Jeremiah 23:25

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

Jeremiah 23:25 (KJV)

Context

The book of Jeremiah records the prophet’s ministry during the final years of the kingdom of Judah. In the surrounding passage, God confronts a wave of false prophets who claimed to speak in His name while delivering lies. These impostors boasted of divine dreams and visions, using such claims to mislead the people and create confusion and spiritual harm.

Meaning

Jeremiah 23:25 makes clear that God is fully aware of their deceit. He declares that He has heard the false prophets who “prophesy lies in My name,” exposing their arrogance and the danger of their deceptive tactics. The repetition of “I have dreamed, I have dreamed” underscores the emptiness and self-importance of their claims. God is not distant or unaware; He hears and observes all that is said and done, even the secret schemes of the heart.

Biblical connections

The broader context in Jeremiah 23:16-24 warns against listening to prophets who speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. The true test of a prophet is whether their message aligns with God’s revealed truth and leads to obedience to Him.

Application

Because such deception is a real threat, this verse calls believers to exercise discernment. It urges every believer to test all teachings and revelations against the Word of God. The false prophets may offer enticing dreams and visions, but God’s true Word remains a reliable and firm foundation for faith. Scripture is the ultimate authority that can expose and neutralize falsehood.

Believers also need the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By seeking the Spirit’s illumination, Christians can more accurately discern truth from error and remain grounded in the truth of Scripture. This vigilance is not limited to Jeremiah’s time; false prophets continue to arise, making the call to discernment ever relevant.

In practice, we should be vigilant in evaluating any teaching or message we encounter. We should compare what we hear with the teachings of Scripture, rely on the Holy Spirit for insight, and reject any claim that contradicts God’s revealed Word. By doing so, we safeguard our faith against deception and remain anchored in the trustworthy truth of God’s Word.