Jeremiah 23:28

The prophet that hath a dreame, let him tell a dreame; and hee that hath my word, let him speake my word faithfully: what is the chaffe to the wheat, sayth the Lord ? Jeremiah 23:28 (KJV)

Context: The book of Jeremiah is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, and Jeremiah himself is considered one of the major prophets.

While this wording is frequently cited as a verse from the Book of Jeremiah, it does not appear in any standard translation of that biblical book. The passage, however, reflects concerns that are characteristic of Jeremiah’s ministry, namely the problem of false prophets who claim divine authority through visions or dreams.

In the broader context of the Old Testament, dreams were indeed one of the ways God communicated with individuals—examples include Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28), Joseph’s interpretations (Genesis 40‑41), and several prophetic revelations recorded in the books of Samuel and Daniel. At the same time, the biblical narrative warns that some self‑appointed prophets misuse such experiences to mislead the people.

The excerpt underscores the responsibility of true prophets to convey God’s message faithfully and without distortion. Genuine prophets are portrayed as those who have received the word of God and are committed to delivering it accurately, rather than manipulating it for personal gain.

The rhetorical question, “What is the chaff to the wheat?” employs a familiar agricultural metaphor. Chaff—the light, useless husk surrounding the grain—is contrasted with wheat, which provides nourishment and sustenance. In this analogy, chaff symbolizes false teachings and deceptive messages, while wheat represents the authentic, life‑giving word of God.

Throughout the prophetic literature, including Jeremiah, the Lord pronounces judgment against those who falsely claim to speak on His behalf. The passage serves as a reminder that the Lord, who discerns the difference between chaff and wheat, will hold deceitful speakers accountable for their actions.