Jeremiah 23:14

I 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.

Jeremiah 23:14 (KJV)

Context

Jeremiah ministered in Judah during a time of deep spiritual and moral decline. The nation had turned from God, and false prophets had risen, preaching peace and security while ignoring the people’s need for repentance and righteousness.

Meaning

The verse targets the prophets of Jerusalem, who were responsible for delivering divine messages. Yet they themselves committed adultery and walked in lies—living and speaking falsehood, proclaiming false prophecies. Instead of leading people back to God, they led them further astray.

These prophets also strengthened the hands of evildoers. They did not rebuke or challenge sinners to turn from their ways; rather, they encouraged and supported wrongdoing, so that none returned from wickedness. Their influence prevented repentance.

God declares He has seen this horrible thing. The phrase indicates divine observation and certain judgment. He compares the prophets and inhabitants of Jerusalem to Sodom and Gomorrah, cities destroyed by divine judgment for their extreme wickedness. This comparison underscores the totality of their corruption and the certainty of coming judgment.

Application

This verse warns that God sees the actions of those who claim to speak for Him and will hold them accountable. Religious leaders bear a severe responsibility to guide people in righteousness, not to enable sin. It also challenges all believers to examine whether their influence leads others toward repentance or away from it.