Jeremiah 23:13 Bible Verse Meaning, Explanation & Context
"“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray."
Sitting at the heart of the chapter, this verse is part of the central message. Read this verse with nearby lines and chapter themes to avoid out-of-context interpretation.
Verse Navigation
Surrounding Context
These nearby verses help interpret Jeremiah 23:13 inside the chapter flow.
Jeremiah 23:11
“For both prophet and priest are ungodly; even in My house I have found their wickedness,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:12
“Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 23:13
“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray.
Jeremiah 23:14
And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
Jeremiah 23:15
Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”
Meaning and Themes
Jeremiah 23:13 contains Scripture that reveals God's heart and invites personal response.
Reflection Questions
- What does the word "prophets" suggest about God's character or His purposes in this verse?
- Read the verses immediately before and after Jeremiah 23:13. How does the surrounding context change the way you understand this verse?
- If you were explaining Jeremiah 23:13 to a friend, what is the one main idea you would share?
Praying This Verse
"Heavenly Father, as I read Jeremiah 23:13 — "“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray." — open my heart to understand what You are saying. Teach me about Your truth through this passage. Let these words shape how I think and act today. Help me carry this truth into every conversation and decision I face. In Jesus' name, amen."
Start with this prayer, then personalize it to your real situation.
5-Day Verse Study Plan
Day 1 — Read
Read Jeremiah 23 in full. Mark where verse 13 sits and observe the flow of the chapter.
Day 2 — Observe
Read Jeremiah 23:13 three times slowly. Write down every detail you notice: who is speaking, what is promised, and what action is described.
Day 3 — Interpret
Ask: What did Jeremiah 23:13 mean to its original audience? Compare the wording in different translations if possible.
Day 4 — Apply
Write one sentence about how Jeremiah 23:13 applies to your life this week. Share it with a friend or journal about it.
Day 5 — Pray
Turn Jeremiah 23:13 into a personal prayer. Thank God for what the verse teaches, and ask Him to help you live it out.
Personalized Next Paths
Continue with the full chapter, explore a related theme, or turn your reading into a prayer and a practical next step.
When you need peace
Use this verse to calm anxious thoughts and turn stress into prayer.
When you need direction
Turn this verse into a decision-making framework for real choices.
When you need gratitude
RecommendedUse this verse to shift from pressure to thanksgiving and trust.
When you need relational wisdom
Apply this verse to family, marriage, friendship, or team conflict.
Common Questions
What does Jeremiah 23:13 mean?
Jeremiah 23:13 is best understood by reading the full chapter. The meaning deepens when you see what comes before and after.
How can I apply Jeremiah 23:13 to my life today?
Start by reading Jeremiah 23:13 slowly: "“Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people I…" Ask what it reveals about God, whether there is a command or promise, and how the truth connects to a situation you are facing right now.
Is Jeremiah 23:13 a good verse to memorize?
Memorizing individual verses strengthens your faith. Read Jeremiah 23:13 aloud several times, write it from memory, and revisit it throughout the week. Psalm 119:11 (BSB) says, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."
Next Steps
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