Definition: How long shall [this] be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, [they are] prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Jeremiah 23:26. It’s a really powerful warning about the dangers of false teaching and deception. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that some people who are prophets – meaning they speak truth and warn about God – are actually spreading lies and misleading people. It’s like someone who’s trying to trick others with false promises or explanations. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 23:26” : This refers to a specific prophecy given by Jeremiah, a leader in ancient Israel. “How long shall [this] be…” : This is the crucial part – "how long?" It’s asking how long will this deception continue? “…in the heart of the prophets…” : This tells us it's not just anyone spreading lies, but specific people who are called “prophets.” Prophets were traditionally chosen to speak God's word and guide people. “That prophesy lies” : This means they’re speaking things that aren’t true – that’s their job! They’re saying things that aren’t the truth of God or His plan. “Yea, [they] are prophets of the deceit of their own heart…” : This is the key part of the warning. “Deceit” means misleading, tricking, or being dishonest. The verse says these prophets are causing this deception – they’re deliberately spreading lies to get people to believe something that isn't true. In a nutshell: The verse warns against those who use their position as prophets to mislead and deceive others with false teachings. They aren't genuinely speaking the truth; they're actively trying to trick people into believing things that don’t align with God’s word. Why is this important? This verse is a serious warning about the importance of trusting God’s word, which is always truthful and accurate. It reminds us to be discerning – to carefully examine what others are saying and not blindly accept everything without questioning it. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or historical context?