Definition: Therefore, behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 23:30. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage in the Bible, and it speaks about a conflict between God and some of His messengers. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: God is saying that He doesn’t like any prophet (a messenger or leader) who is stealing information from other prophets – specifically, he's telling them to take things that belong to someone else and use them without permission. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “Jeremiah 23:30” : This refers to a specific prophecy written by the prophet Jeremiah in ancient Judah. "Therefore, behold..." : This is an introduction – God is speaking and acknowledging something important. “Behold” means “look!” "...I am against the prophets..." : This is the core of the verse. God is directly stating that He is disapproving of a group of messengers. "saith the LORD..." : This is God’s authoritative voice – he's telling us what to think and understand. "...that steal my words every one from his neighbour." This is the most important part. It means that these specific prophets are taking things that belong to other prophets - secrets, insights, or even just information – and using them for their own benefit without asking permission. “Every one” emphasizes that it's happening repeatedly and systematically. What’s the Big Picture? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of: Spreading Gossip & Secrets: It suggests that people are being dishonest and taking things that aren’t theirs, potentially damaging trust and relationships. Lack of Respect for Authority: God isn't just complaining about individual actions; he’s criticizing a whole group of messengers who disregard His instructions. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes during a time of great turmoil in Judah. The nation was experiencing division, rebellion, and a sense of impending doom. God was trying to bring about a new era of peace and righteousness. This verse is a direct challenge to those who were undermining His efforts. In short: Jeremiah’s message is a strong condemnation of those who betray trust by stealing secrets and information – essentially, those who are disrespectful and dishonest with God's messengers. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this might have been interpreted in the Bible? Talk about the historical context of this passage?