Definition: Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this challenging verse from Jeremiah 23:31. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage, so we need to understand its meaning layer by layer. Here’s what it basically says in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is saying he doesn’t approve of prophets speaking in a certain way – specifically, speaking about him and his actions. He's essentially calling out those who are using their words to criticize or challenge him. Let’s unpack it further: “Jeremiah 23” : This refers to a specific prophet named Jeremiah. It’s a reference to the book of Jeremiah in the Bible, which is filled with warnings and prophecies about God's future actions. “Behold…” : This is a dramatic introduction – it’s like "watch this." It signals that what follows is important and significant. “I am against the prophets” : God is declaring he has a strong disagreement with these particular prophets. He’s saying he is opposing their messages. “Saith the LORD…” : This is God speaking directly to us, using authority. It's like a formal statement from a powerful figure. What does it mean in practical terms? The verse highlights a situation of conflict and potential division within the biblical community. It suggests that some prophets were actively criticizing or challenging God’s authority and divine plan. Why is this important? This verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history, and it's frequently used to highlight themes like: The importance of obedience: God wants his people to follow his instructions precisely. The need for humility: God doesn’t want to be mocked or challenged. The dangers of division: When people disagree with each other, it can lead to problems and conflict. Important Note: It's crucial to remember that the context of this verse is complex. It's not necessarily a condemnation of all prophets, but rather a challenge to those who were engaging in behaviors that God considered disruptive or disrespectful. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (Are you curious about its historical context? Its theological meaning? Or just a general overview?)