Definition: Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighboursâ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 29:23. It's a really powerful and complex passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here's what it means in simpler terms: “Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD.” Let’s unpack each part: "Because they have committed villany in Israel..." - This means Jeremiah is describing a serious betrayal of trust. “Villany” is a Hebrew word that roughly translates to "betrayal," “treachery,” or "fraud." It suggests a deliberate act of deceit and breaking of faith – essentially, they've been involved in something wrong with God’s people. "...and have committed adultery with their neighbours..." - This is a very serious accusation! It implies a sexual relationship between members of the Jewish community, which was highly forbidden by Jewish law. It’s a profound act of moral violation. "...and have spoken lying words in my name..." – This highlights that Jeremiah felt they were deceiving or misleading him and others with false promises or information. It suggests dishonesty and potentially manipulation. "which I have not commanded them; even I know, and [am] a witness, saith the LORD." - This is the core of the verse’s significance. This is where it gets layered. “I” here refers to God Himself. “I know…” : This means God knows . He has seen through their actions and understands the truth of what happened. “[am] a witness” : This is a crucial part. “Witness” in this context means God actively observes and judges. It’s not just that God knows; God actively declares the truth about these events. So, putting it all together: Jeremiah is saying that these people have been acting against God's will and have been deceiving him with lies and deceit. He is essentially declaring that God has seen through their actions and is holding them accountable. He’s also stating that God knows what happened and is actively observing the situation. What does this verse say about the future? This passage is often interpreted as a prophecy of judgment and ultimately, God's plan to punish these people. The "witness" suggests that God is watching over them and will eventually bring about consequences for their actions – possibly including a period of exile or suffering. Important Note: The exact meaning and interpretation of this verse have been debated throughout history. It’s considered one of the most difficult passages in the Bible, and it's often seen as a reflection of God's justice and power. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Discuss the symbolism behind the word "villany"? Explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?