Jeremiah 23:38
36 But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God.
37 Thus you are to say to the prophet: ‘What has the LORD answered you?’ and ‘What has the LORD spoken?’
But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim,
39 therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers.
40 And I will bring upon you everlasting shame and perpetual humiliation that will never be forgotten.”
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- But if you claim, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ then this is what the LORD says: Because you have said, ‘This is the burden of the LORD,’ and I specifically told you not to make this claim,
- KJV
- But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;
- WEB
- Although you say, ‘The message from the LORD,’ therefore the LORD says: ‘Because you say this word, “The message from the LORD,” and I have sent to you, telling you not to say, “The message from the LORD,”
- ASV
- But if ye say, The burden of Jehovah; therefore thus saith Jehovah: Because ye say this word, The burden of Jehovah, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of Jehovah;
- DARBY
- But since ye say, The burden of Jehovah, therefore thus saith Jehovah: Because ye say this word, The burden of Jehovah, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of Jehovah;
- BLB
- And if you⁺ say, ‘The burden of YHWH,’ therefore thus says YHWH: Because you⁺ say ‘This word [is] the burden of YHWH,’ and I sent to you⁺ saying, you shall not say, ‘The burden of YHWH,’
- ÅB
- Men dersom dere sier "Herrens byrde", da sier Herren så: Fordi dere sier dette ord, "Herrens byrde", enda jeg sendte dere bud og sa: Dere skal ikke si "Herrens byrde",
- OTB
- Og hvis dere sier, 'Herrens budskap!' av den grunn sier Herren: 'Fordi dere har brukt denne frasen, "Herrens budskap!" Jeg sa til dere at dere ikke skulle si, "Herrens budskap!"'
- B1930
- Men dersom I sier "Herrens byrde", da sier Herren så: Fordi I sier dette ord, "Herrens byrde", enda jeg sendte eder bud og sa: I skal ikke si "Herrens byrde",
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
2 Chronicles 11:13–14
Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam.
Read in context