Jeremiah 23:36 meaning

In this passage, the Lord addresses the confusion and disregard surrounding His words among the people of Judah. Many false prophets had misrepresented divine messages, leading the people to forget the true burdens of the Lord's prophetic word. The scripture critiques those who claim to have received revelations and warns of severe consequences for their deception. This admonition serves both as a condemnation of the false prophets and a reminder of the weight of God's true messages, which often bear the burden of judgment for unfaithfulness.

Jeremiah emphasizes that the individuals' own words, rather than authentic messages from God, will become their own burdens. The verse calls for an end to the careless use of God's name in trivial matters and a serious acknowledgment of the authenticity of His words, reminding the people that every false declaration brings about accountability to God. Ultimately, it highlights the necessity of discernment in spiritual matters and the heavy responsibility carried by those who speak on behalf of the Lord. The verse states that they have perverted the words of the living God.