What does Jeremiah 23:14 mean?
"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

The verse Jeremiah 23:14 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "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."
This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Jeremiah where the prophet is delivering a message of warning and judgment to both the leaders and the people of Judah. In this particular verse, Jeremiah is specifically calling out the false prophets and leaders of Jerusalem for their immoral and deceitful behavior.
The imagery used in this verse is particularly striking and serves to convey the severity of the sins being committed by the prophets and leaders. The reference to adultery and lies highlights the moral corruption and dishonesty that had infiltrated the leadership of Jerusalem. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities in the Old Testament that were destroyed by God due to their wickedness and depravity, further emphasizes the gravity of the situation. By likening the people of Jerusalem to the inhabitants of these infamous cities, Jeremiah is highlighting the extent of their moral decay and the consequent judgment that will befall them if they do not repent.
In a broader context, this verse reflects the recurring theme of moral and spiritual corruption throughout the book of Jeremiah. The prophet repeatedly condemns the idolatry, injustice, and disobedience of the people and their leaders, warning of the impending consequences if they do not turn back to God. The verse serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of upholding moral integrity and faithfulness to God.
Furthermore, the verse also highlights the responsibility of religious leaders and those in positions of authority to lead by example and uphold moral standards. The false prophets and leaders are not only engaging in sinful behavior themselves, but they are also enabling and encouraging others to continue in their wickedness. This betrayal of trust and failure to guide the people in righteousness adds another layer of condemnation to their actions.
In terms of symbolism, the imagery of adultery, lies, and the comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah can be seen as symbolic of the broader spiritual unfaithfulness and moral decay that had seeped into the society. The use of such vivid and evocative language serves to underscore the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for repentance and renewal.
Overall, Jeremiah 23:14 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful and sobering warning against the dangers of moral corruption and spiritual unfaithfulness. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding moral integrity and remaining faithful to God, especially for those in positions of leadership and influence. It also emphasizes the consequences that await those who persist in their wickedness and fail to heed the call to repentance.
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Jeremiah 23:14 Artwork
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."
"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
Jeremiah 33:23 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,"
Jeremiah 23:23 - "Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?"
Jeremiah 13:23
Jeremiah 23:16,17
Jeremiah 23:18
Jeremiah 14:1 - "The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth."
"Moreover the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying," - Jeremiah 33:23
Jeremiah 37:14 - "Then said Jeremiah, It is false; I fall not away to the Chaldeans. But he hearkened not to him: so Irijah took Jeremiah, and brought him to the princes."
Jeremiah 25:23 - "Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all that are in the utmost corners,"
Genesis 23-14
Jeremiah 5:23 - "But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone."
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 48:23 - "And upon Kiriathaim, and upon Beth-gamul, and upon Beth-meon,"
John 14:23-29
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
Jeremiah 29: 4-14
John 14:23-29
John 14:23-29
"The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the dearth." - Jeremiah 14:1
"Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?" - Jeremiah 23:23
Jeremiah 38:14 - "ΒΆ Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me."
Jeremiah 23:1 - "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD."
Jeremiah 4:23 - "I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light."
Jeremiah 23:40 - "And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten."
Jeremiah 23:29 - "Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?"
Genesis 23:14 - "And Ephron answered Abraham, saying unto him,"