Lexical Summary naam: To utter, declare, say Original Word: נָאַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance say A primitive root; properly, to whisper, i.e. (by implication) to utter as a oracle -- say. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from neum Definition to utter a prophecy, speak as a prophet NASB Translation declare (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נָאַם] verb denominative utter a prophecy, speak as prophet; — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural וַיִּנְאֲמוּ נְאֻם Jeremiah 23:31 and they uttered (in the prophetic manner), it as an utterance (of ׳י); they used the prophetic formula (compare ׳אֹמְרִים נְאֻם י Ezekiel 13:6,7). Topical Lexicon Overview נָאַם (naʾam) is the verb that stands behind the familiar prophetic formula “declares the LORD.” Though the verb itself appears in the Hebrew canon only once, its cognate noun and participial forms frame hundreds of divine oracles. The single use of the verb highlights the difference between genuine revelation and self-generated speech and therefore serves as a touchstone for evaluating all alleged prophetic words. Scriptural Usage Jeremiah 23:31 is the sole occurrence of the verb. The prophet records the LORD’s denunciation of men who fabricate messages while borrowing the authoritative divine formula: “Yes, declares the LORD, I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and proclaim, ‘The LORD declares it.’” (Jeremiah 23:31) Jeremiah 23:31 – Exposing Fraudulent Oracles 1. The context (Jeremiah 23:9-40) addresses prophets who comfort Judah with a counterfeit peace. Relation to the Repeated Formula “Declares the LORD” The participial form (Strong’s 5002) saturates prophetic literature, marking the transition from human speech to divine pronouncement (for example, Amos 1:3; Isaiah 1:24; Malachi 1:4). Jeremiah 23:31 therefore operates as a corrective footnote: the formula carries weight only when the LORD Himself initiates the utterance. Any human attempt to co-opt the phrase without authorization is immediately invalidated. Historical Background • Eighth- and seventh-century prophets ministered amid competing voices—royal advisors, cultic officials, and itinerant preachers—each claiming insight. Prophetic Integrity and the Fear of the LORD Jeremiah 23:31 underscores two complementary truths: 1. The word of God is self-authenticating and carries its own power (Isaiah 55:11). The fear of the LORD therefore demands restraint; silence is preferable to inventing a revelation (Lamentations 3:26-27). Ministry Implications • Preachers, teachers, and counselors must distinguish exposition of Scripture from personal opinion, resisting the temptation to wrap preferences in divine authority. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ is the definitive “Word” (John 1:1) and the prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18; Acts 3:22-23). His teaching never required self-justification; “He taught them as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:29). The misuse of נָאַם by Jeremiah’s false prophets therefore anticipates the contrast between Christ’s authentic speech and future deceivers who will again claim divine endorsement (Matthew 24:4-5). Key Takeaways 1. נָאַם stresses the solemnity of declaring, “Thus says the LORD.” Forms and Transliterations וַֽיִּנְאֲמ֖וּ וינאמו vaiyinaMu way·yin·’ă·mū wayyin’ămūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 23:31 HEB: הַלֹּקְחִ֣ים לְשׁוֹנָ֔ם וַֽיִּנְאֲמ֖וּ נְאֻֽם׃ NAS: their tongues and declare, '[The Lord] declares.' KJV: their tongues, and say, He saith. INT: use their tongues and declare declares 1 Occurrence |
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