Jeremiah 23:35 – “This is what each of you keeps saying to your friends and other Israelites: ‘What is the Lord’s answer?’ or ‘What has the Lord spoken?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse highlights a routine question that people were asking one another: “What is the Lord’s answer?” or “What has the Lord spoken?” On the surface, these questions seem to reflect a desire to hear from God. However, in the context of this chapter, they may also indicate a superficial or even insincere approach to seeking God’s Word. Rather than truly listening to and obeying God’s messages through His prophets like Jeremiah, many were either mocking or twisting God’s words to suit their own purposes.
Historical Context
During Jeremiah’s ministry, Judah was in a state of rebellion against God. False prophets and corrupt leaders were distorting God’s Word, and the people often treated prophetic messages as casual or irrelevant. The repetitive questioning, “What has the Lord spoken?” suggests that instead of seeking God’s will with sincerity, many were either ridiculing His Word or treating it as a mere formality. Jeremiah faced immense opposition as he delivered God’s true warnings, while false prophets gained popularity by telling people what they wanted to hear.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of approaching God’s Word with sincerity and reverence. It challenges us to examine whether we are genuinely seeking God’s truth or merely going through the motions. Theologically, it reminds us that God’s Word is not meant to be treated casually or superficially—it is living and powerful, requiring a heartfelt response of obedience and faith.
Literary Analysis
The repetition of questions like “What is the Lord’s answer?” reflects a shallow or mechanical engagement with God’s Word. The phrase “keeps saying” suggests a habitual pattern, highlighting how this approach to God’s truth had become commonplace among the people. The structure of the verse contrasts these superficial inquiries with the deeper, reverent listening that God desires from His people.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 29:13: God rebukes people who honor Him with their lips but whose hearts are far from Him.
- Matthew 7:21: Jesus teaches that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom, but only those who do the Father’s will.
- James 1:22-25: A call to be doers of the Word, not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.
- Hebrews 4:12: God’s Word is living and active, able to judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder to approach God’s Word with sincerity and humility. It challenges us to evaluate our motives when seeking His guidance—are we truly listening to obey, or are we merely curious or going through the motions? The verse encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture, allowing it to transform their hearts and guide their lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His desire for His people to know and follow His Word. He doesn’t give His messages for show or superficial discussion but to guide and bless His people. His frustration with shallow engagement reflects His deep longing for a genuine relationship with His people, one where they listen, trust, and obey Him fully.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the Word made flesh (see John 1:14), embodying God’s truth and delivering His ultimate message to humanity. He consistently called people to listen to His teachings with sincere hearts, warning against hypocrisy and superficial religiosity (see Matthew 15:8-9). Through Jesus, we see God’s desire for a heartfelt response to His Word, and His life and teachings give us the perfect example of how to live in obedience to God’s truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you approach God’s Word—are you genuinely seeking His will, or do you sometimes treat it casually?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you are listening to Scripture with a heart ready to obey?
- How does this verse challenge you to deepen your engagement with God’s Word?
- What does Jesus’ example teach us about responding sincerely to God’s truth?
- How can you encourage others to approach God’s Word with humility and reverence?
This verse challenges us to reflect on our attitudes toward God’s Word. It calls us to move beyond superficial questions and seek a deeper, more transformative relationship with God through His truth. By following Jesus, we can learn to engage with Scripture sincerely and live in faithful obedience to His Word.