though I sent to you saying: You shall not say, The Burden of the Lord.

BrentonTherefore thus saith the Lord our God; Because ye have spoken this word, The burden of the Lord, and I sent to you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord;

GreekΔιατοῦτο τάδε λέγει Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν ἄνθʼ ὧν εἴπατε τὸν λόγον τοῦτον, λῆμμα Κυρίου, καὶ ἀπέστειλα πρὸς ὑμᾶς, λέγων, οὐκ ἐρεῖτε, λῆμμα Κυρίου·

KJVBut since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;

JPSBut if ye say: ‘The burden of the LORD’; therefore thus saith the LORD: Because ye say this word: ‘The burden of the LORD’, and I have sent unto you, saying: ‘Ye shall not say: The burden of the LORD’;

ThomsonTherefore behold I will take and dash down you and this city which I gave to you and your fathers;

Brentontherefore, behold, I will seize, and dash down you and the city which I gave to you and your fathers.

Greekδιατοῦτο ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ λαμβάνω, καὶ ῥάσσω ὑμᾶς, καὶ τὴν πόλιν ἣν ἔδωκα ὑμῖν καὶ τοῖς πατράσιν ὑμῶν.

KJVTherefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:

JPStherefore, behold, I will utterly tear you out, and I will cast you off, and the city that I gave unto you and to your fathers, away from My presence;

Thomsonand I will bring upon you everlasting reproach, and everlasting dishonour which shall not be forgotten.

BrentonAnd I will bring upon you an everlasting reproach, and everlasting disgrace, which shall not be forgotten.

GreekΚαὶ δώσω ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς ὀνειδισμὸν αἰώνιον, καὶ ἀτιμίαν αἰώνιον, ἥτις οὐκ ἐπιλησθήσεται.

KJVAnd I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

JPSand I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten

40a

Thomson—

BrentonTherefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when they shall no more say, The Lord lives, who brought up the house of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

GreekΔιατοῦτο ἰδοὺ ἡμέραι ἔρχονται, λέγει Κύριος, καὶ οὐκ ἐροῦσιν ἔτι, ζῇ Κύριος, ὃς ἀνήγαγε τὸν οἶκον Ἰσραὴλ ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου,

KJV—

JPS—

40b

Thomson—

Brentonbut The Lord lives, who has gathered the whole seed of Israel from the north land, and from all the countries whither he had driven them out, and has restored them into their own land.

Greekἀλλὰ, ζῇ Κύριος, ὃς συνήγαγε πᾶν τὸ σπέρμα Ἰσραὴλ ἀπὸ γῆς Βοῤῥᾶ, καὶ ἀπὸ πασῶν τῶν χωρῶν, οὗ ἔξωσεν αὐτοὺς ἐκεῖ, καὶ ἀπεκατέστησεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν.

KJV—

JPS—